22 Enchanting Nutcracker Activities

The Nutcracker ballet is a timeless classic steeped in history and tradition. To help celebrate this beloved holiday tradition, we have gathered 22 exciting and engaging Nutcracker activities for children of all ages to enjoy. From crafting their own characters to creating a Nutcracker lap book and learning about the history of the play and its composer- there’s something for everyone! These activities are a fun way for kids to immerse themselves in the magic of the musical play and create lasting memories at this special time of year.

1. Ballerina Craft

After cutting out this ballerina shape template, apply glue to the dress, sprinkle glitter on top, and let it dry. Hang your sparkly dancer in a sunny window or on the wall for a fun and beautiful addition to your room!

Learn More: Nourishing My Scholar

2. Favorite Lesson Idea

With two skill levels for differentiation, students can practice numeral recognition or counting by matching the numbers to the Nutcracker cutouts. Print, laminate, and play this game in a center, or incorporate it into an activity book. 

Learn More: PreKinders

3. Hip-Hop Nutcracker Rhythm Game

Players must keep the rhythm by tapping the screen to the beat of the music from the famous ballet and complete different dance moves to score points. With bright, festive graphics and easy-to-follow gameplay, this Nutcracker rhythm game is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the holiday season.

Learn More: Kristin Martin

4. Cherry Chocolate Mice 

These adorable Nutcracker mice candies are an easy treat to make with kids. Simply mix melted chocolate with Hershey kisses, red hots, maraschino cherries, peanut halves, and black icing. Make sure to dry the cherries first before assembling the mice and adding their details. 

Learn More: JamonKey

5. Fun Craft for Kids During the Festive Season

This brilliant art activity starts with the creation of a snowy forest background with acrylic paint, followed by using templates of characters decorated with colored markers, metallic markers, sequins, glitter, and colored pencils. 

Learn More: Deep Space Sparkle

6. Elegant Sugar Plum Fairy Rhythm Patterns

With easy-to-follow instructions, students will love piecing together their very own sugar plum fairy rhythm patterns. It’s a sweet treat for music lovers of all ages and the perfect addition to any Nutcracker lesson!

Learn More: Mrs. Stouffer’s Music Room

7. Beautiful Nutcracker Craft

Simply print, cut, and attach these characters to popsicle sticks to create your own Nutcracker puppets. These puppets can be used to act out scenes from a famous ballet or to create original puppet shows inspired by the story.

Learn More: Kitchen Table Classroom

8. Listening Activity With Rhythm Sticks

Students listen to a portion of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” ballet and follow along with a visual map, marking specific events and musical elements as they occur in the music. This activity helps develop their musical listening skills and provides a deeper understanding of the structure and elements of the composition.

Learn More: TheHarmonyCircle

9. Favorite Ballet Craft

Cut an egg cup into a ballerina tutu shape and paint it pink before attaching the clothespin legs and gluing on yarn for hair. Enjoy creating a miniature Nutcracker ballet with your own unique characters!

Learn More: Crafty Morning

10. Entire Ballet Fun Math Activity

This simple printable involves counting various elements in the story of “The Nutcracker,” such as sugar plums, presents, and mice. It’s a great way to improve children’s counting skills and reinforce their understanding of numbers. 

Learn More: Twinkl

11. Try an Educational Lesson With a PowerPoint Presentation

With colorful graphics and vivid illustrations, this PowerPoint helps children understand the narrative of the classic Christmas tale. The use of animations and sound effects further enhances the overall experience, making it an effective tool for classrooms and homeschooling. 

Learn More: Twinkl

12. Read a Picture Book by Susan Jeffers Based on the Classic Play 

This Nutcracker picture book by Susan Jeffers is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the classic Christmas ballet. With vivid illustrations and simple, easy-to-follow text, it beautifully captures the magic and wonder of the holiday season. 

Learn More: Amazon

13. Movement Activity for the Elementary Music Room

For this interactive Trepak dance, students take turns following the music and spinning the scarves in the air, creating a beautiful and lively display. The activity is a great way to promote coordination, creativity, and teamwork. 

Learn More: Matthew Stensrud

14. Ballet Wordsearch

This word search features a grid filled with hidden words related to the famous ballet, such as “Clara”, “Rat King”, “Sugar Plum Fairy”, and more. This activity helps improve their vocabulary, spelling skills, and concentration.

Learn More: Made by Teachers

15. Fun Extension Activity

This Nutcracker Tic Tac Toe game is a fun and interactive way for children to play along with the iconic ballet. It’s a great way to bring the magic of ballet to life and get kids excited about the art form.

Learn More: Etsy

16. Trepak Parachute Activity

For this Trepak parachute activity, students gather in a circle around the parachute and lift it up and down in rhythm with the music. As the music gets faster, they move the parachute faster and higher, creating a visually stunning display. This activity helps improve coordination, teamwork, and cardiovascular endurance. 

Learn More: Music a la Abbott

17. Cooperative Learning Activity

This educational activity involves arranging events from the classic ballet in the correct order. It’s a hands-on way to teach students how to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills and better understand the enchanting ballet and its colorful characters.

Learn More: 3 Dinosaurs

18. Favorite Activity for Teaching the Nutcracker

This educational craft involves students writing their names using the teeth of the Nutcracker characters. The benefits of participating in this activity include developing fine motor skills, promoting creativity, and boosting self-esteem as kids see their names displayed in a unique and festive manner.

Learn More: Simple Everyday Mom

19. Scavenger Hunt

This dynamic scavenger hunt activity challenges kids to search for hidden Nutcracker figurines around the classroom. It’s an active and hands-on way to promote teamwork and problem-solving skills while helping kids to develop observation and critical thinking abilities. 

Learn More: Mrs. King Rocks

20. Nutcracker Note-Taking Activity

This activity provides a structured approach to taking notes while experiencing the Nutcracker performance. It’s a valuable resource for upper elementary students who need to improve their note-taking skills; helping students to be more organized and prepared as they engage with the musical production.

Learn More: Mrs. King Rocks

21. Writing and Coloring Activity 

This coloring and writing activity gives younger children a chance to practice their handwriting by copying words and older kids an opportunity to write their own sentences. This is an excellent way to engage children’s creativity and enhance their writing skills.

Learn More: Only Passionate Curiosity

22. Lap Book Activity to Learn About the History of the Play

This Nutcracker ballet lap book activity teaches kids about the history of the play, including its origin and the famous composer Tchaikovsky. Through hands-on learning, kids can discover the story behind this beloved Christmas classic and learn more about the musical genius who brought it to life.

Learn More: Cynce’s Place