The Nutcracker at the Hungarian State Opera
A diótörő47°30′ N 19°03′ EConcertNov 20, 2026Seasonal
The Hungarian National Ballet dances Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker at the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest from 20 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, including performances on 24 and 25 December and New Year's Eve. It makes a good family outing for children aged 6 and up, which is the Opera's own recommendation.
Dates and hours
- November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027Confirmedsourcechecked Oct 10, 2026
Wayne Eagling and Tamás Solymosi made this version for Christmas 2015, after the previous production had run for more than half a century. It keeps the classical shape of the ballet and slips in Hungarian details: Hungarian paintings hang on the walls, and the castle behind the Ják Chapel shows up in the scenery for the Waltz of the Snowflakes. A performance runs about two and a half hours with the interval. Matinées start at 11:00 and most evening shows at 18:00 or 19:00.
Worth knowing
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day both have an 11:00 matinée in 2026, and New Year's Eve has shows at 13:00 and 21:00.
- The Opera's family discount does not apply to The Nutcracker, so budget full price for children.
- Standing tickets go on sale one hour before a matinée if the performance has sold out.
Quick answers about The Nutcracker at the Hungarian State Opera
When is The Nutcracker on at the Budapest Opera in 2026?
The Nutcracker plays at the Hungarian State Opera House from 20 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Matinées start at 11:00, and most evening performances start at 18:00 or 19:00.
Is The Nutcracker in Budapest suitable for children?
Yes, for children aged 6 and over. The Hungarian State Opera does not recommend the performance for children under 6, and every child needs a ticket.
Is The Nutcracker on at the Budapest Opera on Christmas Day?
Yes. The Hungarian State Opera has an 11:00 matinée of The Nutcracker on 25 December 2026, and another at 11:00 on 24 December.
What are the opening hours of The Nutcracker at the Hungarian State Opera?
The Nutcracker at the Hungarian State Opera is open matinées run 11:00 to about 13:30. Evening shows start at 18:00 or 19:00. On 31 December 2026 the shows start at 13:00 and 21:00, and on 1 January 2027 at 14:00.