Fun Facts About the Nutcracker Ballet (credit: Salt Creek Ballet)
- The Nutcracker celebrated its 133rd Anniversary in 2025 having first been performed on December 18th, 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.
- The first full-length performance of The Nutcracker in the United States was in 1944 by the San Francisco Opera Ballet.
- Composer Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky used the newly invented celesta as the instrument featured in the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
- In Germany, it is believed that a nutcracker brings protection and good luck, therefore it became a popular children’s gift during Christmas.
CHICAGO
The Art Deco Nutcracker
The Athenaeum - Dec. 6
Set in 1920s America, Alexei Kremnev’s one-of-a-kind “The Art Deco Nutcracker,” featuring Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, is a fresh, yet traditional take on the beloved holiday favorite with costume and set design inspired by the unique sophistication of the Art Deco era.
Ballet Chicago’s The Nutcracker
The Athenaeum - Dec. 12 through Dec. 14
Harris Theater - Dec. 19 through Dec. 21
Celebrate your favorite holiday tradition with young Marie as she travels from her home on Christmas Eve to the enchanting Kingdom of Snow and the charming Land of Sweets through timeless choreography, beautiful music, and stunning visuals.
Do-It-Yourself Nutcracker
River Park - Dec. 14, 3pm-4pm
Join us for this magical event! Join our student dancers on stage for a re-telling of this holiday classic where you become the star. Wear your tights, slippers, and holiday finest for this unique and fun-filled interactive holiday dance event.
The Nutcracker
Hyde Park School of Dance - Dec. 12-14
The temps may be dropping, but don't worry: Hyde Park School of Dance is about to bring the heat! Grab tickets before they're gone to come see their mice and soldiers battle to the beat - and all the beautiful ballet before and after, too!
The Nutcracker Suite: Clara's Enchanted Holiday Tea Party
Epiphany Center for the Arts - Dec. 14
Join us for VOLTA’s 2nd Annual Nutcracker Suite, where Clara’s adventure comes alive in a whimsical holiday tea party. This enchanting performance is more than just a show—it’s a beloved holiday tradition filled with interactive fun for all ages. Enjoy an immersive holiday tea party surrounded by beloved Nutcracker characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse Queen. Guests are invited to wear their most festive attire, indulge in sweet delights from the Land of the Sweets, and celebrate the spirit of the season in an atmosphere that’s pure holiday magic.
SUBURBS
Beyond the Nutcracker
Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center - Dec. 6,7,13,14
Chicago’s uplifting holiday tradition returns—now in its 11th year. Enchanting story, Christkindl-style festival, and select performances with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra live.
DUKE IT OUT! NUTCRACKER
Music Institute of Chicago, Nichols Hall - Dec. 6, 10am & 1pm
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 with an instrument petting zoo at 10am in the lobby.
MPA Nutcracker
Momentum Performing Arts - Jan. 16, 6:30pm
Nutcracker! Magic of Christmas Ballet
The Rosemont Theater - Dec. 14, 2pm and 6pm
Gather friends and family to re-live your fondest childhood dreams, overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breath-taking acrobatics and dazzling ostumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast, featuring stars of Ukraine ballet, performing at the highest level of classical technique.
Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker
Northshore Center for the Performing Arts - Dec. 5-6
Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker marches back onto the North Shore Center stage with an affordable full-length holiday production performed in the grand tradition by a professional company with exceptional guest soloists! 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.
