In December and January, La Scala presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker in Rudolf Nureyev’s production. It opens the theatre’s ballet season, with performances on selected dates from 17 December 2026 to 16 January 2027. It can become a family outing during a winter trip to Milan or an evening devoted to classical ballet.
The story takes the audience from a Christmas celebration at home into Clara’s dream. Mice and soldiers, snowflakes, dances and the famous waltzes fill the stage. In Nureyev’s version, growing up lies behind the festive fairy tale: brighter scenes alternate with more unsettling moments, and the demanding duets reward as much attention as the large ensembles.
The production you will see
La Scala presents the two-act ballet with choreography and direction by Nureyev, and sets and costumes by Nicholas Georgiadis. Nureyev’s version arrived at the theatre in 1969; La Scala renewed the historic designs in 1987. That background makes the choreography, costumes and use of stage space worth watching alongside the familiar story.
The production involves La Scala’s ballet company and orchestra, pupils of its ballet school and the academy’s children’s chorus. Andrea Quinn is the announced conductor. If you are going with a child, talking beforehand about Clara, the Nutcracker and the snow scene can make the action easier to follow without explanations during the dancing.
Choosing a date
Performances take place at Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The period from 17 December to 16 January includes individual matinees and evening performances: open the calendar first and select a specific show. The Under30 preview on 15 December is a separate date with its own conditions.
Check tickets and production information with the theatre. For a family visit, decide whether a matinee or an evening is more comfortable: that choice affects lunch, a rest at the hotel and the journey home. Seating and admission arrangements belong to the theatre ticket and should be checked with La Scala.
From your hotel to the theatre and back
For a family or group, you can discuss the journey with Hola Taxi. Give your hotel address, chosen performance and party size. Plan the return around your evening, whether you want to head straight to the hotel or spend more time in Milan.
If the visit includes a flight, specify Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN) or Bergamo (BGY). The airport-to-hotel transfer and the trip to the ballet serve different purposes; describe each route separately in the same enquiry.
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-21
