Schedule and Tickets

The Nutcracker

Performance Details

  • When December 3–27, 2022
  • Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon
  • Music Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
  • Running Time 2 hours

Magic is on the horizon for young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince, thanks to a visit from the charming but mysterious Great Impresario. At the stroke of midnight on a snowy Christmas Eve when the lines between fantasy and reality blur together, Marie sets out on an unforgettable journey through Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, a marvel of sights, sounds, and enchantment. This annual holiday tradition celebrates the magic of the season and the rich cultural heritage of Chicago.

Schedule and Tickets

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Season Tickets

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Praise for The Nutcracker

”Pure winter magic. The Joffrey Ballet’s altogether unique production of The Nutcracker has never looked more glorious or been danced more ideally.“

WTTW Chicago Read the Review

“Carefully altered for its transplant to the Lyric Opera House, the holiday favorite still feels fresh and spontaneous.”

Chicago Sun-Times Read the Review

“A palpable sense of excitement filled the Lyric Opera’s lobbies as families dressed in their holiday finest filed in for the opening matinee of Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker.”

Chicago Tribune Read the Review

The Nutcracker Springs to Life (2021)

The mysterious Great Impresario brings the magic of the season to life.
The Joffrey’s beloved version of The Nutcracker takes inspiration from Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, one of the city’s great historical attractions of the late 19th century.

Behind the Scenes

From Behind the Scenes

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Joffrey Ballet Announces 2022–2023 Season at Lyric Opera House

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Meet the Artists

Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon OBE

The Tony Award®-winning choreographer continues to create and stage productions for many of the world’s major ballet companies.

Full Bio

Composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Born in 1840, Tchaikovsky is widely considered one of the most popular composers of his time.

Full Bio

Sponsorship

Sponsorship

Commissioning Sponsors

  • Margot and Josef Lakonishok
  • Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust
  • Hancher Auditorium, University of Iowa
  • The many “Believers”