Experience the true meaning of the holidays at The Joffrey Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Celebrate the holiday season with The Joffrey Ballet at the enchanting "The Nutcracker," Christopher Wheeldon’s enchanting adaptation of the classic ballet running from Dec. 6–28, at the Lyric Opera House. This reimagined holiday favorite transports audiences to the winter of 1893, just months before the grand opening of Chicago’s World’s Fair.

On Christmas Eve, young Marie and her mother, a sculptor working on the Statue of the Republic, attend a lavish holiday celebration that takes a mystical turn with the arrival of the Great Impresario. Later, Marie finds herself caught in a wondrous dream, where toy soldiers clash with the mighty Rat King, and she is swept away by her Nutcracker Prince to a fantastical version of the fairgrounds. There, she marvels at the international pavilions and magical attractions of the Columbian Exposition, each beautifully realized with Wheeldon’s distinctive choreography and inspired set design.

Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, The Nutcracker showcases the artistry of a stellar creative team. Wheeldon’s celebrated choreography combines with Julian Crouch’s stunning set and costume designs, Brian Selznick’s storytelling expertise, Basil Twist’s enchanting puppetry and lighting and projection by Tony Award winners Natasha Katz and Ben Pearcy. Together, they create a mesmerizing vision of Chicago’s Gilded Age and the wonder of the World’s Fair.

Don't miss this magical Joffrey Ballet experience that captures the joy of the holiday season and the grandeur of a historic Chicago moment.

Performance Details:

 Dates: December 6–28, 2024

Location: Lyric Opera House, Chicago

Running Time: 2 hours

Tickets: Joffrey.org