A Gingerbread-Filled, Sugar-Dusted Holiday Celebration for Children and Families
(Miami Beach, FL — November 17, 2025) – Miami City Ballet (Gonzalo Garcia, Artistic Director; Juan José Escalante, Executive Director) invites families to step inside a world of whimsy, wonder, and winter enchantment at Nutcracker Magic, the Ballet’s beloved holiday celebration created especially for children. This year’s event returns Thursday, December 11, 2025, transforming the Adrienne Arsht Center into a festive playground where gingerbread dreams, dancing snowflakes, and sparkling memories come to life.
Chaired by Charmaine Waterfield, Alejandro Castrillo, and Alex Lam, and supported by an esteemed event committee of Leigh Benayoun, Elinette Diaz de la Portilla, Jennifer Goldstein, Yajaira Halabi, and Sheila Oretsky, Nutcracker Magic is sponsored in part by Manolo Blahnik.
Proceeds from Nutcracker Magic directly support Miami City Ballet’s Community Engagement programs, helping fund a special full-length performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® for local service organizations, Title I schools, and community members in under-resourced areas—ensuring the joy of the season reaches every corner of South Florida.
A GINGERBREAD HOLIDAY PARTY – 4:00-5:30 PM
Families are welcomed into a warm, shimmering holiday scene filled with festive treats, hands-on fun, and magical surprises. Young guests can enjoy:
- Publix Gingerbread House Decorating, a signature tradition
- Paleta 305 Ice Pops
- Photo opportunities with Miami City Ballet’s iconic Nutcracker characters
- Arts and crafts, dancing, and interactive holiday activities
- Special gingerbread-themed décor and party delights
This immersive experience offers children the rare chance to meet the performers who bring The Nutcracker to life, while celebrating the spirit of creativity and play.
PRIVATE DRESS REHEARSAL – 6:00-8:00 PM
As evening falls, guests step into the theater for an exclusive look at the private dress rehearsal of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®.
With its glittering snowstorms, dancing flowers, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, this sneak-peek performance captures the magic of Miami City Ballet’s world-renowned production—fresh for its 2025 return to the Arsht Center.
Children and families witness the beloved holiday classic before opening night, offering a behind-the-scenes experience unlike any other in South Florida.
SUPPORT COMMUNITY, CELEBRATING TRADITION
Nutcracker Magic is one of Miami City Ballet’s most impactful annual fundraisers, directly supporting cultural access for thousands of children each year. Through these efforts, MCB continues to ensure that the joy, beauty, and transformative power of the arts remain accessible to all—especially during the holiday season.
EVENT DETAILS
Nutcracker Magic Children’s Celebration Thursday, December 11, 2025
4:00–8:00 PM
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
Miami, FL
ABOUT MIAMI CITY BALLET
Miami City Ballet (MCB) is one of America’s premier ballet companies, recognized nationally and internationally for its artistic excellence, vibrant style, and innovative spirit. Founded in 1985 by Miami philanthropist Toby Lerner Ansin, MCB has earned its place as a leader in the field—nurturing new choreographic voices, forging bold collaborations, and championing greater inclusivity in classical ballet. Its artistic leadership has included Founding Artistic Director Edward Villella (1985–2012), Lourdes Lopez (2012–2025), and current Artistic Director Gonzalo Garcia. Rooted in the style, technique, and legacy of George Balanchine, the company’s repertory has grown to include more than 100 ballets—ranging from treasured classical works to trailblazing contemporary choreography, including over a dozen world premieres. MCB performs for nearly 125,000 audience members annually across South Florida and on tour, with recent appearances in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris. The Miami City Ballet School, one of the country’s top training academies, serves nearly 400 students from Miami and around the world. The company’s community engagement programs reach approximately 20,000 people annually, using the power of dance to uplift, educate, and inspire. MCB is based in Miami Beach at the Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca Center, designed by internationally acclaimed architecture firm Arquitectonica.
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