Illustration of a felt doll in a red dress on a small toy stage with a nutcracker soldier, snowy trees and a glowing fire (ENGAGE DANCE ACADEMY PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER 2026)

ENGAGE DANCE ACADEMY PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER 2026

Guests follow Clara's journey beginning at her family's Christmas Eve party, where an evening of dancing and celebration leads to a dream with her precious Nutcracker doll. Audiences watch Clara and Drosselmeyer battle a life-size Mouse Queen, slide alongside snowmen and the dazzling Snow Queen, and take flight on an enchanted crystal sleigh. The adventure culminates in a visit to the Land of Sweets alongside the Queen of the Angels.

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

$24 - $42. The listed ticket prices are $36 for adults and $24 for students; all-in pricing includes a $4 Box Office Fee, and an $8 Order fee is applied to the entire order at checkout. A $4 per-ticket Processing Fee is described, and a $6 Premium Seat Fee applies based on seat location/additional leg room and is indicated in light blue on the seating chart.

Hours

Saturday and Sunday: shows at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM; doors at 11 am for the 12 pm shows and 4 pm for the 5 pm shows.

Going?

Location

Raue Center for the Arts · 26 N Williams Street Crystal Lake, IL 60014, Crystal Lake, IL Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and audiences of all ages

Vibe

Festive and magical

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Choose a Saturday or Sunday performance; shows are scheduled at noon and 5 p.m. on both days.
  • Doors open one hour before each performance, so arrive around opening to allow time to get seated before the show.
  • Premium seats cost an additional $6 and offer extra legroom; check the light-blue seating chart if that feature matters to you.
  • Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, so confirm your chosen performance and seating selection carefully before placing the order.
  • Follow the venue’s patron code of conduct and alert staff if you experience or observe harassment.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Students have a lower ticket price than adults.
  • Evening performances are offered on both Saturday and Sunday.
  • Premium seats carry an extra seat fee.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the performance suitable for?

It is recommended for all ages.

What happens in this version of The Nutcracker?

Clara’s adventure includes a battle with the Mouse Queen, a journey with snowmen and the Snow Queen, and a visit to the Land of Sweets.

Can I choose from more than one performance?

There are four performances across the two days, with separate ticket links for each showing.

Can tickets be refunded or exchanged?

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Are premium seats available?

Yes. Premium seats are marked in light blue on the seating chart and carry an additional seat fee.

Browse Christmas in Crystal Lake

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.

Contributors & Updates

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