Nutcracker Savannah 2026: Dates, Tickets & Which Show to See

The Nutcracker in Savannah has a confirmed 2026 date: South Carolina Ballet performs William Starrett's Nutcracker on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Johnny Mercer Theatre downtown. The short answer: buy through the Savannah Civic Center box office, expect a show of about two hours, and plan to walk to River Street afterward for the Lighted Boat Parade. If you'd rather see a Nutcracker set in Savannah itself, watch for Savannah Ballet Theatre's December dates.

TL;DR: Nutcracker in Savannah 2026

• Confirmed show: South Carolina Ballet, Saturday, November 28, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM.
• Venue: Johnny Mercer Theatre at the Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
• Tickets: listed at $35-$60 on the company's page. Buy through savannahcivic.com, not resale sites.
• Local version: Savannah Ballet Theatre stages a Nutcracker set in historic Savannah each December. Its 2026 date hasn't been posted yet.
• Pair it: the Lighted Boat Parade runs on the river the same night, 7-9 PM.

When Is the Nutcracker in Savannah in 2026?

South Carolina Ballet's performance is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The company's event page lists a 5:30 PM start and a 7:30 PM finish, so the run time is about two hours.

It's a single performance, not a multi-week run. If that one date sells out or doesn't fit your trip, your other option is the Savannah Ballet Theatre production in early December (more on that below).

Who Performs It?

The touring production comes from South Carolina Ballet, the Columbia-based company led by artistic director William Starrett. WTOC reported in 2025 that the company has brought its Nutcracker to the Savannah Civic Center for more than 20 years, usually the weekend after Thanksgiving.

The company describes it as a full-length version of the ballet set to Tchaikovsky's score, with large-scale sets, costumes, and its professional dancers. Expect the classic story: Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the battle with the Mouse King, the Land of Snow, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

How Much Are Tickets and Where Do You Buy Them?

South Carolina Ballet's page lists tickets at $35 to $60. It sends buyers to the Savannah Civic Center's website, savannahcivic.com, which is the official box office for the Johnny Mercer Theatre. For comparison, WTOC reported a $30-$80 range for the 2025 show, so expect the final price to depend on your seat.

Be careful with search results. Several resale sites list this show with prices well above face value. If the price starts near $100, you're probably not on the official seller.

A few buying tips:

• Buy early for families. Groups that want seats together have the most choice before Thanksgiving week.
• Mid-orchestra or front balcony gives kids a clear view of the whole stage, which matters for the big group dances.
• Check the final total. Fees can add to the listed price, so compare at checkout.

Where Is the Johnny Mercer Theatre?

The Johnny Mercer Theatre is inside the Savannah Civic Center at 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., on the west side of the Historic District. It's the city's big-stage venue for touring shows, concerts, and ballet. Our Savannah theatre guide explains how it compares with the Lucas Theatre, Trustees Theater, and The Savannah Theatre.

Thanksgiving Saturday is a busy night downtown, with the boat parade drawing crowds toward the river. Leave extra time to park. Check savannahcivic.com for event parking, or see our guide to parking in the Historic District for garage options.

Can You See the Nutcracker and the Boat Parade on the Same Night?

Yes, and that's the point of the 5:30 PM start. The ballet ends around 7:30 PM. The Lighted Boat Parade runs on the Savannah River from 7 to 9 PM that same night, with lit boats looping past River Street twice.

From the Civic Center, River Street is roughly a 15- to 20-minute walk north and east. You'll miss the first pass, but you can catch the second loop. Dress warmly for the river after the theatre. Late November evenings can turn chilly, and our Savannah in November guide covers what to pack.

Local tip: Eat before the show, not after. On parade night, restaurants near River Street fill up fast once the ballet and parade crowds let out. Book an early dinner around 4 PM, or plan a late snack instead of a sit-down meal.

What Is Savannah Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker?

Savannah Ballet Theatre is the local company, and The Nutcracker is its annual signature production. Its version moves the story to historic Savannah. WTOC described it in 2024 as a unique take on The Nutcracker set in historic Savannah, and the company's materials point to a WWII-era Savannah backdrop.

Recent dates give you a sense of timing. In 2024 the main show was on December 7 at the Lucas Theatre for the Arts, and in 2025 it ran on December 6. The company also partnered with the Savannah Cultural Arts Center on a free sensory-friendly performance in 2024, aimed at kids sensitive to light and sound.

As of early October, Savannah Ballet Theatre had not posted a 2026 date. Check savannahballettheatre.org before you plan around it. If it follows recent years, expect an early December weekend.

Is the Nutcracker Good for Kids?

For most school-age kids, yes. There's no dialogue to follow, the music is familiar, and the first act moves quickly through the party scene, the battle, and the snow. A two-hour show is long for preschoolers, so pick aisle seats if you might need a break.

Make a day of it with ideas from our guide to Savannah with kids under $50, and find a pre-show meal in our kid-friendly restaurants guide.

Where to Eat Before the Show

The Civic Center sits on Oglethorpe Avenue, so you're close to plenty of downtown dining. Husk Savannah is on the same avenue at 12 W. Oglethorpe Ave., and The Olde Pink House is a short walk away on Reynolds Square. Reserve ahead on a holiday weekend. For more options, browse our Historic District restaurants guide or the full Savannah restaurants directory.

Where to Stay for Nutcracker Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend is one of downtown's busiest, so book your room early. Staying in the Historic District lets you walk to the theatre and the river without moving the car. Start with our best Historic District hotels or the full Savannah hotels directory.

What Else Is On During the Holidays?

The Nutcracker kicks off a packed season. The weeks after it bring home tours, light displays, and parades. See our Savannah Christmas events guide, the best Christmas lights in Savannah, and the Savannah Holiday Tour of Homes for the rest of your December plans.

Bottom Line

The Nutcracker in Savannah is set for Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM, when South Carolina Ballet performs at the Johnny Mercer Theatre, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave. Tickets are listed at $35-$60 through the Savannah Civic Center, so skip the resale markups. Eat early, then walk to River Street to catch the Lighted Boat Parade. If you want the Savannah-set version, keep an eye on Savannah Ballet Theatre for its early December date. Confirm times and prices on the official sites before you go.