It’s Christmas Eve and the Stahlbaums are hosting a party for their family. Before the preparations begin, a bit of magic is in the air. One can almost see the angels on the Christmas tree sparkling to life.
The Stahlbaum's oldest daughter, Clara, is very excited to see her Godfather Drosselmeyer because he always brings the most interesting presents! Clara’s sister, Frances, can’t wait for the presents, too, and maybe a few pranks!
As the Christmas party begins, everyone is dancing to celebrate the holiday. Godfather Drosselmeyer arrives and brings presents for the children: life-sized dancing dolls for all to enjoy, a toy rat for Frances, and even a handsome Nutcracker doll for Clara! In her jealousy, Frances breaks the new Nutcracker, but Drosselmeyer is able to fix the doll. As the party ends, Clara and Frances say goodnight and head to bed. Clara sneaks back downstairs after dark and falls asleep by the Christmas tree near her Nutcracker doll.
Suddenly, she is awakened unpleasantly by giant rats surrounding her! The room seems to be growing and she is very frightened. The Rat King arrives to steal Clara away just as her Nutcracker, now life-sized, appears! A battle ensues with soldiers and mice fighting all around Clara. The Rat King and Nutcracker engage in a final vicious battle. The Nutcracker prince is victorious, with Clara’s help, and saves the day!
The Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince who sweeps Clara away through a world of swirling snowflakes. He places a sparkling crown on her head and continues their journey, traveling to his Kingdom of Sweets! To thank Clara for her help in battle, the Nutcracker prince places her on a small throne and invites representatives from his kingdom to perform for her. Each performer is dressed in colorful and sparkling outfits, each more enchanting then the last. Finally, the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier perform for Clara, turning and leaping through the air. At the end of the evening, exhausted, Clara drifts off to sleep.
Clara awakens the next morning, near her Nutcracker doll and wearing a beautiful crown! Was it a dream? Was it reality? It was certainly a bit of Christmas magic!
