FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The 5th Anniversary Edition of The Nutcracker
is Proudly Presented by Henderson Land and
Features Ocean Park’s Panda Twins and the Star Ferry
Guests can enjoy a Special Exhibition at Hong Kong Cultural Centre and
Nutcracker Afternoon Tea at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
[Hong Kong — 5 December 2025] In its fifth year with 100 shows entertaining over 140,000 fans this December, Hong Kong Ballet (HKB)’s The Nutcracker – A Hong Kong Adventure will surprise audiences with two very special new cast members and the addition of the iconic Star Ferry. Henderson Land Proudly Presents The Nutcracker opens on 12 December with 22 performances through 28 December at Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre, and audiences can enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by Hong Kong Sinfonietta under the baton of Fayçal Karoui during 12-26 December.
HKB Artistic Director Septime Webre's heartwarming The Nutcracker premiered in 2021 and is a locally inspired reimagining of the classic ballet that has become a festive favourite for families across the city every year. In 2024, The Nutcracker notably won UNESCO’s Star of Outstanding Award and the Spirit of Culture Award at the 12th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards. This year’s production features 300 intricately detailed costumes and over 200 characters per show, including 88 children as whimsical characters like baby animals and Dim Sum Clowns.
On Christmas Eve, Clara, her mischievous brother Fritz and the Nutcracker Prince set out to defeat the sinister Rat King and restore order to their magical kingdom. The Nutcracker incorporates Hong Kong history and customs and pays tribute to local culture, showcasing the former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower, rickshaws, Cheung Chau Bun Festival, shadow puppet theatre, dancing dim sum and much more. This poignant coming-of-age story follows Clara throughout the journey that helps her become an adult, but she retains her child-like wonder about the world. Audiences will be inspired by the holiday spirit of giving and love as Clara and friends remind us that even in challenging times, courage and kindness can still triumph.
Step Aboard the Fabulous Double-Decker Star Ferry
The Star Ferry, Hong Kong’s oldest cross-harbour ferry service, will appear in the production for the first time. Clara and the Nutcracker Prince will board the iconic Star Ferry to journey back home at the grand finale. Praised by National Geographic of Traveller as one of the ‘fifty places of a lifetime’, the Star Ferry is a stunning recreation of a 1920s Victoria Harbour ferry, and The Nutcracker ticket holders can enjoy a 20% discount on an 'Afternoon Sunshine Tour', 'Romantic Sunset Tour' or 'Dazzling Night Tour' from 12 to 28 December 2025.
Experience Jia Jia and De De on Stage
In their first appearance during the festive show’s fifth anniversary, the endearing characters of Ocean Park’s beloved panda twins Jia Jia and De De will join Clara and the Nutcracker Prince in an ethereal, snowy bamboo forest scene is inspired by the giant pandas' natural habitat, fusing art and nature conservation to reach a wider audience.
Webre shared, ‘The Nutcracker is a love letter to Hong Kong warmly infused with its history, culture, and natural beauty. This year, the panda characters bring a fresh burst of charm to the stage. Both The Nutcracker and the panda twins Jia Jia and De De are cherished icons of the city, and we are proud of this meaningful partnership that brings light and connection to Hong Kong people. Additionally, the well-known Star Ferry has carried countless passengers across the harbour for over 120 years, and its presence in the show will evoke many cherished memories.’
HKB Executive Director Heidi Lee said, ‘The Nutcracker’s fifth anniversary milestone represents not only HKB’s artistic achievement but also Hong Kong as an international cultural hub. This year, our collaboration with Ocean Park and the new Star Ferry set piece brings together two famous local symbols. Beyond art, our shared commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness lets audiences enjoy a beloved ballet alongside an important conservation message. Through this signature production, we aim to connect with both locals and visitors from around the world to experience Hong Kong’s distinctive charm.’
Hong Kong Ballet x Ocean Park Exclusive Offers
This season, Ocean Park Annual Members can enjoy exclusive ticket discounts# for The Nutcracker. HKB stores and Ocean Park in-park shops will also offer limited edition co-branded merchandise, including giant panda plush toys in ballet costumes and Panda Friends folders and badges. The Nutcracker audience members will receive a 10% discount on a single transaction of HK$300 or more at Ocean Park souvenir shops (including K11 Musea’s souvenir shop) by presenting their The Nutcracker ticket stubs†.
#Ocean Park Annual Member Exclusive: The Nutcracker Ticket Discounts:
- Family Package: Purchase at least one student ticket with the designated promo code to enjoy 50% off. Plus, other family members can receive 20% off standard tickets.
- Standard Tickets: Use the designated promo code to enjoy 15% off.
#†Terms and conditions apply.
The Nutcracker Exhibition at Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC)
This season, HKB has curated a special The Nutcracker exhibition for fans. The exciting exhibition shares the story behind the festive ballet and showcases its cultural references and creative process. In addition to a bespoke photo booth with the panda twins to capture memorable moments, guests can enjoy a unique art installation, ‘Eternal Relevé’, that celebrates ballet and sustainability. This dynamic piece, inspired by Michelangelo Pistoletto's ‘Third Paradise’, draws upon the Third Paradise’s core philosophy of a new equilibrium between the natural world and human creation. Created in collaboration with City University of Hong Kong’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences as part of the ‘FASHION TO RECONNECT: A Tale of Two Style Capitals’ project, the innovative exhibition can be experienced from now until 14 December 2025 at HKCC’s lobby.
The Nutcracker Enchanted Afternoon Tea Set at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
Step into a storybook holiday experience with The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, and delight in a curated selection of pastries and savory treats inspired by The Nutcracker that will make the festive season truly unforgettable. The afternoon tea set is available at Café 103 or The Lounge & Bar from now until 7 January 2026. Customers can enjoy 50% off student tickets and 15% off standard family package tickets for HKB’s The Nutcracker and Cinderella with a special URBTIX code.
Please visit the hotel e-shop for more information on themed afternoon tea.
Hong Kong Ballet
Henderson Land Proudly Presents The Nutcracker
Live Accompaniment
12-14*, 16-18^, 19-20*, 21^, 23^, 24 -25*, 26^.12.2025 7:30pm
13*, 20-21*, 25*, 26^.12.2025 2:30pm
14.12.2025 3:00pm*
Recorded Music
27.12.2025 2:30pm^ & 7:30pm^
28.12.2025 2:30pm^
*$1,200 (limited VIP tickets), $760, $560, $400, $260
^$1,000 (limited VIP tickets), $680, $480, $320, $180
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Tickets are available at URBTIX
The performance lasts approximately 2 hrs 5 mins, including one intermission
Ages 3 and above
Creative Team
Choreography: Septime Webre
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Set & Costume Design: Gabriela Tylesova
Associate Set & Costume Designer: Au Yu Kong
Associate Costume Designer: Joanne Chong
Lighting Design: Billy Chan
Sound Design: Anthony Yeung
Dramaturge: Yan Pat To
Shadow Puppet Video Design: Lo Wing
Live Accompaniment: Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Conductor: Fayçal Karoui
For further information, please contact:
Jerry Qiu | Communications & Programme Manager | T: 2105 9753 / 6879 6734 | [email protected]
Ruth Chung | Marketing and PR Manager | T: 2105 9716 / 9741 7319 | [email protected]
About Hong Kong Ballet
Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) is recognised internationally as a world-class institution that represents Hong Kong’s unique character. Since its inception in 1979, HKB has evolved into a vibrant performing arts organisation with a dynamic repertoire, forward-thinking community engagement initiatives and an emphasis on excellence.
Comprised of 50 dancers from all over the globe – Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and other parts of Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America, HKB has won recognition both regionally and internationally with celebrated re-stagings of the classics, neoclassical masterworks by George Balanchine and others and original ballets created for HKB and about Hong Kong.
Additionally, HKB performs works by its Artistic Director Septime Webre and some of today’s most sought-after choreographers, including Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor, Justin Peck, Jiří Kylian, Nacho Duato and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa as well as innovative new works by its Choreographer-in-Residence Hu Song Wei Ricky and numerous emerging Hong Kong choreographers.
HKB stands out as a dynamic Hong Kong cultural ambassador, sharing its unique repertoire and style with audiences in Europe, North America, Chinese Mainland and Asia. With over 50 international tours since its founding, this year HKB will have performed or presented immersive works in Macau, Venice, New York, London, Seoul and Shanghai. HKB maintains the Hong Kong Academy of Ballet, a professionally-oriented ballet school, as well as a full schedule of award-winning community programmes and crossover collaborations throughout Hong Kong to ensure ballet is accessible to all. HKB has also produced engaging original videos and dance films that have collectively garnered over 10 million views online, connecting with ballet lovers worldwide.
