Orchestra
The main floor, closest to the stage — a direct, immersive view of the dancers, ideal when you want to be near the action.
Six seating sections, from the Orchestra floor to the Fourth Ring — each with its own balance of proximity, view, and price.
The main floor, closest to the stage — a direct, immersive view of the dancers, ideal when you want to be near the action.
Just behind the main Orchestra, still close to the stage — great views at a more affordable price.
The first elevated level, with a wider perspective of the stage and excellent sightlines. A premium section — often considered the best seat in the house for ballet.
Above the First Ring — a good balance of affordability and view, with clear sightlines and mid-range pricing.
Higher up, with a more distant but complete view of the stage — and sound that carries beautifully to the top of the house.
The highest section and the most budget-friendly way in. Farthest from the stage, but the theater’s acoustics ensure an enjoyable experience.
Getting there, getting seated, and what to know before the curtain rises.
Take the 1 train to 66th St–Lincoln Center, steps from the plaza. Paid parking is available in garages around Lincoln Center.
Late seating is held until a suitable break in the performance — arrive after curtain and you may miss the opening. Plan to arrive early.
There’s no strict code — clothing appropriate for a professional setting is a good guide. Many patrons dress up for evening performances.
Wheelchair seating and assistive-listening devices are available. Let us know when you order and we’ll help arrange the right seats.
A drink on the Promenade, dinner in Lincoln Square.
The Koch’s sweeping Promenade — the grand foyer facing the plaza — pours wine, coffee, and cocktails before the performance and at intermission, with bars on the ring levels as well. For a sit-down dinner, Lincoln Square’s restaurants are a short walk from the theater.
20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
Home of New York City Ballet.
The David H. Koch Theater opened in 1964 at Lincoln Center, designed by Philip Johnson — originally the New York State Theater, renamed in 2008. Its travertine facade frames the south side of the plaza, and inside, four rings rise above one of the great stages for dance.
This is where George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet performs — Balanchine and Robbins classics alongside new choreography. And every holiday season, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker turns the stage into the Stahlbaum family’s Christmas Eve: a New York tradition since 1954.
What to expect, and how you’ll receive them.
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker fills the house from late November through the New Year — the most in-demand weeks of the season.
Winter and spring bring Balanchine classics, story ballets, and new works. Weekend matinees are often the easiest way in.
E-tickets arrive by email or mobile. For security, every order is reviewed for fraud and delivery may be delayed until the day before the event — tickets are 100% guaranteed to arrive before curtain, or a full refund is issued.
Talk with a ticket specialist about dates, sections, or ordering.
The delivery method appears on each ticket listing and again on the first page of checkout.
Different listings for the same event may offer different methods.
Email delivery
Mobile e-tickets
Print at home
Shipping
Will Call pickup
All purchases are automatically reviewed for potential fraud. To help prevent unauthorized transactions, delivery may be delayed until the day before the event.
You may receive a mobile message asking the cardholder to verify the email address associated with the purchase.
Purchases are monitored so patrons receive their tickets in time for the event.
The name on the order should match the payment card.
Your address, email, and phone number should also match the card details.
Watch for a mobile message asking you to confirm the email address associated with the purchase. Mismatched details can lead to cancellation and non-delivery.