Going to see a live holiday theater production or Nutcracker Chicago or suburbs performance is such a special and festive outing for the family! 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, new spectacles like the Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, 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 article is sponsored by Fox Valley Ballet and Salt Creek Ballet.
The Fox Valley Nutcracker
The Fox Valley Ballet Nutcracker
Batavia Fine Arts Center
1201 Main Street
Batavia, IL 60510
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November 25–26, 2023
Fox Valley Ballet is very proud to present The Fox Valley Nutcracker, a Fox Valley holiday tradition that showcases students and families from local dance studios alongside professional dancers, in the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker. Featuring dancers from the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, family-friendly performances, lavish sets, festive costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s magical score. Kick-off your holiday season with The Fox Valley Nutcracker, named “One of the top 10 must-see Nutcracker’s in Illinois” by Pointe Magazine. For tickets, visit www.bataviafineartscentre.org
About Fox Valley Ballet
Fox Valley Ballet is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization with the mission to bring the joy and artistry of dance to the Fox Valley region through pre-professional ballet training and performances. This is done by supporting the training and artistic excellence of pre-professional dancers through education, performance, and community outreach in an encouraging and inspirational environment.
Holiday Theater Performances
The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
November 4 – December 24, 2023
Chicago Children’s Theatre
100 S. Racine
Chicago, IL 60607
A Christmas Carol
November 18 – December 31, 2023
Goodman Theatre
170 N Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60601
A Charlie Brown Christmas
November 19, 2023
Genesee Theatre
203 N Genesee St.
Waukegan, IL 60085
A Christmas Carol
November 25 – December 24, 2023
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
111 W Campbell Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play
December 1–3, 2023
Center for Performing Arts
Governors State University
1 University Pkwy
University Park, IL 60484
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
December 2, 2023
Genesee Theatre
203 N Genesee St.
Waukegan, IL 60085
It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play
December 8, 2023
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
December 19–31, 2023
Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60601
A Magical Cirque Christmas
December 21, 2023
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
Nutcracker: Chicago and the Suburbs 2023
Salt Creek Ballet’s Nutcracker
Salt Creek Ballet’s Nutcracker
November 25–26, 2023
Hinsdale Central High School
December 1–2, 2023
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie
December 16 – 17, 2023
McAninch Arts Center, Glen Ellyn
Join Salt Creek Ballet as Clara and the Nutcracker battle the Mouse King, dance through the Kingdom of Snow, and beyond to the Kingdom of Sweets. Santa Claus will once again be joining the Saturday shows, so make sure to come and get pictures with Santa! Following the Sunday matinee, they will be hosting The Sugar Plum Party, an annual family favorite event. Salt Creek Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is recommended for children ages 4 and up.
Fox Valley Ballet Nutcracker
November 25–26, 2023
Batavia Fine Arts Center
1201 Main Street
Batavia, IL 60510
Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker
November 26, 2023
Rialto Square Theatre
102 N. Chicago St.
Joliet, IL 60432
The Nutcracker
Thursdays – Sundays, November 30 – December 10, 2023
Larson Prairie Center for the Arts
201 Schaumburg Court
Schaumburg, IL 60193
The Art Deco Nutcracker
December 2, 2023
The Athenaeum Theatre
2936 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
Ballet Legere’s Nutcracker
December 2–3, 2023
Dominican University Performing Arts Center
7900 West Division Street
River Forest, IL 60305
The Nutcracker – Joffrey Ballet Chicago
December 2–27, 2023
The Joffrey Ballet
10 East Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
December 3, 2023
Rosemont Theatre
5400 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
West Suburban Ballet Conservatory’s Nutcracker Suite
December 8, 2023
The Community House
415 W 8th Street
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Nutcracker by Fox Valley Dance Company
December 8, 2023 at 7 pm | December 9, 2023 at 2pm
Prisco Community Center
150 W. Illinois Avenue
Aurora, IL 60506
Tickets go on sale November 1, 2023.
DancEncounter Presents: Nutcracker Suites & Dancin’ Holiday Treats
December 10, 2023
Batavia Fine Arts Center
1201 Main Street
Batavia, IL 60510
Nutcracker: Rhythm and Grace
December 15 – 17, 2023
Buffalo Grove Park District Community Arts Center
225 McHenry Road
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
West Suburban Ballet Conservatory’s Nutcracker
December 22 – 23, 2023
Hinsdale South High School
7401 Clarendon Hills Rd
Darien, IL 60561
The Magic of the Nutcracker
December 21, 2023
Genesee Theatre
203 N Genesee St.
Waukegan, IL 60085
Monarch Academy of Dance’s Nutcracker
December 23, 2023
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.
