Free Christmas Nutcracker Coloring Pages for a Magical Christmas

Nutcracker coloring pages are a fun way to retell the story of Clara, her magical Nutcracker, and their journey to the Land of Sweets.

My son always loved coloring the Mouse King in wild colors and giving Clara a new hairstyle each year. These pages quickly became one of our go-to December activities.

They’re simple, festive, and a great way to introduce kids to the ballet without needing a stage.

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Nutcracker Ballet Coloring Pages

These Nutcracker coloring sheets are a simple, festive way to explore the classic holiday story through art.

The set includes six full-page printables featuring key characters and scenes from the ballet, Clara, the Nutcracker, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. They’re easy to print and work well at home or in the classroom.

Scroll to the end of the post to grab the PDF and start coloring.

Printable Nutcracker Story

Clara receives a Nutcracker as a Christmas Eve gift, what she doesn’t expect is that it will come to life that night and help her defeat the Mouse King.

With the danger behind them, Clara and her Nutcracker journey to the Land of Sweets, where they’re welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy in a joyful celebration.

The full story highlights imagination, courage, and friendship, making these coloring pages a great way to introduce the ballet or retell it in a hands-on way.

Nutcracker Activities for Kids

The Nutcracker ballet is based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann from 1816, and it’s been retold in countless ways since. One of our favorite read-alouds in December is Story of the Nutcracker Ballet, a classic pick for younger kids.

If your child is musical, Sugar Plum Fairy sheet music is a fun way to try out Tchaikovsky’s melodies at home. For a deeper dive, the San Francisco Ballet’s study guide does a great job of breaking down the story and ballet terms in a kid-friendly way.

Younger learners might enjoy the digital play-and-learn Nutcracker activities designed for preschool to early elementary ages. We’ve also used Maestro Classics’ Nutcracker, which pairs narration with the full musical score, great for listening during quiet time or car rides.

For a more structured option, a ballet unit study can help kids aged 3–8 explore the characters, music, and setting in more detail. Or keep things light with a Nutcracker matching game, a fun screen-free activity to mix into your holiday plans.

Books About Nutcrackers

There are so many ways to share The Nutcracker with kids, and these picture books each offer their own take on the classic tale. Some are great for little hands, others bring the music and movement of the ballet to life, perfect for a cozy December read.

The Nutcracker – This padded board book is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. It’s sturdy, sweetly illustrated, and even includes a “This book belongs to” page that makes it feel extra special. Great for ages 1 to 5.

The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker – A favorite in our house for the interactive element. Each page includes a button that plays a short piece of Tchaikovsky’s score, making it a great way to connect the story with the music.

The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet – Based on George Balanchine’s famous production, this version stays true to the ballet and includes detailed illustrations that match what you’d see on stage. A lovely option for kids already familiar with the performance.

Jan Brett’s The Nutcracker – Known for her rich, whimsical art style, Jan Brett brings a fresh visual take to the story. It feels a little more imaginative than traditional versions, and the wintry details are beautiful.

Other Free Christmas Printables

If you’re looking for more creative ways to celebrate, these free Christmas printables are a fun mix of learning and holiday cheer.

Try classic Christmas coloring sheets featuring trees, stockings, and cozy winter scenes, great for quiet afternoons or classroom fun.

Explore traditions from around the world with our German Christmas coloring pages, highlighting festive icons like gingerbread houses and St. Nicholas.

Practice early math with Christmas color by number pages, a fun way to reinforce number recognition without it feeling like schoolwork.

And don’t miss the elf coloring pages for something light and silly. These printable scenes featuring Santa’s helpers are always a hit with younger kids.

Get Your Free Nutcracker Coloring Pages Here!

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Last Updated on 5 August 2025 by Clare Brown