One of the most exhilarating divertissements in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® is Candy Cane, performed here by Principal Dancer Daniel Ulbricht and students from the School of American Ballet. Join in on the fun this year. Performances run NOV 29 – JAN 5: nycballet.com/nutcracker | New York City Ballet

Nothing screams “holiday season” quite like the music that accompanies the Candy Cane divertissement. Heard seemingly everywhere during the festive season, from in-store music to TV commercials, this section of Tschaikovsky’s score has a life well beyond the stage. New York City Ballet Orchestra Musicians cellist Hannah Holman talks about this oh-so-joyful music: "Candy Cane! What could be more iconic? When you hear just the first measures of Candy Cane, you recognize it — you know it's Christma

The energetic Candy Cane divertissement, with its flying leaps and jingling bells, brought a healthy helping of candy-coated delight to the Land of Sweets at our opening night performance. Indulge your sweet tooth at George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®, now through JAN 5. Tickets at nycballet.com/nutcracker. | New York City Ballet