My First Maryland Nutcracker
Sunday, December 20 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
| $10 – $30My First Maryland Nutcracker!
Come Explore this beautiful, holiday tradition …with a Maryland twist!
Back by popular demand, My First Maryland Nutcracker is a ballet adventure for all ages! Featuring the company of Carroll County’s own Ballet Embody, this event is the perfect way for families and friends of all ages to experience the joy of this holiday tradition in a 50-min, Old Bay sprinkled, bit-size treat! Perfect for ages 6 and under.
Join us for an unforgettable day of music & dance!
$5 Group Photo-Op!
Come Meet-and-Greet with the stars of the show! Following the performance, ticket holders will be welcomed onstage and will have an opportunity to take pictures alongside their favorite Maryland Nutcracker character! Only 1 ticket required per group or family. Volunteers will be available to assist with taking pictures on patron devices. A professional photographer will not be provided.
“A creative and heartfelt Maryland twist on a holiday classic.” – A Viewer Like You!
Ballet Embody
Ballet Embody is Maryland’s premiere contemporary ballet company located in Carroll County. Co-founded in 2019 by Emily Runkle and Melissa Lineburg, Ballet Embody produces original classical and contemporary works.
Enjoy our full Concessions Stand including candy, sodas, fresh popcorn and local beer and wine from Pipe the Side Brewery and City Park Gaming and Brew Room.
Our Holiday Traditions continue with great Family Events!
View all of our upcoming programming here.
18th Annual Gallery of Gifts | November 20 through December 21
29th Annual Festival of Wreaths | November 27 through December 6, 2026 – 12 pm to 7 pm Daily
The Santa Clause | FREE Family Movie | Saturday, November 28, 2026 – 3:00 pm
Motown and More ~ A Holiday Celebration | Sunday, December 6, 2026 – 4:00 pm
A Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas | Saturday, December 12, 2026 – 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Walt Michael & Co ~ A Fiddlin’ Christmas | Saturday, December 19, 2026 – 7:30 pm
My First Maryland Nutcracker | Sunday, December 20, 2026 – 2:00 pm
Learn about our new Tiered Ticket Pricing
The Carroll County Arts Council is excited to introduce a NEW ticketing model that gives patrons a direct opportunity to support the arts in the ways that matter most to them.
Beginning with this year, Arts Council-produced live performances will utilize a new tiered pricing structure designed to provide consistent, predictable, and flexible pricing while creating meaningful opportunities for community investment.
Whether you choose the Access, Support, or Sustain level, every ticket grants admission to the same great performance! The difference is how you choose to participate in strengthening the arts in Carroll County.
Your investment is transformed directly into:
- Youth Access to the Arts
- Artist Sustainability
- Community Gathering & Connection
- Cultural Infrastructure
Together, these investments help ensure that the arts remain accessible, vibrant, and impactful for current and future generations throughout Carroll County!
YOUTH ACCESS Ticket Level – $10
Experience the arts and build a lifelong connection to creativity.
The Youth Access Ticket reflects the Arts Council’s commitment to ensuring that young people have opportunities to experience arts and cultural programming. Available for most Arts Council-produced live performances to youth ages 18 and under, this level makes it easier for families, educators, mentors, and artists to introduce young people to live arts experiences and encourage a lasting connection to creativity.
ACCESS Ticket Level – $20
Experience the arts and be part of the moment.
The Access Ticket is designed to ensure that everyone can take part in live arts experiences. This level supports the core production of the event and helps make high-quality programming accessible to the community.
SUPPORT Ticket Level – $25
Support the artists and strengthen the experience.
The Support Ticket goes beyond attendance—it helps sustain the artists and creative professionals who make the work possible. Your support contributes to fair compensation and ensures that we can continue presenting high-quality performances for the community.
SUSTAIN Ticket Level – Pay What You Will Starting at $30
Champion the arts and power what comes next.
The Sustain Ticket is an investment in the future of the arts in Carroll County. In addition to supporting tonight’s performance and the artists on stage, you are helping expand youth access to the arts, support local artist sustainability, cultivate community gathering opportunities, and strengthen our county’s cultural infrastructure.
