A New Holiday Tradition For All Ages

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Ballet Arkansas Presents The Nutcracker Suite At Oaklawn Hot Springs:  A New Holiday Tradition For All Ages

On Thanksgiving weekend, Oaklawn Hot Springs and Ballet Arkansas are thrilled to welcome families, couples, racing fans and holiday travelers to a captivating production of the ultimate holiday classic, The Nutcracker Suite. With two shows running from Saturday, November 28 through Sunday, November 29, 2026, this indoor, family-friendly event promises to weave a magical winter tale through world-class classical dance and coincides with the opening of the Holiday Racing Season, November 27, 2026, through January 10, 2027. 

Perfect for audiences of all ages, this vibrant adaptation blends the timeless beauty and holiday tradition of The Nutcracker with modern multimedia elements and engaging, interactive performance features. Audiences will follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince into a dazzling winter wonderland, underscored by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. 

"We are incredibly proud to partner with Ballet Arkansas to bring this world-class artistic holiday tradition to Hot Springs," said an Oaklawn representative. "By merging breathtaking choreography with immersive multimedia, we are creating a unique holiday memory that local residents and resort guests will cherish for years to come."

Performance Schedule:

  • Saturday, November 28, 2026: 7:00 PM

  • Sunday, November 29, 2026:11:30am: Storytime with Sugar Plum & Friends

  • Sunday, November 29, 2026: 2:00pm

Venue Information:
The performances & special storybook reading will all take place inside the climate-controlled, state-of-the-art Oaklawn Event Center, located at 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

Ticket Details:
Tickets are on sale now at www.oaklawn.com. Third party tickets are not guaranteed. Please do not purchase tickets from Stubhub and other third-party sellers. 

About Ballet Arkansas:
Ballet Arkansas is the state’s premier professional ballet company, dedicated to providing world-class dance education and performance art to communities across the region.

DETAILS:

  • A Modernized Holiday Classic: Not just a traditional ballet. This specific production blends the classical elegance of The Nutcracker with fresh multimedia elements and interactive staging, making it uniquely engaging for modern audiences.

  • The Perfect Thanksgiving Tradition: Scheduled for November 28–29, the event(s) offer the perfect post-Thanksgiving weekend outing for families looking to launch their holiday season together.

  • Built For All Ages: The production is explicitly crafted to be fast-paced, kid-friendly, and accessible to everyone—from lifelong ballet enthusiasts to families introducing their children to the performing arts for the first time.

  • Premier Regional Talent: Hot Springs audiences will experience the extraordinary artistry of Ballet Arkansas, the region's elite professional dance company, right in their backyard.

  • An Immersive Resort Experience: Hosted inside the premium Oaklawn Event Center, guests can easily pair the performance with award-winning dining, luxury spa treatments, or a weekend stay at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.