Español

Preparethe placeget us ready

Getting ready for Boston Ballet's Sensory Friendly Nutcracker.

A shortened Nutcracker at the Citizens Opera House on Friday, December 4, with house lights never fully dark, no flashing or strobe lights, loud noises restricted, quiet spaces in the lower lobby, and a picture preview guide.

Jump to the plan ↓

Sensory supports. Dec 4 sensory friendly show, quiet spaces, preview guide.

Hours

Friday, December 4, 2026, 1:30 pm. Lobby activities from 12 pm. About 1 hour 20 minutes with a 20-minute intermission.

539 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111

CallDirections
Boston Ballet Sensory Friendly performance of The Nutcracker at the Citizens Opera House, 1:30 pm (lobby activities from 12 pm), about 1 hour 20 minutes. House lights not completely dark, no flashing or strobe lights, loud noises from the stage restricted, quiet spaces in the VIP lounge in the lower lobby. $40 to $121, plus a Citizens Opera House venue fee.

Sensory help, in the ballet's words

“The house lights will not be completely dark during the show.”

“There will be no flashing or strobe lights.”

“Quiet spaces will be located in the VIP lounge in the lower lobby at the Citizens Opera House.”

  • Loud noises from the stage are restricted, and iPads and other soothing devices are allowed.
  • The Mouse King wears a red cape and carries a sword; the Preview Guide shows him, so your kid can see him first.
  • Children under 2 can't come into the theater, and every child needs their own seat. All sales are final.

In their own words: bostonballet.org. Checked Tue, Nov 3, 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Tell us · How we check

Three things to know

  1. One sensory friendly show: Friday, December 4, 2026, 1:30 pm.
  2. House lights stay partly on; no flashing or strobe lights; loud noises restricted.
  3. Quiet spaces in the lower lobby, and you can step out and come back.

Visual schedule

Nutcracker Day

  • Drive to the theater
  • Show the ticket
  • Find our seats
  • Watch the ballet
  • Stand and stretch
  • Bathroom
  • Watch the ballet
  • Walk to the car
  • All done
Make it yours →

Ask before you go

  • whether headphones are handed out
  • parking prices
  • what the lobby activities are
  • how big the venue fee is
Call 617-695-6955
More about Citizens Opera House

Louder, in the ballet's words

The battle scene (popping noises from the soldiers' toy guns)not stated
Clapping (during and at the end of the show, for a short time)not stated
Leaving at the end (everyone leaves at the same time; the stairs and lobby are crowded)not stated

Quieter, in the ballet's words

Quiet spaces in the VIP lounge in the lower lobbyquiet zone
  • Tickets run $40 to $121, plus a Citizens Opera House venue fee. Groups of 10 or more: 617.456.6366.
  • Backpacks and large bags aren't allowed inside the theater; check them at coat check on the Grand Lobby level ($5 per item, card only). There's a bag check at the entrance.
  • Outside food and drinks aren't allowed. Snacks bought there are allowed in the theater only in the noiseless cups they sell.
  • Audio description headsets: email tickets@bostonballet.org as soon as you can with your name and how many you need. ASL ushers and interpreted announcements are available; for ASL, pick seats in Orchestra front left.
  • Large print program books will be available.
  • Box office: 617.695.6955 or tickets@bostonballet.org.
Email
tickets@bostonballet.org Email

Source: bostonballet.org