2024 Nutcrackers

Holiday time is Nutcracker time! We've rounded up Chicago's best Nutcrackers for the 2024 Holidays. The Nutcracker is one of the world's most beloved ballets, and quite often the first ballet experience for children. You'll find a variety of Nutcrackers to choose from, from the classic renditions to more modern takes like Art Deco and Hip Hop. Find your perfect Nutcracker below, with this rundown of options in order of start date. Get your tickets now before they're sold out!


A&A Ballet presents The Art Deco Nutcracker

The Fox Valley Nutcracker
November 9-December 1
Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1250 W Wilson St., Batavia
Fox Valley Ballet is very proud to present The Fox Valley Nutcracker, a Fox Valley holiday tradition that showcases students and families from local dance studios alongside professional dancers, in the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker. Featuring beautiful dance, lavish sets, festive costumes, and Tchaikovsky's magical score. Learn more.

Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 1
Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago Street, Joliet
This holiday favorite fairytale ballet is perfect for the entire family. The magical production features lavish costumes, exquisite sets, including a Christmas tree that grows before your eyes, and sensational choreography. Journey through the land of whirling snowflakes and visit the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is one holiday tradition you won’t want to miss. Learn more.

Schaumburg Dance Ensemble's The Nutcracker
December 5-15
Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct., Schaumburg
A seasonal favorite, Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet follows courageous young Clara on her journey through an enchanted land of dancing snowflakes to the court of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where she discovers twirling marzipan, waltzing flowers, and leaping bonbons. Complete with live narration, exquisite costumes, beautiful choreography, and a cast of over 100, Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s Nutcracker is a joyful holiday tradition that’s not to be missed! Learn more.

Salt Creek Ballet presents "The Nutcracker"
November 30-December 1 at Hinsdale Central Auditorium, 9501 Skokie Blvd, 5500 S Grant St, Hinsdale
December 6-7 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie
For a holiday production that first delighted audiences way back in 1892, Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker demonstrates how to make this historic ballet and holiday tradition just as accessible and relevant today. The Nutcracker is the perfect way to introduce young children to the power and beauty of classical dance.

Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker
December 6-28
Lyric Opera House, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago
Wheeldon's American tale of an immigrant family during the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, and opens as young Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the Fair's iconic Statue of the Republic, host a festive Christmas Eve celebration. After a surprise visit from the creator of the Fair, the mysterious Great Impresario, Marie embarks on a whirlwind adventure with the Nutcracker Prince through a dreamlike World's Fair. Pricing and availability vary by performance.Learn more.

A&A Ballet presents The Art Deco Nutcracker
December 7
Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
Start the holidays off with a unique experience and take on the classic Nutcracker. Children will love the fantastical costumes and choreography of the acclaimed choreographer Alexei Kremnev. The vibrant "roaring" era costumes and stunning choreography offers a new approach to the beloved story with the historic Tchaikovsky score known around the world. Learn more.

M3 Dance's The Nutcracker
December 7-8
M3 Dance brings our community together through this iconic Christmas Story. Come see twirling Snowflakes, tumbling Candy Canes, the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy and more dance across the stage! Learn more.

Ruth Page's The Nutcracker
December 7-8 at Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium, 3701 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago
December 16-17 at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park
Relive the magic of this beloved classic first brought to life at Chicago’s iconic Arie Crown Theater from 1965 until 1997. You will be transported to a world of enchantment as the Ruth Page original full-length production is recreated at Governors State University. The production features Clara, her magician godfather, a charming prince, the captivating clash between toy soldiers and mice, and a breathtaking display of dancing Snowflakes in a lush forest glade. Learn more.

Duke It Out Nutcracker
December 9
Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston
This unique Nutcracker production pits the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of the holiday favorite in a side-by-side showdown. Curated by Dance Chicago, the program features members of Braeburn Brass and Music Institute of Chicago ensemble-in-residence Quintet Attacca. The performance is family-friendly 60 minutes. Learn more.

Ballet Chicago’s The Nutcracker
December 13-15
Through its inspiring story, beautiful music and charming choreography, The Nutcracker is a celebration of the joyous holiday season. The Nutcracker takes us on an unforgettable journey with young Marie as she travels from her home on Christmas Eve to the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of the Sweets, featuring George Balanchine's Sugar Plum Fairy Pas de Deux. Learn more.

The Magic of the Nutcracker presented by Dancenter North
December 19-20 at Genesee Theatre, 203 North Genesee St., Waukegan
Dancenter North's The Magic of the Nutcracker is the largest, most lavish production in Lake County! Featuring over 100 performers, elaborate sets, graceful dancers and Tchaikovsky's beautiful score, this 36th anniversary performance will delight audience members both young and old. Learn more.