By Elizabeth Hurtado-Lafont Springdale Public Library

December is here! A time for twinkling lights, warm cocoa, and stories that sparkle with imagination. One of the most magical holiday traditions around the world is going to see The Nutcracker, a famous ballet that brings music, dance, and dreams together on stage.

But have you ever wondered why The Nutcracker is always part of the Christmas season? Let’ s step into the story and find out.

A Story Full of Magic The Nutcracker is a ballet that was first performed more than 130 years ago! It tells the story of a girl named Clara who receives a nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift. When the clock strikes midnight, something amazing happens: the nutcracker comes to life! Together, Clara and her Nutcracker Prince go on a magical adventure through the Land of Sweets, meeting the Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing snowflakes, and all kinds of enchanting characters.

Why We See It Every Christmas

When The Nutcracker was created, the story took place on Christmas Eve, surrounded by twinkling trees, wrapped presents, and joyful music, just like the holidays we celebrate today. The beautiful sets, sparkling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’ s unforgettable music make it feel like a celebration of the season itself.

Over time, families began to make The Nutcracker a yearly tradition. Now, ballet companies all over the world

— and right here in Northwest Arkansas— perform it every December. For many families, watching the snowflakes dance on stage is as special as baking cookies or decorating the tree!

A Celebration of Art and Imagination

Even if you’ ve never seen a ballet before, The Nutcracker is a perfect way to begin. The dancers tell the story using movement instead of words, and the music helps you feel every emotion, from excitement to wonder!

Watching it can inspire kids to explore dance, music, and storytelling. You might even find yourself twirling around the living room afterward, pretending to be Clara or the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Where You Can See It in NWA This December, theaters across Northwest Arkansas will light up with The Nutcracker! Local ballet companies and dance schools will bring the magic to life for audiences young and old.

For example, you can check out the production by the NWA Conservatory of Classical Ballet in Bentonville( visit nwaballet. com) and the one by the Ozark Ballet Theater in Fayetteville( visit ozarkballettheater. com) for details on dates, venues, and tickets.

It’ s a great opportunity to dress up, enjoy the music, and start a new family tradition.

So this holiday season, take a break from the hustle and bustle, sit back, and let The Nutcracker whisk you away to a land of snow, sweets, and dreams. You’ ll see why this ballet has danced its way into our hearts for generations!

4 • December 2025 • www. OfficialKidsMag. com