Tis the season for everything Christmas and the Nutcracker! What are you planning this holiday season? Let us guide you on this journey to bring this magical tale to life and create memories that’ll last a lifetime!
We have some ideas to incorporate the timeless charm of the Nutcracker story into your holiday plans with little mess and no fuss. From family bonding activities to a Nutcracker-themed party and no extra supplies needed crafts; we have a little bit of everything that can be easily added into your plans.
DIY Nutcracker Crafts
Craft time is always a hit! We can incorporate the magic and beauty of the Nutcracker into some simple hands-on crafts! From painting to paper crafts, here’s our favorite projects:
- Paint your own Nutcracker: Get out the paint, paintbrushes, and some unpainted Nutcrackers! Let your kids create their own Nutcracker with their favorite color combinations.
- Make A Nutcracker Paper Crafts: This project will need some pre-cut construction paper, bells, buttons, markers, and glue to make their own Nutcrackers nearly from scratch!
- Popsicle Stick Nutcracker Ornaments: Let your kids create some simple Nutcracker ornaments with popsicle sticks! All you need is the sticks, markers, tape, and the string to hang it on the tree.
The best part about these crafts is they’re easy to make and you already have everything you’ll need at home! No need to purchase more crafting supplies!
Bring The Nutcracker To The Party
Christmas is often a month-long celebration in a lot of households. Themed parties are a great way to get into the holiday spirit and share the traditions you grew up with as a child or even start new traditions. You could have a Nutcracker-themed party! Here are some ideas you can use to bring a new tradition to life in your home:
- Food: strawberry mice, snowflake pretzels, and sugar plum pastries.
- Table: Wrapping paper table runner, snowflake paper plates, nutcracker napkins, and Nutcracker centerpieces.
- Decor: Tea lights, string lights, ribbon, Nutcrackers, Nutcracker-themed mini Christmas tree and fake snow.
- Activities: Nutcracker coloring sheets, a nutcracker-themed scavenger hunt, popsicle stick ornaments, paper snowflakes, snowflake wands and paint your own nutcrackers.
Bedtime Stories
Bedtime stories are so important to every family. Studies have shown that bedtime stories help children learn new words and learn to enjoy reading. They also help you as the parent to set up a bedtime routine and further build a special bond together. So why not incorporate holiday-themed books into their collection? Here are our top picks:
- The Nutcracker by E. T. A. Hoffmann
- The Nutcracker: Dancing Primer by Jennifer Adams
- The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet
- Nutcracker Crunch by Little Bee Books
- Barbie: The Nutcracker Little Golden Book
Nutcracker Ballet Class At Home
Do you have any aspiring ballerinas? If so, organize a Nutcracker ballet themed class at home! You could start off small by teaching simple ballet steps from the movie or just the essentials that all dancers learn. This idea is great for all skill levels and can be specially tailored to your child’s skill level every year.
Host A Nutcracker Movie Night
Does your family have a regular family movie night? Share the magic of Christmas and the nutcracker with some family-friendly nutcracker movies that are great for kids! Here are our top picks:
- The Nutcracker And The Four Realms (2018)
- The Nutcracker Sweet (2015)
- Barbie In The Nutcracker (2015)
- Care Bears: The Nutcracker Suite (1988)
To make Nutcracker movie night even more magical, bring out the blankets, Nutcracker Squishmallows, and homemade Nutcracker-themed treats! You could make sugar plum pastries, snowball cupcakes, snowflake pretzel bites, or strawberry mice. The options are endless!
