Joffrey Ballet: The Nutcracker – Chicago, IL
Thursday, December 24, 2026 · 2:00 PM CST · Lyric Opera House · Chicago, IL
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About this event
The Joffrey Ballet is bringing its critically acclaimed annual holiday production of The Nutcracker back to the Lyric Opera House from December 4 through December 27, 2026. Brilliantly choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon, this uniquely localized masterpiece reimagines E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic story. Instead of a wealthy 19th-century mansion, the ballet is set on Christmas Eve in 1892 against the backdrop of a working-class immigrant community preparing for Chicago’s historic 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The production features Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score played live by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, sweeping scenic designs, and stunning choreography that brings the magic of the World’s Fair fairgrounds to life.
Description from choosechicago.com