Beyond the Nutcracker
A destination holiday event drawing families, schools, and arts lovers from across Illinois and beyond. Join Ballet 5:8 December 18 through 20, 2026 at Sandburg High School for a magical Christmas ballet.
A holiday experience worth traveling for
Beyond the Nutcracker is more than a performance. It is a full Christmas outing for families and groups traveling from Chicago, the suburbs, communities throughout Illinois, and beyond.
Arrive early, take photos with Santa, browse festive lobby shopping, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and make the performance the centerpiece of a memorable holiday day trip or weekend.
- Christmas Market atmosphere before and after each show
- Holiday shopping, photos with Santa, seasonal treats, and family fun
- A meaningful story of hope, courage, kindness, and light
Experience the Magic
Journey with Emma, Uncle Abrahms, and Anastasis through a magical Christmas adventure filled with wonder, hope, and the beauty of cultures around the world.
Choose Your Performance
Performances take place December 18 through 20, 2026 at Sandburg High School.
The Story
During the dark days of a great war, a wounded soldier named Abrahms whispers a desperate plea for another chance to live. A warm golden light appears, and within it stands Anastasis, a radiant and mysterious figure who tells him, “Your story isn’t over yet.”
Years later, Abrahms arrives in foggy London to spend Christmas with the Cooper family. As the children gather around him, he opens a large, leather-bound book and begins telling a story of hope, kindness, and the first Christmas.
Emma, the youngest child, cannot stop thinking about the story. That night, the pages of the book seem to shimmer, and she is drawn into a dreamlike world where shadows of war meet the light of wonder. With Uncle Abrahms and Anastasis beside her, Emma journeys from the hillside of Bethlehem to celebrations across the world, discovering how acts of love can bring light to even the hardest places.
When Emma wakes on Christmas morning, her heart is full. Her journey has changed the way she sees her family, her world, and the meaning of Christmas itself.
Performance Advisory
Beyond the Nutcracker includes battle scenes with theatrical sound effects, including fake gunshots, as well as theatrical haze or smoke. These moments are part of the story’s wartime setting.
“It was an even more memorable experience the second time… a beautiful, heartwarming production.”
— 2024 Audience Member
“The show is so beautifully done and well choreographed. I felt so uplifted at the end.”
— 2021 Audience Member
Christmas Market & Holiday Magic
Make Beyond the Nutcracker a Christmas tradition for the whole family! Arrive early or linger after the curtain falls to enjoy festive shopping, seasonal treats, and holiday activities.
Photos with Santa
Santa is coming to Beyond the Nutcracker! Capture a special Christmas memory with photos available before and after each performance.
Christmas Market
Browse gifts, sweet treats, and specialty offerings from local businesses and holiday vendors.
Festive Treats
Add something sweet to your holiday outing with seasonal refreshments and treats.
A Full Holiday Experience
Gather your family, enjoy the festivities, and make memories together before and after the ballet.
Our Christmas Market Community
Previous event vendors and partners have included Nothing Bundt Cakes, Book Bar Coffee Cart, Sugar Mama Skin Co., BLOCH, Ballet Five Eight merchandise, EVEN Hotel Tinley Park, and North & Maple Restaurant.
Participating vendors and offerings for 2026 will be updated as they are confirmed.
Make It a Holiday Trip
Families and groups travel from across Illinois and beyond for Beyond the Nutcracker. Plan a full holiday outing with dinner, photos, shopping, and an unforgettable ballet experience.
Stay & Make a Weekend of It
Traveling to see Beyond the Nutcracker? Turn your visit into a festive holiday getaway! We've arranged a special hotel booking opportunity for Ballet Five Eight guests through Hilton.
Book by November 21, 2026 to take advantage of this special booking opportunity.
Room availability and rates are subject to the hotel's booking terms.
Groups & Schools
Group, school, and homeschool co-op information for Beyond the Nutcracker 2026 will be announced closer to the event.
Questions? Call 708-329-8773 or email info@ballet58.org.