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The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago

The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
11/10/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Taking kids to The Nutcracker Chicago this holiday season? We have a list of our 15 favorite performances of The Nutcracker in Chicago.

Pirouette to a production of The Nutcracker Ballet near Chicago this holiday season. Presented by students and professionals all across Chicagoland, the holiday classic of The Nutcracker Ballet tells the story of a little girl who dreams that her toy nutcracker comes to life.

Ballet companies and schools throughout the world each have their own twist on the story. Keep it classic with The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker or pick from unique performances, including Hip Hop Nutcracker, Duke It Out Nutcracker, or The Nutcracker on Ice.

Looking for more to do this holiday season in Chicago? Check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families.

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents The Nutcracker. Event photo courtesy of the Harris Theatre.
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents The Nutcracker. Event photo courtesy of the Harris Theatre.

Where to See The Nutcracker Near Chicago in November 2024

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents The Nutcracker

Best International Dancers
Downtown
Thursday, November 14
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine's 55 performers will perform The Nutcracker, the  fairytale that follows a young girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, and an army of mice, for audiences at The Harris Theater.  The troupe is recognized as one of Ukraine's most prestigious classical ballet institutions. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at Hinsdale Central

Best After-Show Party
Hinsdale
Saturday, November 30- Sunday, December 1
Salt Creek Ballet performs the holiday classic The Nutcracker at locations throughout Chicago, including matinee and evening shows at Hinsdale Central. The ballet takes audiences through a world of toys that come alive, dancing snowflakes, and waltzing flowers. Kids can enjoy a Sugar Plum Party after the Sunday show, giving them a chance to step onstage, meet the cast, and enjoy refreshments in the winter wonderland. READ MORE

Beyond the Nutcracker by School of Ballet 5:8

Sensory friendly
Orland Park
Saturday, November 16
Chicago’s South Suburbs’ favorite Nutcracker is back! Beyond the Nutcracker features a one-hour sensory friendly performance and tea party where kids can clap and dance along as they wish. Enjoy lower intensity music, and sip on tea or munch on snacks along with the show. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of The Art Deco Nutcracker
Photo courtesy of The Art Deco Nutcracker

Places to See The Nutcracker Near Chicago in December 2024

Schaumburg Dance Ensemble's The Nutcracker

Lots of performances to choose from
Schaumburg
Thursdays through Sundays, December 5-15
Follow Clara on her journey through a dreamland of dueling mice, waltzing flowers, and dancing snowflakes in this narrated version of The Nutcracker. Schaumburg Dance Ensemble's 29th annual production features a large cast of professional and student dancers. READ MORE

Salt Creek Ballet's "The Nutcracker" at Northshore Performing Arts Center

Best of the North Shore
Skokie
Friday, December 6- Saturday, December 7
A tradition since 1892, this is a full-length production in the grand Russian style. Affordable for families, the show includes Tchaikovsky’s enchanting musical score, new sets and costumes, and internationally recognized guest dancers. READ MORE

Ruth Page's "The Nutcracker"

Best local production
Grayslake
December 21-22
Ruth Page is an icon in Chicago dance history. Bring your family to see this version of the Nutcracker choreographed by Ruth Page herself. International guest artists, as well as an elite company, bring you this beloved holiday tradition in its original full-length staging. Watch the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets come to life through dancing, costumes, and magical settings. READ MORE

The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker

Chicago classic, set in Chicago
Downtown
Thursdays through Sundays, December 6-28
The Joffrey Ballet presents its annual production of The Nutcracker. This classic ballet has been reimagined for a modern audience and set in Chicago at the 1893 World's Fair, where Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the fair’s iconic Statue of the Republic, partake in a festive celebration with a surprise visit from the mysterious Great Impresario. READ MORE

The Art Deco Nutcracker

Best costumes
Lakeview
Saturday, December 7
Rooted in the historic production, A&A Ballet's Art Deco Nutcracker is a forward-looking version of the classic Christmas ballet. It includes glitzy costumes and new choreography. A 2 p.m. matinee and a 7 p.m. showing are available. READ MORE

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

Puppets and acrobats!
Rosemont
Sunday, December 8
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is on its 30th anniversary tour, stopping at the Rosemont Theatre on December 3 for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. shows. Relive the holiday classic with puppets, acrobatics, and dazzling costumes. The show features an international cast including members from Ukraine, Tokyo, Italy, Russia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Germany and more. READ MORE

The Magic of the Nutcracker at Libertyville High School

Shortened performance for little kids
Libertyville
December 13-15
Dancenter North presents Lake County's largest production of The Nutcracker for families. Featuring more than 100 dancers, this show features elaborate sets, graceful dancers, and Tchaikovsky's score. READ MORE

Duke It Out! Nutcracker

Jazz version
Evanston
Saturday, December 7
The Music Institute of Chicago brings back a holiday tradition with “Duke It Out!,” featuring the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of The Nutcracker in a music and dance performance.  READ MORE

The Nutcracker Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at The Mac

Mommy Poppins will be here
Glen Ellyn
December 14-15
Salt Creek Ballet performs the holiday classic The Nutcracker at various locations throughout the Chicago area, including the McAninch Center at the College of DuPage on December 14 and 15 in both matinee and evening shows. The show's set includes a magic Christmas tree that grows to 60 feet tall and 125 beautiful costumes will be worn by internationally recognized dancers.  READ MORE

Nutcracker on Ice

Ice skating
Woodridge
December 14-15
Creative Ice Theatre presents the holiday classic ballet The Nutcracker at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge. The show includes skaters of many different ages and tells the classic story of Clara and the Nutcracker, featuring dances from the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Land of Sweets. READ MORE

Hip Hop Nutcracker

Hip hop version
Downtown
December 10-15
The Hip Hop Nutcracker combines Tchaikovsky's score with hip hop dance for a unique experience that appeals to the whole family. The cast features dozens of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. READ MORE

Ballet Chicago The Nutcracker at the Harris Theater

Closest to Christmas!
Downtown
December 20-22
Share the magic of the holidays at Ballet Chicago's annual production of The Nutcracker.  The ballet travels to the Harris Theater in honor of its 20th anniversary. The show follows Marie as she travels to the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets. It features George Balanchine's Sugar Plum Fairy Pas De Deux.  READ MORE

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