The Nutcracker by Salt Creek Ballet
Audiences watch the classic holiday tale of Clara, who receives a mysterious Nutcracker from Herr Drosselmeyer before embarking on a midnight adventure. Toy soldiers battle the Mouse King before Clara's life-size Nutcracker transforms into a prince and leads her to the Kingdom of Snow. The journey continues to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavalier, and dancing flowers perform in costumes designed by Galina Solovyeva.
What to Expect
Salt Creek Ballet's 40th anniversary production featuring Galina Solovyeva's costumes.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Salt Creek Ballet
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of classic holiday ballet
Vibe
Magical and festive
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: November 28: 1p and 5p; November 29: 1p; December 4: 7:30p; December 5: 1p and 5p; December 18: 7p; December 19: 1p and 5p; December 20: 1p and 5p.
Tips & Advice
- All three Hinsdale performances are sold out, so join the waitlist for the show you want as soon as you can.
- Pick the Saturday, November 28 matinee if you want the Santa visit plus Lift the Curtain and Discover the Magic of Snow.
- Choose the Sunday, November 29 performance if your family wants the Sugar Plum Party that comes with it.
- If Hinsdale doesn't work out, there are December performances at the North Shore Center and the McAninch Arts Center.
Special Events & Promotions
- 40th anniversary season of The Nutcracker
- Santa Visit with Lift the Curtain and Discover the Magic of Snow at the Saturday, November 28 matinee
- Sugar Plum Party with the Sunday, November 29 performance
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's special about this season?
2026 is the 40th anniversary of Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker.
Are there any extras at the Hinsdale performances?
Yes. The first Saturday matinee includes a Santa visit along with Lift the Curtain and Discover the Magic of Snow. The Sunday performance includes the Sugar Plum Party.
Who designed the costumes?
Galina Solovyeva, former resident costume designer for the Mariinsky Theatre. Her costumes debuted in 2014 and are still used today.
What if the Hinsdale performances are sold out?
You can join the waitlist for each performance. The company also performs in December at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts and at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.