Bring your Children to be enchanted by the ballet



The New Paltz Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Bardavon

The Nutracker Ballet in Poughkeepsie
We at Hudson Valley Parent want to help you slow down, to find the time to see a musical with your children, to visit with Santa or build a Menorah. The Hudson Valley is bustling with holiday spirit this time of year we just have to find it!

Every day this month we are bringing you all the best details on a great event, holiday activity or family tradition. Check the updated calendar on our Holiday Happenings Page or follow us on Facebook

Holiday Fun is Sponsored by: Half Moon Theatre and Crown Maple

Nutcracker BalletToy soldiers, dancing sugarplum fairies and giant fighting mice enchant audiences at The Nutcracker
It's time once again to welcome the toy soldiers, sugar plum fairies and giant fighting mice into our hearts as we join Marie on her dreamlike journey through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets. The Nutcracker, for the 17th year will soon be dancing across the Bardavon Stage in downtown Poughkeepsie. Presented by the New Paltz Ballet Theatre, the classic ballet about a little girl's special Christmas gift features dancers, designers and technicians who have come together to create a beautiful production sure to delight viewers of all ages. 


The Bardavon 1869 Opera House is the oldest continuously operating theater in New York. The Bardavon welcomes families to experience the art and music of the theater all year round by offering a number of children's shows open to the public and school trips. Upcoming shows include Miracle on 34th Street, The Nutcracker, Abbott and Costello Go to Mars, Doktor Kaboom! Step Afrika! and more. 





Nutcracker dancers

The Nutcracker is a ballet based on E.T.A. Hoffman's tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, with music by Peter IlyitchTchaikovsky. Join Marie as she dreams up a magical adventure of a fierce battle between toy soldiers and giant mice.
Tickets for the New Paltz Ballet Theater's The Nutcracker are $30 and can be purchased at the Bardavon Box Office at 35 Market Street in Poughkeepsie by phone, 845-473-2072 or through Ticketmaster.

The Nutcracker showings are:
Saturday, December 10 at 2pm, 7:30pm at The Bardavon
(Saturday, December 10 at 7:30pm at UPAC)
(Sunday, December 11 at 2pm at UPAC)
Sunday, December 11 at 3pm at The Bardavon




Pamela is the calendar, social media editor and places to go guru at Hudson Valley Parent. She was raised in the Hudson Valley and currently resides in Dutchess County with her husband and two boys. She enjoys beach days, crafting, photography and can rattle off a list of things to do or places to visit at any given moment.


Other articles by Winter Fun Days


  • Stop in for a Christmas Spectactular on the Farm

    It's Minard's Family Farm Christmas Spectacular!

    The Hudson Valley is filled with holiday fun for the whole family! From cutting down the perfect Christmas tree to photos with Santa and even donating your used toys there is snow much to do this season! read more »
  • Experience the thrill and excitement at Holiday Spirit Festival

    Where families make new memories and rekindle old ones too.

    The Hudson Valley is filled with holiday fun for the whole family! From cutting down the perfect Christmas tree to photos with Santa and even donating your used toys there is snow much to do this season! read more »
  • Experience Your favorite Christmas Movie Come to Life

    A Christmas Story, final weekend at the Woodstock Playhouse

    The Hudson Valley is filled with holiday fun for the whole family! From cutting down the perfect Christmas tree to photos with Santa and even donating your used toys there is snow much to do this season! read more »
  • Take an unforgettable journey into a family classic

    Your family will love A Christmas Carol at Half Moon Theatre

    The Hudson Valley is filled with holiday fun for the whole family! From cutting down the perfect Christmas tree to photos with Santa and even donating your used toys there is snow much to do this season! read more »
  • Be Inspired to Create

    Families warm up indoors with a trip to Fiberflame

    Whether you're snowed in or plowing your way around town, we've got you covered in this great 40 Days of Winter Fun series. read more »
  • Race your friends

    Indoor go-kart racing at K1 Speedway is a new and exciting family adventure

    Whether you're snowed in or plowing your way around town, we've got you covered in this great 10 weeks of Winter Fun series. read more »
  • Hit the Slopes at Mount Peter

    Take the Day and Come out and Play!

    Whether you're snowed in or plowing your way around town, we've got you covered in this great 10 weeks of Winter Fun series. read more »
  • Visit a local Kid-Friendly Bookstore

    Bookstores in the Hudson Valley provide a warm, cozy retreat for families this winter.

    Whether you're snowed in or plowing your way around town, we've got you covered in this great 10 weeks of Winter Fun series. read more »
  • Recharge with a Mommy and Me Date

    Visit Cottage Gardens Spa for pampering, crafts and treats

    Whether you're snowed in or plowing your way around town, we've got you covered in this great 10 weeks of Winter Fun series. read more »
  • Family-Friendly New Years Eve Parties

    Celebrate the ending of a great year and the beginning of a new

    Choose from a variety of special events for your family and friends to celebrate and count down to the New Year. read more »