Going to see a live holiday theater production or Nutcracker Chicago or suburbs performance is such a special and festive outing for winter holiday family fun! There are lots of wonderful, kid-friendly shows coming up that would make for the perfect family night out.
Performances include classics like A Christmas Carol and Chicagoland traditions like The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party and It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play.
And, of course, the Nutcracker ballet continues to entrance all ages and makes for a very special tradition. The whimsical dancing, colorful costumes, and timeless music just can’t be beat!
Start a new tradition or continue a longstanding family ritual — either way, you’ll be creating unforgettable memories together at the theatre. Check out one of the many fantastic shows on our list!
This guide is sponsored by A&A Ballet, Fox Valley Ballet, Salt Creek Ballet, West Suburban Ballet Conservatory, and Chicago a cappella.
The Art Deco Nutcracker is a Delight for The Whole Family
The Art Deco Nutcracker
December 7, 2024 | 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Athenaeum Theater
2936 N. Southport Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
In the most original reimaginations, The Art Deco Nutcracker shines in the exuberance of the 1920’s to tell the classic ballet story in a new way that entertains audiences of all ages, making it a Chicago holiday favorite, capturing the hearts of audiences young and old.
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. The performance integrates the historic Tchaikovsky score with a fresh, modern approach that reflects the rich cultural diversity of its cast.
“The original Nutcracker is known and loved for its costumes, global influence and display of cultures – their music and related dances, so it makes sense that we highlight the diversity of our dancers in the Art Deco Nutcracker,” says Kremnev, Creative Director of A&A BALLET, of the diverse multicultural cast. The entire lead cast is international or generational American from around the world, many from Chicagoland.
The performance is 110 minutes with one intermission. Tickets range from $22-59 and are available here. Use the promo code ARTDECO50 for 50% off tickets!
The Fox Valley Nutcracker
Friday, November 29, 2024 at 3:00pm
Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 1:00pm
Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 6:00pm
Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 1:00pm
Batavia Fine Arts Centre
1250 W Wilson St
Batavia, IL 60510
Fox Valley Ballet is proud to present The Fox Valley Nutcracker this holiday season! Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, this spectacular performance is sure to captivate its audience with enchanting scenes, vibrant costumes, mesmerizing sets and more! Fox Valley Ballet is a non-profit that brings together a community of dancers from all over the Chicagoland area to perform alongside guest artists, including performers from the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. Come see one of the biggest Nutcracker productions in Illinois this holiday season and enjoy the magic!
Holiday Theater Performances
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
November 4 – December 31, 2024
Chicago Children’s Theatre
100 S. Racine
Chicago, IL 60607
A Christmas Carol
November 16 – December 30, 2024
Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60601
A Christmas Carol
November 22-24, 2024
McAninch Arts Center at COD
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
November 22 – December 22, 2024
Beverly Arts Center
2407 W 111th Street
Chicago, IL 60655
A Christmas Carol
November 24 – December 23, 2024
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
111 W Campbell Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
A Christmas Carol
November 29 – December 28, 2024
Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
December 5 – December 21, 2024
Apollo Theater
2550 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play
December 6-8, 2024
Sherman Hall
Governors State University
1 University Pkwy
University Park, IL 60484
Holidays A Cappella
Holidays A Cappella
December 7, 2024 | 3:00 pm
Szold Hall at Old Town School of Folk Music
4545 N Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
The nostalgia and magic of Christmas come to life in this family-friendly concert, as the ten singers of Chicago a cappella are joined by actor Greg Vinkler for a program featuring timeless carols such as “Carol of the Bells” and “Good King Wenceslas,” along with some festive favorites like “Silent Night” and “Deck the Hall,” woven between a delightful re-telling of Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales.
Enjoy this one-hour program in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. All ages are welcome, enjoyable for all generations of the family! Click here to purchase tickets.
It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play
December 12, 2024
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 604320
The Magic of The Nutcracker
December 19 & 20, 2024
Genesee Theatre
203 N Genesee St.
Waukegan, IL 60085
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
December 22, 2024
Genesee Theatre
203 N Genesee St.
Waukegan, IL 60085
Nutcracker: Chicago and the Suburbs 2024
Salt Creek Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Salt Creek Ballet’s Nutcracker
November 30 – December 1, 2024
Hinsdale Central High School
December 6 – 7, 2024
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie
December 14 – 15, 2024
McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn
Bring the magic of the season to life with The Nutcracker! A perfect holiday tradition for families, this timeless ballet is filled with breathtaking dance, enchanting music, and unforgettable characters. Whether it’s your child’s first introduction to the world of dance or a cherished yearly outing, The Nutcracker offers a magical experience that will spark their imagination and fill your hearts with joy.
The Nutcracker is a wonderful way to share the beauty of the arts with your little ones, all while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Come celebrate the magic of the holidays together!
Salt Creek Ballet offers three performances of The Nutcracker, including locations in Hinsdale, Skokie, and Glen Ellyn. Purchase your tickets today and start a new family tradition!
The Fox Valley Nutcracker
Friday, November 29, 2024 at 3:00pm
Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 1:00pm
Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 6:00pm
Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 1:00pm
Batavia Fine Arts Centre
1250 W Wilson St
Batavia, IL 60510
Fox Valley Ballet is proud to present The Fox Valley Nutcracker this holiday season! Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, this spectacular performance is sure to captivate its audience with enchanting scenes, vibrant costumes, mesmerizing sets and more! Fox Valley Ballet is a non-profit that brings together a community of dancers from all over the Chicagoland area to perform alongside guest artists, including performers from the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. Come see one of the biggest Nutcracker productions in Illinois this holiday season and enjoy the magic!
The Nutcracker
Thursdays – Sundays, December 5 – 15, 2024
Larson Prairie Center for the Arts
201 Schaumburg Court
Schaumburg, IL 60193
The Nutcracker – Joffrey Ballet Chicago
December 6–28, 2024
The Joffrey Ballet
10 East Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
The Art Deco Nutcracker
The Art Deco Nutcracker
December 7, 2024 | 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Athenaeum Theater
2936 N. Southport Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
In the most original reimaginations, The Art Deco Nutcracker shines in the exuberance of the 1920’s to tell the classic ballet story in a new way that entertains audiences of all ages, making it a Chicago holiday favorite, capturing the hearts of audiences young and old.
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. The performance integrates the historic Tchaikovsky score with a fresh, modern approach that reflects the rich cultural diversity of its cast.
“The original Nutcracker is known and loved for its costumes, global influence and display of cultures – their music and related dances, so it makes sense that we highlight the diversity of our dancers in the Art Deco Nutcracker,” says Kremnev, Creative Director of A&A BALLET, of the diverse multicultural cast. The entire lead cast is international or generational American from around the world, many from Chicagoland.
The performance is 110 minutes with one intermission. Tickets range from $22-59 and are available here.
Ballet Legere’s Nutcracker
December 7-8, 2024
Dominican University Performing Arts Center
7900 West Division Street
River Forest, IL 60305
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
December 8, 2024
Rosemont Theatre
5400 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
Hip Hop Nutcracker
December 10–15, 2024
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60601
West Suburban Ballet Conservatory’s presents The Nutcracker
Nutcracker Suite
December 13, 2024
The Community House in Hinsdale
The Nutcracker
December 21-22, 2024
Hinsdale South Auditorium in Darien
Join West Suburban Ballet Conservatory for our Nutcracker Suite (Friday, 12/13 at The Community House in Hinsdale). Adults mingle by the fire and enjoy Christmas wine and live music, while children have snacks, create crafts, and learn choreography which they perform along side WSBC dancers. Photo opportunities with Santa, raffle tickets for purchase, and excerpts from The Nutcracker are all part of the evening!
Join us again on December 21 (1 PM & 4 PM) and December 22 (1 PM) for our full-length 4th annual production of The Nutcracker. Watch Marie and her family celebrate the holidays, then follow her through the Land of the Sweets, where she meets the Sugarplum Fairy and dancers representing sweet treats from around the world! Runtime: 1 hour 15 minutes, no intermission.
Children who attend Nutcracker Suite receive a complimentary ticket to the full production. Click here to purchase tickets.
Nutcracker by Fox Valley Dance Company
December 13, 2024 at 7:30 pm | December 14, 2024 at 11am and 3:00pm
Prisco Community Center
150 W. Illinois Avenue
Aurora, IL 60506
Tickets go on sale mid November.
Monarch Academy of Dance’s Nutcracker
December 14, 2024
Batavia Fine Arts Center
1201 Main Street
Batavia, IL 60510
Tips for Taking Your Kids to See the Nutcracker Ballet
Taking your kids to the ballet for the first time can be a really lovely opportunity to expose them to the arts! If you’re thinking about taking your little ones but have a few questions, we’re here to help.
What age is best to take kids to the Nutcracker?
Seeing the Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many, but you may want to wait until the kids are a little older to do one such as the Joffrey, which is longer than some of the other performances. However, other productions are recommended for ages 4 and up.
You know your kids best and how long they’ll sit either being mesmerized or completely antsy! Our advice is to start on a smaller scale the first time. Then, you can graduate to the more grand performances as they fall in love with the experience over time.
How can I help my kids enjoy the Nutcracker Chicago?
You can help your kids enjoy the experience by preparing them for what to expect. Explain that at a ballet, the story is told through dancing, music, costumes, and scenery. There is no speaking or singing!
Knowing the story ahead of time can help kids relax and enjoy the magic as it’s all brought to life. Check out a picture book from the library and enjoy it together. Listen to the music, name the songs, and dance along. A little bit of preparation helps kids embrace the experience.
Can I expect kids to sit through the entire ballet?
Again, you know your children best! Check the run times of your specific performance, as well as information about intermission. We have a few tips to help, too.
Part of preparing them for the very special experience of going to the ballet is explaining how to be a good audience member: being quiet so that everyone can hear the music the musicians worked so hard on, keeping hands and feet to ourselves so that everyone can enjoy the show, and showing appreciation for the performance at the end.
Young children may also enjoy bringing a (soft, non-noisy) stuffed friend to enjoy the performance with them, which can help keep their hands occupied throughout the show. And, of course, making sure everyone is well-fed, well-rested, wearing comfortable clothes, and has gone to the bathroom right before the show always helps.
We hope you enjoy every magical sugar plum fairy minute together!
The Kidlist calendar is always the place to look for fun, family-friendly holiday events! And, if you’re in need of some inspiration on more fun with the family, we’ve got the perfect winter activities list for you.
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