A beloved holiday tradition: Salt Creek Ballet's 'Nutcracker' returns to the stage to delight all ages

Salt Creek Ballet's annual holiday classic, "The Nutcracker," will be returning for its 38th year on Nov. 25-26 in Hinsdale.

Performances will be at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at Hinsdale Central Auditorium, 5500 S. Grant St.

This enchanting production is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit and introduce young children to the elegance and allure of classical dance and music.

Witness the captivating tale of Clara and her heroic companion, the Nutcracker, as they engage in a thrilling battle against the Mouse King and embark on a magical journey. Along the way, they encounter animated toys, graceful snowflakes, enchanting flowers, and the mesmerizing Sugar Plum Fairy. This year's guest artists include dancers from all over the United States, courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet.

Before and after the Saturday performances, Santa Claus will be available once again for a unique opportunity to take pictures with him. Following the Sunday matinee, Salt Creek Ballet will once again host the beloved Sugar Plum Party, a cherished annual event for families. Additionally, the Nutcracker Boutique will be open for all performances, offering a delightful selection of Nutcracker-themed holiday decorations and ornaments for purchase.

This production of "The Nutcracker" is led by artistic directors Erica De La O and Kristopher Wojtera. Salt Creek Ballet is a nonprofit Illinois corporation supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council Agency through Federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Grover Hermann Foundation.

Salt Creek Ballet is offering the community the chance to "be an Angel" with their Angel Ticket program. With a small donation, you can purchase a Nutcracker ticket for an underprivileged child and their parent, giving them the gift of live theatre for the holidays. Donate here: saltcreekballet.org/ways-to-give/.

Tickets for the Nov. 26 performances are $45, $42 for age 12 or younger and age 65 or older. Sunday's performance includes special admission to the "Sugar Plum Party" where audience members can meet characters from "The Nutcracker," step onto the stage and enjoy refreshments in an enchanted, winter wonderland. Tickets for the Sugar Plum Party Benefit Performance on Sunday, Nov. 26, are $50 or $47 for children and seniors.

For information and tickets, visit Salt Creek Ballet online at www.saltcreekballet.org.

Additionally, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie will host Salt Creek Ballet's "The Nutcracker" at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. More information can be found at www.northshorecenter.org.

Additionally, the McAninch Arts center will host Salt Creek Ballet's "The Nutcracker" at 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17. More information can be found at www.attmac.org.