“The Nutcracker” is a timeless holiday tradition! Whether it’s your child’s first “Nutcracker” performance or an annual family outing, we’ve collected the best performances happening in Chicago and the suburbs.
Read on below for our full list to find a show perfect for your whole family in your area.
Updated Nov. 14, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Chicago Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.
Nutcracker near me in Chicago
The Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 5-28, 2025
- Address: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $63-plus
Journey to Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair with Christopher Wheeldon’s holiday masterpiece. Magic is on the horizon for young Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the iconic Statue of the Republic. As they prepare for their annual holiday celebration, a visit from the charming but mysterious Great Impresario sets off a Christmas Eve dream of whirlwind romance and adventure.
Ruth Page Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 6-7, 2025
- Address: Center for Performing Arts Theater, One University Parkway, University Park
- Cost: $20-plus, $20/students and children
See Chicago’s longest-running “Nutcracker” featuring original choreography by Ruth Page. Exquisite dancing, stunning costumes and magical settings in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets, “The Nutcracker” promises holiday joy for children of all ages.
“The Art Deco Nutcracker”
Dec. 6, 2025
- Address: The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $22-plus
Set in 1920s America, Kremnev’s “The Art Deco Nutcracker,” featuring Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, is a fresh, yet traditional take on the holiday favorite with costume and set design inspired by the unique sophistication of the Art Deco era.
Ballet Chicago’s: “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 12-14, 2025
- Address: Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $20-plus
All ages can enjoy seeing Ballet Chicago’s performance of “The Nutcracker” at Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture. This performance takes the audience 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.
Nutcracker near me in the north/northwest suburbs
“The Nutcracker”
Dec. 4-7, 11-14, 2025
- Address: Prairie Center for the Arts, 210 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg
- Cost: $35-$45
Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s vibrantly costumed and staged production of Tchaikovsky’s magical holiday ballet has enchanted audiences of all ages for nearly a quarter of a century. “The Nutcracker” brings to life a fantasy world of dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers and battling mice.
Salt Creek Ballet: “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 5-6, 2025
- Address: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
- Cost: $28-plus
This magical full-scale production at the MAC features more than 50 dancers, including guest artists. You will see this magnificent ballet performed to live music.
“Duke It Out Nutcracker”
Dec. 6, 2025
- Address: Nichols Concert Hall, Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston
- Cost: $20
This “Nutcracker” performance, curated by Dance Chicago, pairs the classical (Tchaikovsky) and jazz (Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn) versions of the holiday favorite, performed by professional brass and woodwind quintets.
“NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet”
Dec. 7, 2025
- Address: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $50-plus
This “Nutcracker” performance features jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger than life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.
North Shore School of Dance: “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 13-14, 2025
- Address: Lake Forest Academy, 1500 W. Kennedy Road, Lake Forest
- Cost: $30
The story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they fight the Mice King and journey through the snow to the Land of Sweets, told by ballet dancers. A portion of the proceeds are donated to organizations and charity groups.
Nutcracker near me in the south suburbs
“Beyond the Nutcracker” by School of Ballet 5:8
Dec. 6-14, 2025
- Address: Lincoln-Way North, 19900 South Harlem Ave., Frankfort
- Cost: $21-$58
“Beyond the Nutcracker” features over 300 students alongside the Ballet 5:8 Second Company. There will be three performances.
Nutcracker near me in the western suburbs
Salt Creek Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
Nov. 29-Nov. 30, 2025
- Address: Hinsdale Central Auditorium, 5500 S. Grant St., Hinsdale
- Cost: $48 plus
Enjoy a special presentation of “The Nutcracker,” including many celebrated guest artists. The Saturday performances will have Santa available for pictures. Sunday’s performance also includes special admission to the Sugar Plum Party. Also, the Nutcracker Boutique will have themed holiday décor and ornaments.
Salt Creek Ballet: “The Nutcracker” with New Philharmonic
Dec. 19-21, 2025
- Address: McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
- Cost:$47/adult, $37/youth
See Salt Creek Ballet’s performance as it marches back onto the North Shore Center stage with an affordable full-length holiday production. It will be performed by a professional company with exceptional guest soloists.
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