The short answer
There is usually no strict dress code for the Nutcracker, so dress for a holiday outing. For a matinee, smart casual works: a sweater dress, or a velvet or sparkly top with good pants and boots. For an evening performance, most people dress up a step: a midi dress, a glitter or velvet piece, and heels or dressy flats. Bring a layer you can wear in your seat, and dress kids in something festive they can sit in for the whole show.
The Nutcracker is a December tradition for many families, and for plenty of people it is the one night a year at the ballet. That makes what to wear to the Nutcracker a fair question. Below: how dressy to go by show time, what kids can wear, how to layer for the theater, and a short section on what to wear to the symphony or opera.
Is there a dress code for the Nutcracker?
Usually not a strict one, but each ballet company and theater sets its own policy, so check your theater's website before you plan. Where companies do publish guidance, it tends to be relaxed. Pacific Northwest Ballet, for example, says on its own what-to-wear page that you will see "a variety of outfits, from fabulous gowns to casual pants and sneakers," and it asks audiences to avoid heavy scents and fragrances.
The exceptions are opening nights, gala performances and benefit evenings, which may list cocktail or black tie on the ticket or invitation. Without a rule, most people treat the Nutcracker as a special holiday outing and dress one step above everyday. Seeing the Nutcracker in North Texas? Our guide to Dallas holiday events and what to wear to each lists the Texas Ballet Theater and Dallas Black Dance Theatre performances with a dress code for each.
What should you wear to a Nutcracker matinee?
Smart casual with a festive detail. Matinees are full of families, and the mood is relaxed and happy.
- A sweater dress and boots. The I Don't Want to Miss a Thing Long Sleeve Color Block Sweater Dress is a midi rib knit in black, white, pink and purple stripes. It is warm, easy to sit in for two acts, and looks put together with ankle boots.
- A velvet top with good pants. The Everybody Needs Someone Velvet Checker Mock Neck Top is a tonal checkered velvet with a soft sheen. Wear it with dark jeans or the Lead From The Heart Ponte Flare Pants, a stretch black ponte with a flare leg that works with flats or heels.
For shoes, pick something you can walk in from the parking garage or the train. Flat mules like the Charlotte Mules, in faux suede with a chain across the front, look polished with pants and keep you steady on theater stairs.
What should you wear to an evening Nutcracker performance?
Dress up a little: a midi or knee-length dress, a dressy skirt and sweater, or a jumpsuit. Evening shows feel more like a night out, and the lobby is part of the fun.
The I Remember Everything Glitter Square Neck Babydoll Midi Dress is black with allover shimmer, sheer long sleeves and an A-line skirt that ends near the knee. It feels festive without being too much for a theater seat, and sheer black tights make it work on a cold night.
Prefer separates? A metallic pleated skirt with a fine-knit sweater looks right for the season. The Hotline Bling Metallic Pleated Midi Skirt in emerald green has an elastic waist, so it stays comfortable through both acts. Wear it with a black sweater and ankle boots or heels.
What should kids wear to the Nutcracker?
Something festive that they can sit in for the whole performance, often around two hours with an intermission. Many children love dressing up for the Nutcracker, and a party dress, a velvet top or a holiday sweater all fit right in.
- Comfort first. Skip scratchy tulle, stiff collars and new shoes that have not been worn in.
- Layers. Tights, a cardigan and a coat they can take off in the seat keep them comfortable as the room warms up or cools down.
- Small hair accessories. Big bows and hats block the view for the people behind. Keep them for the lobby photos.
- Matching is optional. Coordinating colors with your kids makes for sweet photos, but nobody expects it.
How do you layer for theater temperature?
Wear a light layer under your coat. A theater can feel cool in the seats and warm in a crowded lobby, so a cardigan or light jacket you can take on and off is more useful than one heavy sweater.
- Plan the coat. If your theater has a coat check, the line after the show can be long. A coat that folds onto your lap saves time.
- Add a light knit. The I Don't Care Cardigan Sweater in soft pink rib buttons up like a fitted sweater or wears open over a dress.
- Wear tights. Sheer or opaque tights make a dress comfortable in December without changing the look.
- Go light on perfume. You will sit close to strangers for a couple of hours.
What should you wear to the symphony or opera?
The same rules mostly apply: smart casual for matinees and weeknights, a step dressier for evening performances, and cocktail or black tie for opening nights and galas. Check the venue's website for any posted guidance.
A satin blouse with tailored pants is a reliable answer for both. The Hang In There Satin Half Placket Blouse comes in fuchsia or brown, with a V-neck and long cuffed sleeves, and it looks dressed up with the black ponte flare pants above. For a holiday concert, add statement earrings or a velvet bag. Heading to a louder show? Our guide to what to wear to a concert covers outfits by genre and venue.
Nutcracker outfit FAQ
Can you wear jeans to the Nutcracker?
Yes, at most regular performances. Choose dark, clean jeans with a dressy top in velvet, satin or a sparkly knit, and wear boots or flats. Check your ticket for opening night or gala dress codes.
What colors are good for the Nutcracker ballet?
Holiday colors suit the show: red, wine, emerald, gold, silver and black with texture. Soft pinks and creams feel right too, with the ballet's sugar plum mood.
Should I wear heels to the ballet?
Only if you can walk and stand in them comfortably. Theaters mean stairs, aisles and lines. Low heels, block heels, dressy flats and ankle boots all look right.
What should a woman wear to the Nutcracker ballet at night?
A midi or knee-length dress in glitter, velvet or satin, or a dressy skirt and sweater, with tights, a coat and comfortable heels or boots.
What should you wear to the ballet if it is not the Nutcracker?
The same guide works year-round. Swap the holiday colors for the season, keep a light layer for the theater, and dress up a step for evening shows.
Looking for more ideas? Browse our holiday party collection and cute sweaters, and find a coat for the walk in coats and blazers. US orders over $75 ship free, and returns are free within 21 days of delivery on unworn, unwashed items with tags attached.
