Local 'Nutcracker' productions

"The Nutcracker" is a holiday tradition. The region's best-known show is the Joffery Ballet's in downtown Chicago. However, there are many quality productions of the holiday classic in the suburbs.

Chicago Festival Ballet

Von Heidecke Chicago Festival Ballet will present "The Nutcracker" on the following dates:

• 2 p.m. Sunday at the Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet. Tickets cost $30 to $35 for adults, $19.50 for children ages 12 and younger. For tickets, visit www.rialtosquare.com or call (815) 726-6600.

• 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. Tickets cost $15 to $57. For tickets, visit www.harristheaterchicago.org or call (312) 334-7777.

• 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22-23 at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The New Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kurt Muspratt, accompanies the performance. Tickets cost $23 to $33. For tickets, visit www.AtTheMAC.org or call (630) 942-4000.

Salt Creek Ballet

The Salt Creek Ballet will present the following performances of "The Nutcracker." For details, visit www.saltcreekballet.org.

• 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday and 1 p.m. Monday at Hinsdale Central High School, 55th and Grant streets, Hinsdale. The Sugar Plum Party follows the Monday performance. Audience members will have a chance to meet the cast. For tickets, call (630) 769-1199.

• 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. For tickets, call (630) 896-6666.

• 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park. The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra will accompany the performance. For tickets, call (708) 235-2222.

Schaumburg

The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble will present "The Nutcracker" on the following dates at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 7; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9. Tickets cost $18 to $25. For details, visit www.prairiecenter.org or call (847) 895-3600.