The Nutcracker, The Grand Kyiv Ballet | Nov. 16-17
Featuring dancers from Ukraine performing Tchaikovsky’s classic. Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport, $44-$89; visit athenaeumcenter.org
Beyond the Nutcracker, Ballet 5:8 | Nov. 30-Dec. 1
Presents a twist on the holiday classic as Emma and Uncle Abrams embark on a journey through time to discover what Christmas is about. Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport, $15-$55; athenaeumcenter.org
The Nutcracker, Salt Creek Ballet | Nov. 30-Dec. 1
This rendition of the holiday classic features more than 50 dancers including guest artists. Hinsdale Central High School, 5500 S. Grant, Hinsdale, $42; saltcreekballet.org. Dec. 6-7. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; $28-$54; northshorecenter.org. Dec. 14-15. With live accompaniment by the New Philharmonic. McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn, $36, $46; atthemac.org
The Nutcracker, Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet | Dec. 1
Watch a classical take on the ballet. Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago, Joliet, $24-$44; rialtosquare.com
The Nutcracker, The Joffrey Ballet | Dec. 6-28
The Joffrey Ballet presents Christopher Wheeldon’s reimagining of the holiday classic that sets the tale on Christmas Eve, 1892, months before the opening of the 1893 World’s Fair. Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker, $36+; joffrey.org
The Art Deco Nutcracker, A&A Ballet | Dec. 7
Set in 1920s America, this is A&A Ballet’s fresh take on the holiday favorite. Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport, $22-$59; athenaeumcenter.org
Duke It Out! Nutcracker, Quintet Attacca, Braeburn Brass and Dance Chicago | Dec. 7
The holiday favorite pairs Tchaikovsky’s classical score with the Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn version performed by Quintet Attacca, Braeburn Brass and Dance Chicago. Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago, Evanston, $20; musicinst.org
Ruth Page’s “The Nutcracker.”
Anthony Robert La Penna
The Nutcracker, Ruth Page Civic Ballet | Nov. 23-24
Ruth Page’s staging of the classic features international guest stars and Ruth Page Civic Ballet dancers. Governors State University, 1 University Pkwy.; Dec. 7-8 at Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St. Louis; Dec. 14-15 at College of Lake County, 19351 W. Washington, Grayslake; $20+; ruthpage.org
The Nutcracker, Ballet Legere | Dec. 7-8
Follow Clara through her magical world via Ballet Legere’s staging of the holiday classic. Lund Auditorium, Dominican University, 7900 W. Division, River Forest, $25-$35; balletlegere.org
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet | Dec. 8
An international cast performs the classic holiday ballet featuring puppets, acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont, $31-$180; ticketmaster.com
The Nutcracker, Hyde Park School of Dance | Dec. 13-15
Presented by Hyde Park School of Dance, this version of the holiday classic features ballet, modern dance, hip-hop, breakdancing and more. Mandel Hall, University of Chicago, 1131 E. 57th, $15-$35, children 5 and under free; hydeparkdance.org
The Hip Hop Nutcracker, | Dec. 10-15
A reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s 130-year-old ballet as a contemporary holiday dance spectacle with hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow as the show’s MC. CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, $38-$121;
broadwayinchicago.com
The Nutcracker, Ballet 5:8 |Dec. 13-15
Celebrate the holiday season with Ballet Chicago’s staging of the holiday classic. Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport, $20-$60; athenaeumcenter.org. Dec. 20-22. Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, $31-$76; harristheaterchicago.org;
The Magic of The Nutcracker, Dancenter North | Dec. 14-15
Dancenter North’s staging of the holiday classic. Libertyville High School, 708 W. Park, Libertyville, $27-$40; dancenter-north.com. Dec. 19-20. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee, Waukegan, $18-$40; geneseetheatre.com
The Nut Tapper, Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin | Dec. 22.
Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin returns to the annual staging of the holiday classic recreated with rhythms of tap, Spanish flamenco and Mexican zapateado. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, $20; oldtownschool.org
More holiday ballet and dance performances
Swan Lake, The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine | Nov. 20
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine performs the classic ballet. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, $45-$85; northshorecenter.org
The Tragedy of Hamlet: Prince of Denmark | Nov. 24-24
Director Robert Lepage and choreographer Guillaume Côté present their visionary take on Shakespeare’s classic. Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, $58-$168; harristheaterchicago.org
Winter Wonderland, Chicago Tap Allstars | Dec. 14
Chicago Tap Allstars presents a holiday-themed performance commemorating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and the winter season. Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr, $25; maddrhythms.com
Mary, A Holiday Dansical, Black Girls Dance | Dec. 15
Black Girls Dance presents a modern twist on the traditional “Black Nativity” told through ballet, hip hop, tap and contemporary dance. Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th, $20-$40; blackgirlsdance.org