The Party

The Stahlbaum family is celebrating the holidays with friends. Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s uncle, arrives late with his nephew. He entertains the guests with magic and makes life-sized toy dolls dance. Uncle Drosselmeyer also gifts Clara a Nutcracker, which delights everyone, including her jealous brother Fritz. As the party ends, Clara is saddened to see her Uncle and his nephew leave. She has made good friends with her uncle’s nephew at the party.

The Battle

After everyone falls asleep, Clara awakens to noises and sneaks into the parlor to investigate. She is surprised that the mice have grown enormously, and Uncle Drosselmeyer is orchestrating them. The mice steal away the family’s gifts. Uncle Drosselmeyer uses his magic to make the house disappear, and then he makes the Nutcracker grow to life-size – and come alive. A battle ensues between the mice, their Mouse King, and the toy soldiers, who have also magically grown and come to life. Thankfully, with help from Clara and the soldiers, the Nutcracker wins the battle. Uncle Drosselmeyer turns the Nutcracker into a handsome Prince who resembles the nephew Clara met at the party. Clara and the handsome Nutcracker Prince journey through the Land of Snow, where snowflakes and the Snow King and Queen dance.

A Sweet Ending

Tiny reindeer lead Clara and the Nutcracker Prince into the Land of Sweets with ethereal angels and beautiful fairies. The Sugar Plum Fairy greets them. Clara and the Nutcracker Prince tell the story of their fierce battle and are invited to a celebration where all of the Sweets perform. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier also dance. Finally, it is time to leave. The Sweets present gifts to Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they wish them well on their way.