Joffrey Ballet - The Nutcracker

The Joffrey Ballet presents their annual run of Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker. This production shifts the classic story’s setting to Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair, offering a familiar narrative with a distinct sense of place. It’s a well-regarded interpretation that blends traditional ballet with a unique staging. This matinee performance of The Nutcracker is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago. The Lyric is a grand space, and this show draws a broad audience, from ballet regulars to families looking for a holiday season outing.