One Relaxed Performance of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, Friday, December 11, 2026 at 2 pm at McCaw Hall, with the audience lights left on low, lighting and sound modifications, freedom to talk and move, sensory supports in the lobby, quiet and activity areas, and entry and exit between the seats and the lobby.
Sensory supports. Dec 11 relaxed Nutcracker, lights on low, quiet room.
Hours
Relaxed Performance: Friday, December 11, 2026, 2 pm. PNB lists the running time as 2 hours and 3 minutes, including a 25-minute intermission; its Nutcracker sensory guide says 1 hour and 46 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission, so plan for the longer time. PNB Box Office: Monday to Friday and performance Saturdays, 10 am to 6 pm, and at McCaw Hall from 90 minutes before each show.
McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109 (north edge of Seattle Center)
“Audience lights remain on at a low level in the theatre during the performance”
“Audience members are free to talk and utilize space throughout the theatre for standing and movement”
“Sensory supports (fidgets, earplugs, noise cancelling ear-muffs) available in the lobby before the performance”
“We understand that patrons may move, vocalize, and behave in ways that may not feel welcome in more formal performance settings.” order.pnb.org
“This secluded room has a window facing the stage and speakers with an adjustable volume knob.”
PNB also lends sensory kits for any performance, with noise reducing headphones, fidgets, a communication card and a copy of the Social Narrative. PNB gives two places to pick one up: the Spafford Lobby on the Kreielsheimer Promenade, or the coat check desk.
The Nutcracker sensory guide measures sound in the middle of the audience at Row S. The Relaxed Performance has lighting and sound modifications, and the guide doesn't say how they change each moment, so use it as a map of what to expect rather than exact levels.
Babes in arms: PNB says all guests, including children and babes in arms, need a ticket and offers a discounted baby ticket for children under 2, while McCaw Hall's own FAQ asks that there be no babes in arms. Call the PNB Box Office at 206.441.2424 before you buy for a baby.
The lobby before the show (it can be crowded and noisy)not stated
The Battle (Act One) (volume up to 90 dB, high-pitched flute notes, significant strobe lighting on two separate occasions, and audience lighting goes dark when the stage gets dark)not stated
Waltz of the Snowflakes (up to 86 dB with a cymbal crash)not stated
Sugar Plum Fairy and the Finale (Act Two) (music builds to 90 dB, and 4 big cymbal crashes at the end when the sleigh comes out)not stated
Seats near the orchestra (levels are louder closer to the orchestra; the guide recommends Row S or behind to stay below 90 dB)not stated
Quieter, in PNB's words
The quiet room on the First Tier, with a window facing the stage, an adjustable volume knob and tall, movable chairsquiet zone
Lobby monitors that show the performance livequiet zone
Seats for the Relaxed Performance run $34 to $209, depending on the section. Rush tickets aren't available for The Nutcracker. Buy online, by phone at 206.441.2424 (Monday to Friday and performance Saturdays, 10 am to 6 pm) or in person at the Phelps Center, 301 Mercer Street.
If your plans change, PNB offers an exchange for another show (seats based on availability), credit toward future purchases (credit expires August 31) or a ticket donation; contact the Box Office before your performance begins. McCaw Hall's FAQ says all ticket sales are final with no refunds or exchanges, and that PNB tickets can be donated back at least 24 hours ahead, so call the PNB Box Office to check your options.
Food: no food in the auditorium; drinks only in McCaw Hall's reusable concessions cups or other approved lidded containers. McCaw Hall allows no outside food or beverages; reusable water bottles of 32 oz or less are allowed if empty on arrival. Concessions and the Prelude restaurant are inside.
Security: walk-through metal detectors at the public entrances, and bags bigger than a small clutch or wallet may be inspected. Large purses and bags are best left at home or in the car. Service animals are allowed on a leash or harness.
Complimentary booster cushions for children, first come, first served. Wheelchairs are free, first come, first served; ask an usher. Elevators are at the north and south ends of every floor.
Parking: the Mercer Street Garage, 650 3rd Avenue North (entrance on 3rd Ave N between Mercer and Roy), connects to McCaw Hall by a covered skybridge on level C, where accessible parking is (38 spaces; clearance 7 ft 7 in). PNB strongly recommends buying prepaid parking. The 5th Avenue North Garage, 516 Harrison Street, is a 3-block walk. The Seattle Center Monorail runs about every 10 minutes from Westlake Center.
Questions about lighting, sound or a specific production: access@PNB.org. Emergencies during a show: the nearest usher. For someone to reach you in an emergency during the show, McCaw Hall gives 206-733-9722.
