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 โ either way, you’ll be creating unforgettable memories together at the theatre. Check out one of the many fantastic shows on our list!
Holiday Theater Performances
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
November 4 โ December 31, 2024
Chicago Childrenโs Theatre
100 S. Racine
Chicago, IL 60607
A Christmas Carol
November 16 โ December 30, 2024
Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60601
A Christmas Carol
November 24 โ December 23, 2024
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
111 W Campbell Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
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
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 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
Fox Valley Ballet Nutcracker
November 29 โ December 1, 2024
Batavia Fine Arts Center
1201 Main Street
Batavia, IL 60510
The Nutcracker
Thursdays โ Sundays, December 5 – 15, 2024
Larson Prairie Center for the Arts
201 Schaumburg Court
Schaumburg, IL 60193
The Nutcracker – Joffrey Ballet Chicago
December 6โ28, 2024
The Joffrey Ballet
10 East Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
The Art Deco Nutcracker
December 7, 2024
The Athenaeum Theatre
2936 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
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 10โ15, 2024
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60601
West Suburban Ballet Conservatory’s Nutcracker Suite
December 13, 2024
The Community House
415 W 8th Street
Hinsdale, IL 60521
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
West Suburban Ballet Conservatory’s Nutcracker
December 20 โ 21, 2024
Hinsdale South High School
7401 Clarendon Hills Rd
Darien, IL 60561
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.
