It is Christmas Eve, and families make their way to the lively Christmas party hosted by Mrs. Stahlbaum and her children, Marie and Fritz.

The party is already alive with music and dancing when Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives, bringing his magic and extraordinary gifts. The children eagerly gather as Drosselmeyer stages a puppet show, telling the story of a great battle between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King. Afterwards, the children watch in awe as his magic wand brings a mechanical doll to life. Their wonder grows as they beg Drosselmeyer for one more surprise. Finally, he unveils his most enchanting creation yet: the Nutcracker Doll.

Marie is immediately captivated by the Nutcracker’s charm, cradling it protectively. Fritz, however, feels differently. He rushes over, trying to grab the doll from her hands. The siblings struggle, pulling it back and forth, until—whether out of mischief or frustration—Fritz yanks it hard, and the Nutcracker breaks. Marie is devastated, but Uncle Drosselmeyer reassures her as he carefully mends the toy, restoring it to its former state.

As the party winds down, the families return to their homes, tired but happy. Yet Marie cannot forget the Nutcracker. Just before midnight, she sneaks back to the parlor to check on her cherished doll. Suddenly, mice begin to fill the darkness, creeping toward her Nutcracker. Marie tries to protect it, but the room transforms as Drosselmeyer’s magic descends. The Christmas tree grows to an enormous size, and the Nutcracker leaps to his feet, ready to face the danger.

A fierce battle occurs between the Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King, with the toy soldiers rallying to his side. In the end, the Nutcracker triumphs, but the curse that binds him is not lifted by victory alone. It is Marie’s love—her ability to see beyond his appearance and cherish the soul within—that finally breaks the spell. Transformed, the Nutcracker is free to become a Prince once more.

Marie and the Prince rejoice as the first Christmas snow sweeps them away to a distant, magical land.

*** INTERMISSION ***