Northwest Florida Ballet’s The Nutcracker: November 20–22, 2026 at Mattie Kelly Arts Center

When: Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21, 2026, 7:30–9:30 p.m.; Sunday, November 22, 2026, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Where: Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Boulevard E, Niceville
Tickets: Prices aren’t listed on the event pages. Box office: (850) 729-6000

Northwest Florida Ballet brings its 47th annual production of The Nutcracker back to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center for three performances the weekend before Thanksgiving. The arts center calls it the area’s only full-length presentation of the ballet, with more than 140 performers, including guest artists and over 100 local children.

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s score live at every public performance, conducted by NWFB Music Director David Ott. From Miramar Beach, Niceville is across the bay via the Mid-Bay Bridge, so allow for the drive. The Sunday matinee is the easiest pick for families with young kids.

Confirm before you go: the Mattie Kelly Arts Center listed this event as scheduled when we checked on October 23, 2026, fourteen days after Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin. Most of the area has reopened, but schedules can still shift during recovery, so check the organizer’s page before you head out.

Sources: MKAC – The Nutcracker, Fri Nov 20 · MKAC – The Nutcracker, Sat Nov 21 · MKAC – The Nutcracker, Sun Nov 22