Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago’s welcomes back their larger than life display of the classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker. Running now through January 7, 2024, guests are invited to experience The Nutcracker in this unique immersive experience.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s music, the impressive visuals and lights fill the space in Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago as the classic holiday story of the Nutcracker is told. Read below about ticket information, parking and of course, tips for bringing your children to see Immersive Nutcracker.
Tips for Bringing Children to Immersive Nutcracker
Preview the story of The Nutcracker ahead of time. If your child is not familiar with The Nutcracker, I would recommend watching or reading it in advance. While impressive in size, the music and lights can get loud. This could be scary to younger children, but knowing what is coming would help them prepare for these more intense scenes. If you feel ear plugs would help, they have some available.
Ask the ushers where the performance is in the story before entering. When we approached the venue space, the usher told us we were welcome to go in. We walked in with about 10 minutes to go, at which point the story started over. Had I known in advance, I would have waited in the concessions or gift shop areas to avoid seeing the story out of order. My kids didn’t seem to mind that much, but I think it’s important to note that the production follows the timeline of the Nutcracker.
When visiting Immersive Nutcracker, the show itself lasts around 30 minutes. The displays are the same in each room, so it’s up to you as to where to sit or stand to watch the performance. During that time, you are welcome to walk through the two main viewing spaces, each of which are showing the same images. One area has tables and chairs to sit, while the other invites guests to sit on the floor. You can also find tall-top tables and chairs upstairs for balcony views.
Before going, read the FAQ section of their website, which includes prohibited items. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but there is a small concessions area where items are available for purchase.
Because Immersive Nutcracker is shorter than most theater productions, I would pair your visit with another great spot in the city to extend your time. Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago is just a few blocks away from Lincoln Park Zoo, which is home to ZooLights until January 7, 2024. If you purchased afternoon tickets, you could head over to the zoo as the sun sets to see the lights. Quite a few Christmas Pop-Up Bars are in Chicago as well, including Butch McGuires which is only about a half-mile away.
Location and Parking
Immersive Nutcracker is in Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, which is located at 108 W. Germania Place in Chicago. We chose to use Spothero to find a covered parking garage right across the street. There are quite a few options all within a few blocks, including parking garages and lots. The theater is in the Gold Coast/Old Town neighborhood, so if you’re hoping to take public transportation, the closest L stops are Sedgwick on the purple line, or Clark/Division on the red line.
Restrooms
There are restrooms located on the top floor of the space, including a gender neutral bathroom.
Ticket Prices
Admission tickets range in prices from $24.99 to $34.99 depending on the day of your visit and size of your group. At the time this article was published, ticket prices were on sale for 20% off. Every guest 2 and up will need a ticket. There is a gift shop with Nutcracker merchandise, but it also has plenty of items for sale from when they hosted Immersive VanGogh, great for finding a unique gift for the art lover in your life.
Hours
Immersive Nutcracker is running most days through December 31, 2023 with the final day running on January 7, 2024. Tickets are available starting at 10:00am, with the last tickets available for a 5:00pm start. Guests are not allowed in the space more than 15 minutes before opening, or more than 20 minutes after the last session begins.
Recommended Ages
We brought our 10, 8 and 5-year olds. My 10-year old appreciated the story and production the most, while my 5-year old appreciated that he wasn’t sitting in a designated seat. He danced to the music, walked around to find lights on the floors, and interacted with other children. We went on a Sunday morning, with quite a few other families. Unlike a traditional theater setting, I wasn’t worried about him disrupting other viewers, as the space was filled with younger children.
Looking for more great Nutcracker Chicago and Holiday Theater Performances? We’ve got a list for you.
