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30 Performances of The Nutcracker Ballet for Kids in Chicago

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.
11/10/23 - By Maureen Wilkey

Taking kids to The Nutcracker Chicago this holiday season? We have a list of 30 performances of The Nutcracker in the Chicago area.

Do you have little ballerinas or danseurs with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads? Then it might be time to 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, but the show usually runs around two hours with one intermission. You can pick from some unique ways to experience The Nutcracker, including The Immersive Nutcracker Chicago at the Lighthouse Art Space, Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker at Indian Boundary Park, or The Nutcracker on Ice in Woodridge.

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

"The Nutcracker" performed by Salt Creek Ballet at Hinsdale Central. Photo courtesy of Salt Creek Ballet

Where to See The Nutcracker Near Chicago in November 2023

The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago

October 24, 2023- December 31, 2023—Old Town
Step into the enchanting world of The Immersive Nutcracker, A Winter Miracle, where cutting-edge technology meets the artistry of ballet dancers. This mesmerizing 30-minute immersive experience, set to Tchailkovsky’s music, weaves the classic tale of Marie and her toy nutcracker. Join them, on their magical adventure through the Land of Sweets, brought to life by renowned ballet dancers and innovative projection mapping technology.  READ MORE

LIMITED AVAILABILITY Hinsdale Dance Academy's The Nutcracker

Friday, November 17, 2023- Sunday, November 19, 2023—Wheaton
Professional dancers and Hinsdale Dance Academy students come together to perform this holiday classic ballet. The show includes enchanting sets and original choreography. The dancers will perform one show on Friday and Saturday and two shows on Saturday and Sunday at the Kuhn Cultural Arts Center in Wheaton. READ MORE

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents The Nutcracker

November 24, 2023—Downtown
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 Fox Valley Nutcracker

November 25- 26, 2023—Batavia
This traditional holiday ballet features local dance students along with professional dancers in a beloved holiday classic. It features lavish sets, festive costumes, beautiful dancing, and Tchaikovsky's score. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at Hinsdale Central

November 25-26, 2023—Hinsdale
Salt Creek Ballet performs the holiday classic The Nutcracker at various locations throughout the Chicago area, including  in both matinee and evening shows at Hinsdale Central. The ballet takes audiences on a journey through 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

Chicago Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker

November 26, 2023—Joliet
The Christmas ballet classic features lavish sets and costumes at the Rialto Theater. The show is choregraphed by Kenneth von Heidecke and takes kids on a fairytale journey with the Sugar Plum Fairy. READ MORE
Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the event.
Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the event.

Places to See The Nutcracker Near Chicago in December 2023

Schaumburg Dance Ensemble's The Nutcracker

November 30, 2023-December 2, 2023 and December 8-10, 2023—Schaumburg
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 27th annual production features a large cast of professional and student dancers. READ MORE

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

December 1-2, 2023—Skokie
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

Barrington Dance Ensemble Presents The Nutcracker

December 1-3, 2023—Barrington
Barrington Dance Ensemble performs the holiday classic The Nutcracker at Barrington High School in four performances throughout the first weekend of December. The Nutcracker tells the timeless tale of Clara’s magical journey into the Land of Sweets. The production will feature professional guest artists, BDE company members, and over 100 local performers. READ MORE

Ruth Page's "The Nutcracker"

Saturdays and Sundays, December 2-17, 2023—North Park
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

Thursdays through Sundays, December 2-27, 2023—Downtown
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. READ MORE

The Art Deco Nutcracker

December 2, 2023—Lakeview
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

December 3, 2023—Rosemont
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

Ballet Legere's The Nutcracker

December 3-4—Forest Park
Local ballet students and internationally renowned ballet stars perform in this classic holiday ballet at Dominican University.Featured guest artists have hailed from ABT, New York City Ballet, St. Louis Ballet, The Boston Ballet, and The Kirov Ballet, among others. READ MORE

Elsie Flagg Academy of Dance Presents: The Naperville Nutcracker

December 7-10, 2023—Naperville
Elsie Flagg Academy of Dance celebrates the holiday season with a production of The Nutcracker. The show features the music of Tchaikovsky, beautiful costumes, a gorgeous set, and impressive dancing. READ MORE

The Nutcracker by West Suburban Ballet Conservatory at The Community House

December 8, 2023—Hinsdale
West Suburban Ballet Conservatory presents its annual production of the Nutcracker at Hinsdale's Community House. Join Marie and the Nutcracker Prince as they travel through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Santa will be on hand for a meet and greet after the show. READ MORE

Hyde Park School of Dance Presents The Nutcracker 2023 Live at Mandel Hall

December 8-10, 2023—Hyde Park
Welcome to Hyde Park School of Dance's annual production of The Nutcracker. The School's faculty, cast members and invaluable army of volunteers have all been hard at work, preparing for this season's show.  READ MORE

Ballet Chicago The Nutcracker at the Athenaeum Center

December 8-10, 2023—Lakeview
Share the magic of the holidays at Ballet Chicago's annual production of The Nutcracker. 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

The Magic of the Nutcracker at Libertyville High School

December 9-10, 2023—Libertyville
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

December 9, 2023—Evanston
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

Ballet Makkai Nutcracker

December 9-10, 2023—Lake Forest
The Ballet Makkai Youth Company and students from the Irina Makkai Classical Ballet School perform The Nutcracker. Travel with Clara as she receives a gift at a party, battles giant mice, and visits a winter wonderland and a world of sweets. READ MORE

Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker at Indian Boundary Park

December 16, 2023—West Ridge
Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker is back! Wear your ballet slippers and costumes and join the dancers on stage at this interactive presentation of the holiday classic. READ MORE

SOLD OUT The Nutcracker Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at The Mac

December 16-17, 2023—Glen Ellyn
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 16 and 17 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

Beyond the Nutcracker by School of Ballet 5:8

December 16-17, 2023—Frankfort
Chicago’s South Suburbs’ favorite Nutcracker is back! Beyond the Nutcracker by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager featuring dancers from the School of Ballet 5:8 and guest artists from Ballet 5:8 will be presented at Lincoln-Way East High School for three performances. READ MORE

Nutcracker on Ice

December 16-17, 2023—Woodridge
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

December 12-17, 2023—Downtown
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

December 15-17, 2023—Downtown
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

Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker

December 19-31, 2023—Downtown
This jazz-themed version of The Nutcracker tells the story of the daughter of a high-society Black Manhattan family and her fantastic dream world in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem. Set in the 1930s to the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, this unique play encourages kids to find what makes them different. READ MORE

The Magic of the Nutcracker at the Genesee Theater

December 21-22, 2023—Waukegan
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

The Nutcracker by West Suburban Ballet Conservatory at Hinsdale South High School

December 22-23, 2023—Darien
West Suburban Ballet Conservatory presents its annual production of the Nutcracker at Hinsdale South High School. Join Marie and the Nutcracker Prince as they travel through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago
Batavia Fine Arts Centre
Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts
Northshore Center for the Performing Arts
Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium
Dominican University Performing Arts Center
Mandel Hall, University of Chicago
Seven Bridges Ice Arena
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University