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Mikhailovsky Theatre, St. Petersburg
This place is a big deal in St. Petersburg - it's a cultural icon with a ton of history and significance. You'll love exploring the city's past through its architecture and world-class performances. It's a must-visit if you're into history, culture, or just want to experience the city like a local.
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Our Top Pick for the Holiday Season: The Nutcracker Ballet for 80,000 Rubles - A Family Night Out to Remember
summarizeEditor's Summary
We're still on cloud nine after experiencing the breathtaking Nutcracker Ballet for 80,000 Rubles. It was a night to remember with the whole family, and we'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a special holiday treat. The grand theater, stunning costumes, and talented performers all came together to create an unforgettable experience. If you're looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday season, look no further than this incredible ballet.
settingsSpecifications
KararMükemmel
Mekan8/10
Hizmet9/10
Kalite9/10
Merry Christmas to all!
We managed to snag tickets to the most festive, magical, and kid-friendly ballet - The Nutcracker at the Mariinsky Theatre - with the whole family today.
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Tickets
We bought tickets three weeks in advance, as you can't get them at any price just before the show. They're all sold out! We bought them online on the Mariinsky Theatre's website.
We splurged on tickets for the Benua Loge #1 at a price of 20,000 rubles per ticket. The loge seats 4 people and is sold in pairs. We needed the whole loge for 5 people. My 4.5-year-old daughter sat on my lap, so she didn't need a separate seat.
The usual price for a loge ticket is lower, but due to the holidays and high demand, the price ended up being that high.
Buying the tickets was a breeze. The process was simple and intuitive.
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Seating
The Mariinsky Theatre is a historic theatre in St. Petersburg, founded in the 19th century, and it's located right in the city center on Arts Square. Even just visiting the theatre is a treat, especially with its stunning entrance that faces Arts Square.
The theatre itself is beautifully decorated, with a gold, cream, and terracotta orange color scheme that's perfect for the holiday season.
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Interior
The theatre is relatively small, not like the Mariinsky. There's a full house for every show, but there aren't that many people.
The cloakroom is divided into zones according to the tickets. The Benua sector is separate. The cloakroom is quite busy, but I managed to take a photo of it during the intermission when there were fewer people.
The theatre is beautifully and tastefully decorated, with a mix of gold, cream, and terracotta orange colors. The main colors of the theatre are gold, cream, and terracotta orange.
The hall is small, classical in form and decoration. There's gold, gilding, velvet, crystal everywhere. The historical atmosphere and ambiance are recreated perfectly.
This chandelier is stunning: huge, bright, crystal, just like in all those historic theaters.
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Loge #1 Benuara
We were seated in Loge #1 Benuara. It's on the right-hand side of the stage (if you're facing the stage) and it's designed for 4 seats.
We were a group of 5, including a 4-year-old kid. My daughter sat on my lap. We were all comfortable.
The loge has its own separate entrance, which gives access to Loge 1 and Loge A, which is bigger and designed for 8 seats.
To get into the loge, you're given a key card. No free entry.
Both Loge 1 and Loge A have their own toilets. That's super convenient, especially with kids. You don't have to leave and stand in line, which is a common problem in theaters.
The toilet is clean, and the style of the theater is maintained here.
The view from this loge is amazing. It's way better than Loge A and Loge #2, which are above the orchestra.
The view of the stage is unobstructed. The stage is right in front of you. It's the perfect spot for kids who want to see every detail of the stage and the orchestra.
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Intermission / Buffet
I'm sure everyone rushes to the buffet during intermission. If you want to grab a snack and take a break, make sure to book a table and order food beforehand. The buffet is super crowded, and there's a good chance you'll end up waiting in line the whole time.
The tables, food, and service are all top-notch.
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The Nutcracker Ballet
What can I say? We've been going to this ballet every year for the holidays, and it never gets old! It's the most kid-friendly, magical, and festive ballet out there.
Each theater and even different years have their own unique take on it, but the atmosphere of wonder and celebration is always there. Tchaikovsky's music and the simple, familiar storyline make it perfect for little kids. Our 4.5-year-old daughter even sat through the whole performance without any issues.
The decorations at the Mariinsky Theatre are always impressive and often change. The costumes are stunning too. It all adds to the energy of the ballet.
We had an amazing time and didn't even get tired, which is a miracle considering how exhausting outings with kids can be.
The Mariinsky Theatre's programs for The Nutcracker this year are fantastic. We'll definitely be studying them with our daughter.
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I highly recommend visiting the Mariinsky Theatre, especially for The Nutcracker. It's an experience that will stay with you forever!
The only downside is the price.
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Other St. Petersburg Attractions I Recommend:
Planetarium #1
I've spent the last few weeks exploring some of the top attractions in St. Petersburg, and I've gotta say, these places are absolute must-sees.
A visit to the colonnade of St Isaac's Cathedral
St Isaac's Cathedral, St Petersburg
The Gostiny Dvor, St Petersburg
Smolenskoe Orthodox Cemetery, St Petersburg
The State Museum of the History of St Petersburg, Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad
The park near SKA Arena, St Petersburg
Vokzal 1853, St Petersburg
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the story behind the Nutcracker Ballet?
The Nutcracker Ballet is a classic tale of a young girl's Christmas Eve adventure, where she receives a magical nutcracker doll that comes to life and takes her on a thrilling journey.
What's the best way to book tickets?
We recommend booking tickets well in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly. You can purchase tickets online or in person at the theater.
Is the Nutcracker Ballet suitable for young children?
Yes, the Nutcracker Ballet is a great way to introduce kids to the magic of ballet, with a story that's both fun and educational.
What's the dress code for the Nutcracker Ballet?
The dress code is formal, so we recommend dressing up in your finest attire for a night out on the town.
Can I return or exchange my tickets?
Yes, you can return or exchange your tickets up to 24 hours in advance, but be sure to check with the theater for their specific policies.
What's the best way to get to the theater?
The theater is easily accessible by public transportation, and there are also plenty of parking options available nearby.
check_circlePros
- •The Nutcracker Ballet is a must-see event that's sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
- •The grand theater is a beautiful setting for this classic ballet, with stunning architecture and excellent acoustics.
- •The costumes and sets are truly breathtaking, with intricate details and vibrant colors that transport you to a magical world.
- •The talented performers bring the story to life with their impressive dancing and acting skills.
- •The Nutcracker Ballet is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, with a story that's both timeless and timely.
cancelCons
- •The 80,000 Ruble price tag may be steep for some budgets, but trust us, it's worth every penny.
- •Some of the seats may have limited visibility, so be sure to choose wisely when booking your tickets.
- •The show can be a bit long, so be prepared for a two-hour commitment.
- •The theater can get quite crowded, so plan ahead and arrive early to secure your spot.
- •The Nutcracker Ballet may not be to everyone's taste, but it's definitely a unique and memorable experience.
