back for yet another fantastic year

Now celebrating 20 years of performances, The Nutcracker by Ballet Chicago returns for another brilliant year! As one of the USA's favorite Christmas events and one of the most performed ballets in the world, this annual performance is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season with the whole family.

The story of The Nutcracker was originally written by E.T.A. Hoffmann however the beautiful score that accompanies this world-famous ballet was created by Tchaikovsky and received its debut over 100 years ago in 1892. An evening spent at a performance of this enchanting Holiday classic by your local ballet company is the perfect way to welcome Christmas with the whole family!

What is the story?

One snowy Christmas Eve, at a great townhouse where a party is in full swing, local magician Herr Drosselmeyer arrives with gifts for the children, including a wooden nutcracker for Clara, the oldest child. When the clock strikes twelve an adventure begins and the Nutcracker comes to life, leading our heroine Clara into a war between mice and tin soldiers, and into the enchanted Land of Sweets where a festival awaits them.