It is Christmas Eve and joy and excitement fill the home of Mr and Mrs Stahlbaum. The couple and their children Clara and her younger brother Fritz greet their friends. This year’s celebration is more boisterous than usual and everyone is dancing. Godfather Drosselmeyer, a magician, provides entertainment. He brings gifts for the young children and gives a Nutcracker doll to Clara; she is fascinated by it. The party comes to an end, the guests depart and the family retires to bed. Unable to sleep, Clara returns to the living room. As the clock strikes midnight, strange things begin to happen. The whole room seems to grow and a horde of giant rats, led by their Queen, surround Clara. The Nutcracker springs to life and, summoning the toy soldiers, defends her. A battle ensues. Seeing that the Nutcracker is about to become overpowered, Clara hits the Rat Queen with her shoe and the Queen collapses. The Nutcracker falls exhausted to the ground, seemingly lifeless. Clara tries to help him and is overcome with sadness. With the help of Drosselmeyer’s magic, to her amazement, he turns into a handsome Prince. He dances with her and invites her on a journey to his Enchanted Kingdom. Traveling through the Land of Snow they meet the Snow Queen and King and shimmering Snowflakes who lead them on their way to the Kingdom of Sweets.