The Nutcracker

This classic story about Christmas, toys, magic, adventure, and candy is great for both boys and girls of many ages. Children can experience it in several ways – read the story, hear the music, see a live performance, turn it into a craft project, or as we do at our house – dress the part.

Read a book:
• Nutcracker by E. T. A. Hoffmann, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
• Nutcracker Ballet by Vladimir Vagin
• The Nutcracker: Classic Collectible Pop-Up by David A. Carter, illustrated by Noelle Carter.
• The Nutcracker by Michael Hague and Sarah L. Thomson

Hear the music:
• Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker CD, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Charles Mackerras

Listen to the music while reading along with the book: The Nutcracker hardcover with CD adapted by Janet Schulman and E. T. A. Hoffmann, illustrated by Renee Graef

See the show:
• The Nutcracker by Festival Ballet. Check website for date and times.

Watch the movie:
• George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker – New York City Ballet (1993)
Starring Darci Kistler, Damian Woetzel, Macaulay Culkin and directed by Emile Ardolino.
Running Time: 92 minutes
• The Nutcracker (1977)
Starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland and directed by Tony Charmoli.
Running Time: 78 min

Make a craft:
• Nutcracker Stickers by Dover Little Activity Books
• Cut & Assemble a Nutcracker Ballet Toy Theater: A Complete Production in Full Color
by Tom Tierney
• Paint your own wooden Nutcracker

Dress the part:
We put together this Nutcracker costume with black poster board rolled and stapled together to form the hat, makeup for kids, a corduroy jacket, red shirt and black pants from home. Black boots from the local thrift shop. Sword, optional.

Category: books / stories, crafts, holidays, movies / tv, music