Christmas Day may be over, but it doesn’t mean it’s the end for seeing nutcrackers this season. If you are in or around the Chicago area, you will see that the magic continues. So, if you have a love for nutcrackers and are in the Midwest, read on for three places where you will continue to see nutcrackers beyond December.
The Nutcracker Ballet
A timeless family tradition for many may include heading to the theatre to watch the ballet performance of The Nutcracker. If you are unfamiliar with The Nutcracker, it’s a fantasy story about a girl who befriends a nutcracker who comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King.
During the holidays, you will see several variations of this story play out in various performances in person or on various media outlets across the Midwest and beyond. These performances can last anywhere from an hour to three.
The Immersive Nutcracker | A Winter Miracle
However, those who have a shorter attention span such as Gen Z, may choose to opt for a shorter version of The Nutcracker by attending an art exhibit or immersive experience such as The Immersive Nutcracker located at Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago.
The experience features a 30-minute, immersive experience of whimsical animated characters alongside footage of professional ballet dancers.
Regardless of which option is chosen, whether it be the full ballet performance or the shorter immersive experience, it is a testament to the fact that the holiday spirit extends into the new year.
Winter-Themed Restaurants | JoJo’s ShakeBAR – River North
Lastly, you may experience seeing a variety of nutcrackers at various winter-themed restaurants such as JoJo’s ShakeBAR – River North located at 23 W Hubbard Street in Chicago, IL.
JoJo’s Shake Bar has transformed every inch of its restaurant into a Winter Wonderland decorated with an eight-foot-tall nutcracker, giant ornaments, and thousands of string lights.
Not only do they do a great job with the decor and menu each season, but they often offer experiences to align with the season, as well. As an example, customers can sign up for festive events such as participating in a mixology class, an ornament painting workshop, a wreath-making workshop, and/or a gingerbread house decorating.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the adoration and love of nutcrackers persists long after the holiday festivities have concluded. From the graceful performances of the Nutcracker Ballet to the cozy atmosphere of winter-themed restaurants, the holiday spirit extends well into the new year.
Photos courtesy of Pexels.
