About the First Coast Nutcracker


The Jacksonville Symphony's First Coast Nutcracker has been a cherished tradition in North Florida for over 50 years! Under the direction of Rhonda Stampalia, choreographer and artistic director, the First Coast Nutcracker showcases prized dancers and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's beloved melodies performed by the Jacksonville Symphony. Add beautiful costumes, storybook sets and a magical tree that grows to 33 feet, and you have an especially enchanting production. From education to entertainment, the First Coast Nutcracker provides the whole family with the chance to make everlasting holiday memories.
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Tickets on Sale!

Be immersed in a dream of pure enchantment and vivid imagination with the Jacksonville Symphony's First Coast Nutcracker, a treasured community tradition and the only local Nutcracker performance with live music, featuring the musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony. Watch as your favorite winter fairy tale casts its magic with ballet dancers, a sparkling set design and the entire Symphony in full splendor. You'll be showered in a firework performance that bursts with colorful melodies and holiday joy.

Interested in bringing a group? Visit the Education and Group Sales section to learn more.
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Entertainment for All

Combining Tchaikovsky’s spellbinding music performed by the Jacksonville Symphony with stunning choreography, guest artists, costumes and sets create both a grand introduction to the arts for young people and quality entertainment for adults. Four full-length performances will be offered in the Moran Theater.


Embracing Our Artists of the Future

The First Coast Nutcracker allows more than 180 young community dance students the unique opportunity to work with illustrious choreographers, guest artists and musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony. Students also get to attend professionally supervised weekly classes to learn repertoire and showcase their talent in a full-length ballet.


Inspiring Young Minds

The educational performances of the First Coast Nutcracker provide an opportunity for over 4,500 students to attend special performances at reduced, accessible prices. An educational guide (click here to view) is also provided for all students prior to attending a performance, which is designed as a resource for teachers to introduce students to the Symphony and ballet.


A Community Service Program

Making the ballet accessible to as many families as possible is a commitment held by the Jacksonville Symphony’s First Coast Nutcracker. Each year, 1,250 community service tickets are given to deserving families throughout the First Coast region. These recipients are families who would otherwise be unable to attend without assistance. This mission continues to be vital to the Symphony’s First Coast Nutcracker as it is important for all to experience the wonder of music and dance.
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Educational Performances

The Jacksonville Symphony’s First Coast Nutcracker offers a wonderful way to learn while enjoying quality entertainment just days before the holiday break in December!

Please fill out the online registration form as soon as possible by clicking the SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM LINK. We will be happy to reserve a place for your students.

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Group Tickets

Are you interested in bringing a group? Groups with 10 or more guests receive 20% off! Reach out to our group sales department at 904.807.1003 or groupsales@jaxsymphony.org to reserve your tickets or for more information.
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Please consider making a donation to the Jacksonville Symphony’s First Coast Nutcracker. Your generosity is invaluable for making the ballet accessible to all and will be noted in our program. Make checks payable to "First Coast Nutcracker Ballet" and mail to: First Coast Nutcracker Ballet, 300 Water Street, Suite 200, Jacksonville, FL 32202.

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