Joffrey Ballet - The Nutcracker

The Joffrey Ballet presents their annual production of The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition. This staging, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, reinterprets the classic story with a Chicago-centric narrative set during the 1893 World's Fair. It’s a chance to see a familiar tale through a distinct local lens, performed by a renowned company. This performance of The Nutcracker is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago. The Lyric is a grand space, well-suited for ballet, offering good sightlines and acoustics. This show typically draws a diverse audience, from long-time ballet enthusiasts to families looking for a festive outing.