South Carolina Ballet brings its Nutcracker to Savannah's Johnny Mercer Theatre at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, tickets $35 to $60. Other holiday shows too.

Last checked Oct. 23, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Dates, times and prices come from the companies and venues linked below.

Yes, there is a Nutcracker in Savannah this year. South Carolina Ballet performs William Starrett’s Nutcracker at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Johnny Mercer Theatre in the Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., according to the company’s performance page. Tickets are $35 to $60. It is a single show, two days after Thanksgiving.

At a glance

  • What: South Carolina Ballet, William Starrett’s Nutcracker
  • When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, one performance
  • Where: Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
  • Tickets: $35 to $60, through the Savannah Civic Center
  • Bags: 4.5 by 6.5 by 2 inches or smaller, or clear
  • Savannah Ballet Theatre: in rehearsal; 2026 dates not yet published

South Carolina Ballet at the Johnny Mercer Theatre

The company calls the production “the State’s Favorite Holiday Tradition.” It is a full-length Nutcracker to Tchaikovsky’s score, with the company’s professional dancers, full scenery and costumes, according to South Carolina Ballet.

  • Date and time: Saturday, Nov. 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Tickets: $35 to $60. The company links to the Savannah Civic Center’s event page to buy them. Resale sites also list this show; the company’s own range is $35 to $60.
  • Run time: about two hours, by the company’s listed end time.

Savannah Ballet Theatre

Savannah Ballet Theatre, the city’s own professional company, calls its Nutcracker its most notable production on its website. Its 2026 Nutcracker cast portal lists rehearsals on Saturdays and Fridays from Oct. 17 through Nov. 21. As of Oct. 23, the company had not published 2026 performance dates, a venue or ticket prices. We will add them here when it does.

Other holiday shows

  • “A Christmas Tradition,” Dec. 3-26, Savannah Theatre, 222 Bull St., from the theater.
  • Savannah Philharmonic Holiday Pops, Lucas Theatre for the Arts, 32 Abercorn St. The 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, show is sold out; the 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, show is not marked sold out, from the Philharmonic.

More holiday plans: holiday lights and Christmas events and the Christmas parade and tree lighting.

Getting there and parking

The Johnny Mercer Theatre is in the Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., downtown. The Civic Center’s website does not publish parking guidance for theater shows. The city’s Mobility and Parking Services runs the downtown garages and on-street meters. Nov. 28 is also the night of the Lighted Boat Parade on the river from 7 to 9 p.m., so expect heavy downtown traffic and allow extra time. Check our road construction and closures page before you drive.

What this means for you

  • There is one South Carolina Ballet show, on Saturday, Nov. 28. Buy early from the Civic Center’s link.
  • Bring a small or clear bag to meet the theater’s bag policy.
  • Families who want Savannah Ballet Theatre’s local production should check back; its dates are not out yet.

Related: things to do this month, arts and exhibitions this month and Thanksgiving in Savannah.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Nutcracker in Savannah in 2026?

South Carolina Ballet performs William Starrett’s Nutcracker at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, at the Johnny Mercer Theatre, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., according to the company. It is one performance, scheduled to end at 7:30 p.m.

How much are Nutcracker tickets in Savannah?

South Carolina Ballet lists tickets at $35 to $60. Buy them through the Savannah Civic Center’s event page, which the company links as its ticket outlet.

Is Savannah Ballet Theatre doing the Nutcracker this year?

Savannah Ballet Theatre is rehearsing its 2026 Nutcracker; its cast schedule runs through Nov. 21. As of Oct. 23 it had not published performance dates or a venue. We will add them when it does.

What is the bag policy at the Johnny Mercer Theatre?

Bags must be 4.5 by 6.5 by 2 inches or smaller. Anything larger must be clear, according to the Savannah Civic Center.