The Joffrey Ballet Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Christopher Wheeldon's 'The Nutcracker'

The critically-acclaimed holiday classic returns for 27 performances, December 5 – 28, 2025

CHICAGO (November 6, 2025) – The Joffrey Ballet celebrates the 10th anniversary of two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer ©Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker. Set amidst the spectacle of the 1893 Chicago’s World Fair, Wheeldon's reimagined classic takes audiences on a fantastical adventure where history and dreams intertwine. A magical holiday experience for the whole family, The Nutcracker will be presented at the iconic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, in 27 performances, from December 5–28, 2025.

The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE says, “When we reimagined The Nutcracker a decade ago, our goal was to create a love letter to Chicago. A story rooted in its history, alive with its spirit, and reflective of the people who call it home. Christopher Wheeldon, one of the most brilliant choreographers of our time, brought that vision to life with extraordinary artistry. Reflecting on the 10th anniversary, it's incredibly rewarding to see how this production has become woven into the city’s cultural fabric.”

“Ten years in, Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker continues to be both a beloved holiday tradition and a living work of art," adds Greg Cameron, President and CEO. "This season, audiences will see refreshed hand-painted backdrops and a dazzling new 3D Golden Statue. With the generous support of Nutcracker Maintenance Fund sponsors, our teams have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the production shine brighter and more magical than ever. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary and 30 years in Chicago, The Nutcracker stands as a tribute to the city that inspires us and the community that has made our story possible.”

On a magical Christmas Eve, after awakening to an epic battle between Toy Soldiers and the Rat King, a flurry of snowflakes sweeps Marie away on a whirlwind journey to the dreamlike fairgrounds of the World's Columbian Exposition. Set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, Marie and her Nutcracker Prince experience sprawling attractions representing countries from around the globe: the dazzling Golden Statue, the mystique of an Arabian enchantress, vibrant Venetian masked dancers, Chinese dragons, and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. 

A ballet in two acts set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, The Nutcracker features an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award®-nominated set and costume designer Julian Crouch, Caldecott Medal Award-winning author Brian Selznick, Obie and Drama Desk award-winning puppeteer Basil Twist, Tony Award®-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz and Tony Award®-winning projection designer Ben Pearcy/59 Productions. The production was adapted in 2021 by Wheeldon to fit the larger Lyric Opera House stage.

The Nutcracker features live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.

With gratitude to The Nutcracker Presenting Sponsor Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company, and Production Sponsors AARP and Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company. Special thanks to The Nutcracker Maintenance Fund Sponsors Anne L. Kaplan, Michael and Jennifer Larsen, A gift made in memory of the late Richard H. Driehaus, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Roderick Branch, and Jeffrey C. Rubenstein