Come see the beloved Nutcracker Suite story as you’ve never seen it before: as presented from within the historic Paine estate! Nutcracker in the Castle sees each room of the historic estate transformed to present different scenes from the classic ballet. Now through January 7th, 2019.

The Paine Art Center and Gardens is a historic estate in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The estate was established in 1927 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 3-acre grounds include botanical gardens and a Tudor Revival style mansion containing public art galleries. The Paine hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, such as the popular Festival of Spring.

Another popular, annual attraction at the The Paine is their unique presentation of The Nutcracker.

Nutcracker in the Castle

The Paine’s version of The Nutcracker Suite is unlike your typical theater production.

Rather than present from the stage, Nutcracker in the Castle is performed in 20 different rooms of the estate. From the opening Party Scene to the magical Land of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy, the tale unfolds in a variety of elaborately decorated settings.

For even more fun, Nutcracker in the Castle can be experienced three different ways:

Nutcracker in the Castle Self-guided Tours – Come journey through more than 20 rooms and spaces recreated as the fantastic scenes of the Nutcracker story. The first floor settings each feature large, illustrated storybooks revealing a portion of the story. The second floor rooms portray the Stahlbaum family home and Godfather Drosselmeyer’s workshop with its finely crafted wooden Nutcrackers.

Nutcracker in the Castle Candlelight Tours – Enjoy the magic of candlelight with the house lights dimmed and the play settings lit by more than 70 Christmas trees! You’ll also be given a battery-powered candle to carry. This special tour is only available on Fridays.

Nutcracker in the Castle Guided Tours – Watch Nutcracker in the Castle come to life with live acting and dance performances during the guided tour. Guests will enjoy punch and cookies as Godfather Drosselmeyer tells the story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. You’ll then see dancers perform selections from the Nutcracker ballet. The visit finishes with a tour of the fancifully decorated second-floor rooms.

Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cupcake Café

After your tour of the Nutcracker in the Castle, be sure to stop by the Cupcake Café in the Paine’s Conservatory. The Sugar Plum Fairy herself will be your hostess as you enjoy cupcakes and hot cocoa in a fairyland setting. Delicious fun!

Nutcracker in the Castle at The Paine

Daily until Jan 7th, 2019 – closed Christmas Day
Paine Art Center & Gardens
1410 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh WI, 54901
Visit www.thepaine.org for ticket prices, schedules, and more.

Oshkosh Lodging Special for Nutcracker In The Castle

Brayton Bed and Breakfast is offering a special Nutcracker In The Castle price discount. Stay two consecutive nights, between November 17th and December 31st, and receive 10% off your stay. Use promo code NUT when booking online or via phone. More details here. Happy Holidays!