Act I

There is a holiday in Dr. Stahlbaum's house! Everyone is very happy, celebrating Christmas, having fun and dancing. Dr. Stahlbaum's children, Marie and Fritz, like the other children, are eagerly awaiting their presents. The last of the guests is Drosselmeyer. His ability to bring toys to life not only amuses the children, but also frightens them. Drosselmeyer takes off his mask. Marie and Fritz recognize their beloved godfather. Marie wants to play with the dolls, but is disappointed to learn that they have all been put away.

To calm the girl down, the godfather gives her a Nutcracker. The doll's strange expression amuses her. Fritz accidentally breaks the doll, and Marie is upset.

The party ends, and the guests dance the traditional Grossvater dance, after which everyone goes home. Night falls and the room where the tree is is filled with moonlight, Mama asks Marie to go to her room, but Marie wants to play with the Nutcracker a little longer.

Marie returns and hugs the Nutcracker, falls asleep with the doll in her hands. And then Drosselmeyer appears, but now he is no longer a godfather, but a kind wizard. He waves his hand, and everything in the room begins to change: the tree begins to grow, and the Christmas tree decorations come to life and become soldiers. Suddenly, mice appear under the leadership of the Mouse King. The brave Nutcracker leads the soldiers into battle. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King meet in a mortal fight. Marie sees that the army of mice is superior to the army of soldiers. In despair, she sees the candle with which she lit her way, and throws it with all her might at the Mouse King. The Nutcracker defeats the Mouse King, and he leaves with his army. The army of soldiers has won! The Nutcracker approaches Marie, and suddenly his face begins to change. He stops being the Nutcracker and turns into a handsome Prince. Marie and the Nutcracker Prince find themselves under a starry sky and a fantastically beautiful Christmas tree. Snowflakes are swirling around.

Act II

The Prince invites Marie to his palace, Konfeturenburg, and throws a whole party in her honor with dancing! Everyone dances, has fun, and celebrates the victory over the mouse army. At the party for Marie and the Nutcracker, the inhabitants of the fairytale city perform a Spanish dance, an Arabian dance. Chinese and Russian dolls appear, as well as three Shepherds. In the finale, Marie and the Nutcracker Prince also dance their beautiful dance for all the inhabitants of the kingdom, everyone is happy and jubilant!

And in the morning, Marie wakes up, and the Nutcracker is still in her hands. She is sitting in a familiar room. Alas, it was just a fairytale dream... But Marie is happy! She is spinning with the Nutcracker doll again, hoping to get to his beautiful country again!