Which Chicago Events Should Not Be Missed This Holiday

As far as I can remember, "The Nutcracker" has always been an aspect of the Chicago holiday season. While some deem the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival as the pivotal event of the season, for those of us, who were weaned on "The Nutcracker" and the Walnut Room, these Chicago events are ritualistic components of the Christmas experience.

This year, the Joffrey Ballet assumes center stage at the Auditorium Theatre (Congress between Wabash and Michigan Avenue).

There's something enigmatic about "The Nutcracker." Perhaps, it's the Christmas ballet's convoluted story. What commenced as a novelette originally titled: "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King," by the German writer and composer, Ernst Theodor Amadeus (ETA) Hoffmann in 1819, was an inspiration for Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. According to Wikipedia, after the loss of a sibling, Mr. Tchaikovsky shortened the title to "The Nutcracker', developing the story into the popular ballet in 1892.

Despite the distinctive individuality of each Nutcracker composition, it happens to be the only event that resuscitates an awareness and appreciation for the art of ballet. Historical documents show that the inception of "The Nutcracker" dawned a family tradition for middle class families, stretching from the small communities of Canada to the United States.

Whether the story of how a young girl turned a nutcracker into a handsome prince is conveyed in Mr. Tchaikovsky's initial format, Chicagoans have a jaundiced eye to the classic Christmas story.

Despite some critics' commentary alluding to this year being "not as spectacular" as previous ones, "The Nutcracker" is, unlike most plays and operas, where each performance has to maintain every act's sequence of events. Rather, the Christmas ballet discovers a unique interpretation of each dancer, choreographer and element of design. (The Nutcracker runs now through December 24th with two performances: a matinee at 2 PM; and, an evening show at 7 PM).

Auditorium Theatre
50 East. Congress Parkway | Chicago, IL

With the Joffrey tickets ranging from $31 and $115, some families may opt for a less expensive activity or even both: The Lincoln Park Zoo Lights Festival. This family-focused and couple centric activity is absolutely free. An iridescent excursion through the zoo reveals a backdrop of decorated trees, elaborate ornaments synchronized to a loop of holiday songs. Along the way, grab a bag of roasted chestnuts, hot apple cider or a cup of hot cocoa--and witness the zoo's residents prepare for bedtime. (This luminous holiday show is opens at 5 PM until 9 PM, running through January 2nd (with the exception of December 24th and 25th)

Lincoln Park Zoo
2100 N. Canon Drive | Chicago, IL