November 22, 2024 - January 6, 2025
The beloved Nutcracker fairy tale returns to the Paine "castle" with a mesmerizing array of sights, sounds, and surprises! This holiday season guests are invited to journey through the settings of the story on self-guided tours. Along the way, the tale will be revealed within each elaborately decorated room of the historic Paine mansion. From the opening party scene to the Land of Sweets and beyond, follow the adventure of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.
On the first floor, each setting features a large storybook with illustrations that depict a portion of the fairy tale. On the second floor, the rooms portray the home of Clara's family and the workshop of her mysterious godfather, Drosselmeyer, along with a fascinating variety of his finely crafted wooden Nutcrackers.
Be sure to make a stop to the Sugar Plum Fairy's Cupcake Cafe for a yummy treat!
Guided Tours
Featuring live musical, acting and dance performances by Valley Academy for the Arts
A guided tour of Nutcracker in the Castle brings the characters and scenes of the fairy tale to life. The tour begins with a festive party in the “Ballroom” and live performances by a string quartet. Guests enjoy punch and cookies while Godfather Drosselmeyer tells the story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.
Afterwards, he leads guests through the elaborately decorated rooms of the mansion. The story culminates in the “Lands of Afar” where youth and professional dancers perform selections from the Nutcracker ballet. Guests then tour the second-floor rooms, which are fancifully decorated as Clara’s family home and Drosselmeyer’s workshop.
Youth dancers from Valley Academy for the Arts will perform Nov. 30–Dec. 1; Dec. 7–8; and Jan. 4–5. Professional dancers from the Minnesota Ballet will perform Dec. 13–15; Dec. 20–22; and Dec. 27–29.
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