The Nutcracker Soirée at ette hotel: Afternoon Tea and Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Some holiday traditions are worth building a whole day around. This season, ette hotel and Orlando Ballet are doing exactly that with The Nutcracker Soirée, a package that pairs a festive afternoon tea with an evening at the ballet. If you have been looking for a new way to celebrate the holidays in Orlando, this one is easy to love.
What Is The Nutcracker Soirée?
ette, a luxury MICHELIN Key hotel located minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort, has announced an official partnership with Orlando Ballet, Central Florida’s only professional ballet company. Together, they created The Nutcracker Soirée, a curated experience that brings together two of Orlando’s quintessential holiday traditions.
The idea is simple. Spend the afternoon at ette enjoying a Nutcracker-inspired tea, then head to the theater for an evening performance of Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker, presented by Orlando Health.
The Nutcracker Holiday Tea at Salt & The Cellar
The afternoon begins at Salt & The Cellar, the on-site restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back. For the holiday season, ette has created the Nutcracker Holiday Tea, a seasonal take on its signature afternoon tea tradition.
The tea features a presentation of traditional tea sandwiches, scones and intricately designed pastries. It was designed to capture the enchantment of the season and bring the artistry and elegance of The Nutcracker into an intimate setting. If your family loves a little pageantry with the holidays, this is a lovely way to ease into the day before the curtain rises.
An Evening at Steinmetz Hall
After tea, the story moves to the stage. Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker takes place at Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from December 4 to 27. Audiences follow Clara on her magical holiday journey through dazzling sets, breathtaking choreography and timeless seasonal traditions.
Jorden Morris, Artistic Director of Orlando Ballet, shared why this production resonates with so many people: “For many families, The Nutcracker is more than a performance; it’s a cherished holiday tradition.” He added that sharing tea before the performance “adds another memorable chapter” to the adventure.
What’s Included in the Package
The Nutcracker Soirée includes:
- The Nutcracker Holiday Tea at ette hotel
- A premium ticket to the selected performance at Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- An Orlando Ballet poster autographed by Company Dancers
Available dates: December 5, 12, 19, 20 and 26
Price: $165 per guest
The autographed poster is a nice keepsake, especially if you are celebrating with a young dancer or first-time ballet-goer.
Who Will Love This Experience?
A few ideas for making the most of it:
- Families building a new tradition. Tea and The Nutcracker make a memorable pairing for generations to enjoy together.
- Ballet fans. A premium ticket and a signed poster make this a treat for longtime supporters of the art form.
- Gift givers. An experience can be a more meaningful present than another box under the tree.
- Visitors to the area. If you are already planning a holiday trip near Walt Disney World® Resort, this is a refined way to add some local culture to your itinerary.
About ette hotel
ette is a luxury boutique property just steps from the gates of Walt Disney World® Resort. The name stands for earthy, true, timeless and elegant, and the hotel aims to give guests a calm retreat in an area known for theme park energy. Amenities include a spa, a resort-style pool, a technologically advanced fitness center and a one-of-a-kind laundry museum. Rooms feature Le Labo shampoo and conditioner, Italian Frette linens and towels, Nespresso coffee and Compartes’ handcrafted gourmet chocolate.
The LIPA open-air rooftop lounge offers panoramic views of the nightly Walt Disney World® Resort fireworks. ette was awarded a MICHELIN Key in 2024, 2025 and 2026, and is a proud member of Preferred Resorts and Hotels.
Alex Ekbatani, President and Owner of ette hotel, said the partnership gives guests “a new way to celebrate the season through exceptional hospitality, culinary detail and the timeless artistry of ballet.”
About Orlando Ballet
Founded in 1974, Orlando Ballet produces year-round main stage productions at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre. The company also supports dance education through community programs, the Orlando Ballet School and Orlando Ballet II, a pre-professional company for emerging dancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Nutcracker Soirée?
It is a package from ette hotel and Orlando Ballet that pairs the Nutcracker Holiday Tea with a premium ticket to Orlando Ballet’s The Nutcracker.
How much does it cost?
The package is $165 per guest.
Which dates are available?
December 5, 12, 19, 20 and 26.
Where is the performance?
At Steinmetz Hall, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando.
Where is the tea served?
At Salt & The Cellar by Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back, inside ette hotel.
Plan Your Holiday Outing
Dates for The Nutcracker Soirée are limited, so it is worth planning early. To learn more or book your stay, visit ette hotel. To explore the production and the company behind it, visit Orlando Ballet.
An afternoon of tea, an evening of ballet and a story that has delighted families for generations: that is a holiday plan worth saving a date for.
