The Florida Theatre and Talmi Entertainment have announced the return of “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, at the historic Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, April 3. Buy them at www.floridatheatre.com or the Florida Theatre Box Office at 904-355-2787. Ask about the VIP/Meet & Greet package available for this show.
“NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet,” the Christmas classic, is in its 35th year; the North American tour unites world-class talent from renowned ballet capitals across the globe, featuring choreography by acclaimed Ukrainian choreographer Viktor Davydiuk.
Presented by Talmi Entertainment, “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” is the nation’s premier touring production of its kind, captivating over a quarter-million audience members each year. Arts education and enrichment are central to the mission of the company. In the 100-plus cities to be visited in 2026, “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” partners with local dance studios, giving more than 4,000 children across the country a unique opportunity to study with international artists.
A hallmark of the production is Act II’s breathtaking “Land of Peace and Harmony,” featuring the signature acro-ballet adagio, “Dove of Peace.” This expressive tableau reinforces a key theme of the production: the importance of harmony among nations and the need to assert love and understanding as the primary framework of human interaction.
“The production is perfect for families; it’s really become America’s tradition,” said Dan Talmi, producer of Talmi Entertainment, continuing the legacy of co-founders Mary Giannone and Akiva Talmi. “On top of the incredible artistry and production values, the message of the production has never been more important and meaningful.”
Renowned for its Broadway-caliber artistry, the production collaborates with world-class theatrical designers, including scenic artists, prop masters and puppeteers from Czechoslovakia, South Africa, Chuvash, St. Petersburg and New York. The enchanting marionettes, intricately crafted by Petre Puppeteer, and the hilarious animal puppets, reimagined by the legendary Nino Novellino, add to the production’s immersive magic, creating an unforgettable holiday experience.
