Alabama Ballet's Balanchine Nutcracker runs Dec. 12-22, 2026, at the BJCC Concert Hall: nine shows at 1:30 and 6 p.m., where to buy tickets and BJCC parking.

Alabama Ballet performs George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the BJCC Concert Hall from Saturday, Dec. 12, to Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2026. There are nine performances, at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., and tickets are on sale now, according to the ballet’s Nutcracker page.

Last checked Oct. 27, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address; the details below are for the 2026 run, from Alabama Ballet and the BJCC.

Who to call

  • Alabama Ballet box office: 205-322-4300
  • BJCC: 205-458-8400, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N.
  • Police non-emergency: 205-328-9311; 911 in an emergency

Is it on this year?

Yes. Alabama Ballet’s performance page lists the 2026 run for Dec. 12-22 at the BJCC Concert Hall. Presale ran July 23 to Aug. 3, and general sale opened Aug. 4. The company stages the Balanchine production to Tchaikovsky’s score and says it is one of only seven companies in the world licensed by the George Balanchine Trust to perform it.

Showtimes

Date Time
Saturday, Dec. 12 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 13 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 21 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 22 1:30 p.m.

The ballet gives a running time of about two hours. The Monday and Tuesday shows are matinees only.

Tickets

  • Where: the Ticketmaster link on the Nutcracker page, or the Alabama Ballet box office at 205-322-4300.
  • At the BJCC: the will-call and ticket windows are between the BJCC Theatre and the Concert Hall, according to the ballet’s venue information.
  • Prices: the ballet’s page does not list them. Resale sites also sell Nutcracker seats, often above face value, so start with the ballet’s own link.

Parking and getting there

The Concert Hall is part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N. What the BJCC’s directions and parking page says:

  • Every BJCC lot and garage is cashless.
  • Prepaid parking is sold only through that page and BJCCParking.com, not Ticketmaster. Reservations usually open about two months before an event and close at 1 p.m. on the day. If prepaid parking sells out, parking is still sold on site.
  • The biggest decks are P9, 2000 11th Ave. N. (1,800 spaces), P4, 917 22nd St. N. (1,400 spaces), and the BG garage, 801 19th St. N. (1,400 spaces).
  • The Concert Hall has an 11th Avenue parking entrance with a ramp.
  • Accessible parking: ADA spaces are in every BJCC lot and garage, first come, first served, with a hang tag or plate. Prepaid ADA passes for Concert Hall and BJCC Theatre events are sold for lot P10, 1830 10th Ave. N., on days with no Legacy Arena event.

The ballet also warns of lane closures and road construction around the complex. Check road construction and closures before you leave, and see getting around for downtown decks and transit.

What we do not know yet

  • Ticket prices, which the ballet’s page does not publish.
  • The orchestra. The ballet names Brasfield & Gorrie as its symphony collaboration sponsor but does not say which orchestra plays.
  • Family extras such as a Sugar Plum tea. None are listed for 2026; we will add them if the ballet announces any.

What this means for you

  • Pick a matinee if you are bringing young children; six of the nine shows are at 1:30 p.m.
  • Buy parking ahead, since prepaid sales close at 1 p.m. on the day of the show.
  • Allow time for the box office line if you are collecting tickets at will call.

Related: holiday lights and Christmas events, Glow Wild at the Birmingham Zoo, arts and exhibitions this month and things to do this month.

Frequently asked questions

When is The Nutcracker in Birmingham in 2026?

Alabama Ballet performs George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at the BJCC Concert Hall from Saturday, Dec. 12, to Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2026. There are nine shows: 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22, and 6 p.m. on Dec. 12, 19 and 20.

How long is Alabama Ballet’s Nutcracker?

About two hours, according to Alabama Ballet’s performance page.

Where do I buy Nutcracker tickets in Birmingham?

Through the Ticketmaster link on Alabama Ballet’s Nutcracker page or the Alabama Ballet box office at 205-322-4300. General sale opened Aug. 4. The ballet’s page does not list prices.

Where do I park for the Nutcracker at the BJCC?

BJCC lots and garages are all cashless. Prepaid parking is sold only through the BJCC’s parking page and BJCCParking.com, until 1 p.m. on the day of the show. The Concert Hall has an 11th Avenue parking entrance with a ramp.

Is the Birmingham Nutcracker the Balanchine version?

Yes. Alabama Ballet stages George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker to Tchaikovsky’s score and says it is one of only seven companies in the world licensed by the George Balanchine Trust to perform it.