The film takes place in the XIX century. In a rich house come to the New Year's tree children from rich families. A servant girl, similar to Cosette from Les Miserables Victor Hugo, observes their holiday. After the holiday, during the cleaning of the hall, she dances with a broom instead of a partner and sees an abandoned nutcracker - a toy that was cracked with nuts and almost broke. She awakens a pity for the Nutcracker, and he comes to life and tells the main character about his past.