Chicago's world-class holiday entertainment features spectacular performances across the city's renowned theaters. The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker reimagines the classic against Chicago's 1893 World's Fair backdrop, while Cirque du Soleil presents 'Twas The Night Before at the Chicago Theatre. Enjoy holiday concerts by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and festive shows throughout the season.
A Christmas Carol
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 15 – December 31, 2025
Cost: $$
A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre features a critically acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale, directed by Malkia Stampley and starring Christopher Donahue as Scrooge. This production includes a talented cast and marvelous staging that brings the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation to life. It is highly regarded for its heartfelt portrayal of the holiday spirit.
Venue: Goodman Theatre
Address: 170 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-443-3800
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A critically acclaimed adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless holiday classic.
- Directed by Malkia Stampley, with Christopher Donahue reprising his acclaimed role as Scrooge.
- A "heartfelt holiday extravaganza" perfect for the festive season.
Salt Creek Ballet: The Nutcracker
Location: Glen Ellyn
Dates: December 19 - December 21
Cost: $$
Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker at McAninch Arts Center presents a full-scale production accompanied by a live orchestra, performing Tchaikovsky's iconic score. This enchanting holiday tradition features guest artists and captivating choreography, making it a spectacle for audiences of all ages. The performance is known for its stunning scenery and magical effects that bring the classic story to life.
Venue: McAninch Arts Center
Address: 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Phone: (630) 942-4000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy a rare opportunity to see The Nutcracker performed with a live orchestra.
- A lavish and magical holiday tradition that sells out year after year.
- Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky's classic score performed live by the New Philharmonic orchestra.
Ruth Page's The Nutcracker 2025
Location: University Park
Dates: December 6-7, 2025
Cost: $20
Ruth Page's The Nutcracker 2025 at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University is the only production recreating the full-length staging of the beloved classic originally choreographed by Ruth Page. The performance features Tchaikovsky's magical score and includes exquisite performances by elite dancers from the Ruth Page Civic Ballet. This production offers a nostalgic look at Chicago's dance history.
Venue: Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University
Address: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484-0975
Phone: 708-534-5000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- The only production recreating the original version’s full-length staging of Ruth Page's beloved Nutcracker.
- A beautiful and joyful production featuring Tchaikovsky's magical score.
- A chance to see a piece of Chicago history brought to life on stage.
The Paul Marinaro Holiday Show
Location: Arlington Heights
Dates: Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Cost: $$
The Paul Marinaro Holiday Show at Hey Nonny features acclaimed jazz vocalist Paul Marinaro performing classic holiday tunes in an intimate setting known for its excellent acoustics. This special concert promises an engaging jazz experience, highlighting Marinaro's unique vocal style and festive arrangements. The performance is a perfect way to celebrate the season with live music.
Venue: Hey Nonny
Address: 10 South Vail Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: 224-202-0750
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A special holiday concert by a top-tier male jazz vocalist.
- Intimate live music experience at Hey Nonny, known for its excellent acoustics.
- Enjoy a captivating jazz performance by acclaimed vocalist Paul Marinaro.
A Christmas Carol at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Location: Arlington Heights
Dates: November 25, 2025 – December 24, 2025
Cost: $$
A Christmas Carol at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is Arlington Heights' cherished holiday tradition, exploring the themes of redemption and generosity through Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation on Christmas Eve. This festive family favorite features memorable characters and ghostly apparitions, bringing the timeless tale to life on stage. The production is a hallmark of the region's holiday entertainment offerings.
Venue: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Address: 111 W Campbell Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone: 847.577.2121
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy Arlington Heights' beloved holiday tradition, a festive family favorite.
- Discover the true meaning of Christmas through a story of redemption and generosity.
- Experience the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation on a snowy Christmas Eve.
The Art Deco Nutcracker
Location: Chicago
Dates: December 6, 2025
Cost: $$
The Art Deco Nutcracker at The Athenaeum Theatre offers a fresh and visually stunning interpretation of the beloved ballet. This production combines innovative choreography with a unique Art Deco aesthetic, creating a spectacular experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional ballet. Audiences can expect gorgeous costumes and a talented cast that brings this reimagining to life.
Venue: The Athenaeum Theatre
Address: 2936 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL
Phone: 312-545-2142
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy a fresh and fantastic interpretation of the beloved Nutcracker ballet.
- Immerse yourself in a visually stunning production with a firm eye on the future of dance.
- Experience the classic Nutcracker ballet reimagined with a unique Art Deco aesthetic.
Media:
M3 Dance Company's The Nutcracker
Location: Bloomingdale
Dates: December 6 & 7, 2025
M3 Dance Company's The Nutcracker at Synergy Dance Academy presents a fresh take on the holiday classic, featuring a diverse cast of students, pre-professionals, and professionals. This captivating performance showcases talented dancers bringing the enchanting story to life, complete with beautiful costumes and unique stage sets that enhance the overall experience.
Venue: Synergy Dance Academy
Address: 160 S Bloomingdale Rd, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Phone: 630.893.1444
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy M3 Dance Company's fresh take on the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker.
- See a diverse cast of students, pre-professionals, and professionals from various ballet and contemporary companies.
- Witness a captivating performance of the classic ballet, The Nutcracker, brought to life by talented dancers.
Media:
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
Location: Rosemont
Dates: Check website for specific event dates and times.
Cost: $$
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin at Rosemont Theatre features a screening of the iconic holiday film 'Home Alone', followed by a Q&A session with the star himself. This unique event provides fans an opportunity to engage with Culkin and enjoy one of the most beloved holiday films of all time in a live setting.
Venue: Rosemont Theatre
Address: 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: (847) 671-5100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Enjoy a unique evening with Macaulay Culkin, celebrating the iconic film 'Home Alone'.
- Experience a special screening of the beloved holiday film 'Home Alone'.
- See Macaulay Culkin live on stage for a Q&A session following the film.
The Nutcracker by Salt Creek Ballet
Location: Hinsdale
Dates: November 29th & 30th (Hinsdale); December 6th & 7th (Skokie); December 19th - 21st (The MAC)
Cost: $$$
The Nutcracker by Salt Creek Ballet at Hinsdale Central High School celebrates over 37 years of performances, featuring a professional-level production with internationally recognized guest artists. Audiences will be treated to a magical journey with Clara as she travels from Christmas Eve to enchanted realms, all set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score.
Venue: Hinsdale Central High School
Address: 5500 S Grant St, Hinsdale, IL 60521
Phone: (630) 769-1199
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A timeless holiday tradition featuring over 37 years of performances.
- Professional-level production with internationally known guest artists and designers.
- A magical voyage for Clara, from Christmas Eve to enchanted realms.
Media:
Grand Kyiv Ballet: The Nutcracker
Location: Chicago
Dates: November 20, 2025
Cost: $$
Grand Kyiv Ballet's The Nutcracker at Athenaeum Theatre features a full-scale production performed by internationally acclaimed Ukrainian dancers. This spectacular ballet showcases exceptional talent and includes elaborate stage sets and vibrant costumes that enhance the fairy tale experience. A portion of the proceeds supports the restoration of the Main Ballet Academy of Ukraine.
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre
Address: 2936 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: +380977507500
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A full-scale production of the beloved 'Nutcracker' ballet by the internationally acclaimed Grand Kyiv Ballet.
- Features leading ballet dancers from Ukraine, showcasing their exceptional talent on a global stage.
- A portion of the proceeds supports the restoration of the Main Ballet Academy of Ukraine and children's dormitory repairs.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
Location: Rosemont
Dates: December 14th
Cost: $$
The NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at Rosemont Theatre features an international cast performing a blend of classical ballet, puppetry, and acrobatics. With its vibrant choreography set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score, this production showcases stunning Broadway-level sets and opulent costumes crafted by European artisans. Local children have the unique opportunity to participate in the 'Dance with Us' program, performing alongside professional dancers, making it a memorable family experience.
Venue: Rosemont Theatre
Address: 5400 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 847.671.5100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Celebrate America's beloved Nutcracker tradition with a spectacular holiday performance.
- Enjoy a fusion of classical ballet, puppetry, and acrobatics for a unique theatrical experience.
- Make lasting family memories with a magical Christmas performance.
Mariah Carey's Christmas Time
Location: Rosemont
Cost: $$$
Mariah Carey brings her "Christmas Time" concert tour to Allstate Arena, featuring live performances of her most beloved holiday songs. This spectacular show is filled with festive music and dazzling performances that embody the spirit of the season. Attendees can expect an unforgettable night celebrating Christmas through Mariah's iconic vocal style and stage presence.
Venue: Allstate Arena
Address: 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 847.635.6601
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Experience the magic of Mariah Carey's "Christmas Time" tour live in concert.
- Enjoy a spectacular holiday show filled with festive music and dazzling performances.
Evanston Duke It Out Nutcracker
Location: Evanston
Dates: The specific dates for the 'Evanston Duke It Out Nutcracker' are not provided in the current content. The copyright year is 2025, suggesting it may be an upcoming event.
Cost: $$
The Evanston Duke It Out Nutcracker held at Nichols Concert Hall presents a captivating performance of Tchaikovsky's iconic score, 'The Nutcracker'. This classic ballet brings the beloved holiday story to life with talented performers showcasing their skills and artistry. The event promises an engaging experience for audiences of all ages who cherish this timeless tale.
Venue: Nichols Concert Hall
Address: 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847.905.1500
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Witness a captivating performance of Tchaikovsky's iconic score, 'The Nutcracker'.
- Experience the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, brought to life by talented performers.
Ballet 5:8's Beyond the Nutcracker
Location: Frankfort
Dates: December 6–7 (Recorded Score), December 13–14 (Live Orchestra)
Cost: $$
Ballet 5:8's 'Beyond the Nutcracker' is returning for its eleventh year at Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, featuring a unique storytelling approach to the classic ballet. This production includes a special collaboration with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, offering live orchestral accompaniment for select performances. Professional dancers from Ballet 5:8 will share the stage with a larger community cast, enriching the festive atmosphere of the show.
Venue: Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center
Address: 19900 S Harlem Ave, Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: 312.725.4752
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Ballet 5:8's 'Beyond the Nutcracker' returns for its eleventh year.
- Features a special collaboration with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Combines professional company dancers with a larger community cast.
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in Chicago.