It’s Christmas Eve. Guests are coming to the Stalbaums’ house. The party is about to start. The Stahlbaums’ children, Masha and Franz, are eagerly awaiting their presents. Drosselmeyer, their godfather, gives Masha the Nutcracker doll. Franz, Masha’s naughty and mischievous brother, accidentally breaks the doll. Masha is distraught. She cuddles and comforts her damaged toy. It is late and the guests depart. The party is over.

When Masha stays alone, mice led by the Mouse King appear in the room. The Nutcracker leads the attack against the Mouse King. The mice are about to win, but Masha, overcoming her fear, throws her slipper at the Mouse King at a decisive point in the battle, thus saving the Nutcracker. The Mouse King is defeated.

Suddenly Nutcracker’s face starts changing. He turns into a beautiful Prince. Masha is happy. All the toys dance celebrating the victory over the Mouse King.

Masha wakes up, still holding the Nutcracker in her arms. She is in the familiar room. Alas, it was just a magic dream...