A beloved Chicago holiday tradition is returning to the stage this December.
The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker will run Dec. 4 through Dec. 27 at the Lyric Opera House, bringing a distinctly Chicago twist to the classic holiday story.
Unlike traditional versions of The Nutcracker, the Joffrey’s production transports audiences to Chicago in 1892, as workers prepare for the opening of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
The setting has a special connection to Chicago’s South Side. The World’s Columbian Exposition opened in Jackson Park in 1893, transforming hundreds of acres along the lakefront into the famed “White City.”
Created by two-time Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, the reimagined production follows Marie and her Nutcracker prince on a magical journey through a dreamlike version of the World’s Fair.
In the Joffrey’s telling, Marie is the daughter of an immigrant, working-class mother, and the story places her family among the workers helping bring the massive fair to life.
Set to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Marie’s adventure includes the familiar battle between the Toy Soldiers and Rat King before sweeping her into a fantastical World’s Fair filled with characters and attractions inspired by the historic exposition.
A Nutcracker Made for Chicago
Wheeldon’s version of The Nutcracker made its world premiere with the Joffrey in 2016 and was created specifically for the company and Chicago.
The production marked a major departure from the traditional version of The Nutcracker that the Joffrey had performed for decades. Instead of placing the story in a wealthy European household, Wheeldon used Chicago’s history and the people who helped build the World’s Fair as the backdrop for the holiday classic.
The production celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025 and returns this year as part of the Joffrey’s 2026–27 season.
What You Need to Know
What: The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
When: Dec. 4–27, 2026
Where: Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive
Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Run time: Approximately two hours, including intermission
Learn more about The Nutcracker and purchase tickets
