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Nutcracker in the Castle

Self-guided tours

Featuring 20 decorated settings and 70 Christmas trees in the historic Paine mansion


November 24, 2023–January 8, 2024
Monday–Saturday | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM*

Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day:
10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Reservations recommended

On self-guided tours, journey through more than 20 rooms and spaces elaborately decorated as the fantastic scenes of the Nutcracker story. On the first floor, each setting features a large storybook with illustrations that reveal a portion of the fairy tale. On the second floor, the rooms portray the home and lifestyle of the Stahlbaum family, as well as the workshop of Godfather Drosselmeyer and a wide variety of finely crafted wooden Nutcrackers. Throughout both floors, more than 60 mischievous mice are hidden within the settings.


$17 Adult
$13 Youth (ages 5–17)
Free for Members
Free for ages 4 and under


*Self-guided tours are not available on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day.

Verve, A Credit Union members receive 2-for-1 admission to self-guided tours. Proof of membership required.

Amcor employees receive 2-for-1 admission for self-guided tours. Proof of employment is required.

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Candlelight tours

Featuring the decorated settings illuminated by Christmas trees in the evening


November 24, 2023–January 5, 2024
Sundays | 5:00–8:00 PM*
Wednesdays & Fridays | 4:30–8:00 PM*

Reservations required

Candlelight tours offer guests an especially entrancing way to take a self-guided tour of the Nutcracker display in the evening. The lights of the “castle” are dimmed and the settings are illuminated by the glow of more than 70 Christmas trees. As guests enter, they are handed electric candles to carry as they wander through the glowing rooms.


$17 Adult
$13 Youth (ages 5–17)
Free  for Members
Free for ages 4 and under


*Candlelight tours are not available Nov. 26, Dec. 22, Christmas Eve, Dec. 27, New Year’s Eve, or Jan. 3.

Verve, A Credit Union members receive 2-for-1 admission to candlelight tours. Proof of membership required.

Amcor employees receive 2-for-1 admission for self-guided tours. Proof of employment is required.

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Guided tours – SOLD OUT

Featuring live musical, acting, and dance performances


November 25, 2023–January 7, 2024 
Saturdays | 5:00–8:00 PM*
Sundays | 12:00–3:30 PM*

Additional holiday guided tours:
Dec. 21–22 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Dec. 26–28 | 5:00–8:00 PM

Reservations required

Please note: Limited reservations are available for guided tours. To inquire about availability, please call 920-235-6903 x30.

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.


$32 Adult
$27 Youth (ages 5–17)

$25 Member Adult
$21 Member Youth (ages 5–17)

Free for ages 4 and under


Tours begin every 30 minutes and last about an hour.

*Guided tours are not available on Nov. 18-19, Dec. 23, Christmas Eve, Dec. 30, or New Year’s Eve.

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Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cupcake Café

Located in the Conservatory at the back of the Paine property


November 17, 2023–January 7, 2024 
Wednesdays & Fridays | 5:00–7:30 PM
Saturdays | 11:00 AM–7:30 PM
Sundays | 12:30–3:30 PM

Additional holiday hours
Nov. 19 | 12:30–7:30 PM
Dec. 21 | 5:00–7:30 PM
Dec. 26–29 | 11:00 AM–7:30 PM

No reservations necessary

Visit the Sugar Plum Fairy’s Cupcake Café for a scrumptious treat before or after tours of Nutcracker in the Castle! With the Sugar Plum Fairy herself as hostess, the café serves cupcakes and hot cocoa in a fairyland setting within the Paine’s Conservatory.

Cupcakes are made by Tamara’s the Cake Guru.


$8 includes cupcake and hot cocoa, milk, or coffee.

Gluten-free option available.


Closed on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Jan. 3.

Please note the hours of the café, and coordinate visits before or after Nutcracker tours.

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