“The Nutcracker” Podcast Read-Aloud and Free Guide
Looking for a magical way to enjoy The Nutcracker this holiday season? We are proud to offer an exclusive free printable companion guide to compliment The Nutcracker 14-episode chapter-by-chapter read-aloud series.
This guide is perfect for families, educators, and anyone wanting to dive deeper into this timeless holiday classic.
It’s packed with discussion guides, writing prompts, and Draw a Scene pages, making it an interactive and enriching activity for all ages.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King is a beloved holiday classic written by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816.
This enchanting fairy tale tells the story of a young girl, Marie (often renamed Clara in adaptations), who receives a magical nutcracker as a Christmas gift.
That night, the nutcracker comes to life and battles the evil Mouse King, taking Marie on a journey to a fantastical world of sweets, toys, and adventure.
Hoffmann’s original story has inspired countless adaptations, including the famous ballet by Tchaikovsky, making it a cherished part of the holiday season.
14 Individual Chapters (Episodes) + The Full Book
“The Nutcracker” Read-Aloud Series on Podcast
Everyday Charlotte’s Nutcracker read-aloud is a delightful way to introduce this holiday classic to your family or supplement a unit study on classic children’s literature.
With chapter-focused episodes, listeners can experience the story in manageable sections or enjoy the entire book in one sitting with the final episode.
The Once Upon a Storytime Podcast was designed to:
- Foster a love for living books and storytelling.
- Encourage deeper connections with classic stories through creative and reflective activities.
- Provide family-friendly podcast episodes that inspire learning and imagination.
Whether you’re homeschooling, building a holiday unit study, or simply creating magical Christmas memories, this podcast is a perfect fit.
Once Upon a Storytime Podcast is a magical read-aloud experience where classic children’s books come to life. Each episode features timeless tales from beloved authors, read with warmth and charm. Perfect for bedtime, homeschool, or a quiet moment of nostalgia, this podcast invites listeners of all ages to step into the pages of literary history. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or a lifelong lover of stories, tune in and rediscover the magic of storytelling—one chapter at a time.
In this special Christmas Eve episode of Once Upon a Storytime, we slow down together and listen to the beloved classic poem ’Twas the Night Before Christmas — also known as A Visit from St. Nicholas.
Originally published in 1823, this timeless poem has been read aloud for generations on Christmas Eve, often as the final story before bedtime. In this episode, the poem is read in its entirety, accompanied by gentle, period-inspired instrumental music designed to create a calm, cozy atmosphere.
This storytime pairs beautifully with quiet activities like coloring, resting, or simply listening together as a family. To support that tradition, you can download a free printable activity pack created to go along with this poem at OnceUponAPrintable.com — designed to encourage a gentle, family-led Christmas Eve rhythm.
Settle in, slow down, and enjoy this peaceful moment together.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Twas the Night Before Christmas (read aloud) + Christmas Music Playlist
A Visit by St. Nicholas by Clement Moore is public domain.
Once Upon a Storytime Podcast is owned and operated by Julie Boston.
The songs used in this episode include:
* A Sleigh ride into Town by Howard Harper-Barnes
* O Come All Ye Faithful by Half Giant
* O Come O Come Emmanuel by Julyan Brynn
* Hark! The Herald Angels Sing by Starry Bay Trio
* Where is the Sock? by Ruiqi Zhao
* We Three Kings by Per Kihlborg
* Silent Night by Andres Cantu
* God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Half Giant
* Jingle Bells by the Wamsutters
* Away in a Manger by Julyan Brynn
* The Gift of Giving by Howard Harper-Barnes
* Cuckolds All in a Row by Erasmus Talbot
* Chipmunks in the Christmas Tree by Joe E. Lee
* Go Tell it on the Mountain by Roots and Recognition
* As Christmas RingsIn by William Claeson
and A Snowflake’s Tale by Howard Harper-Barnes played during the poem recitation.
All music was provided with permission from Epidemic Sound.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to more episodes, visit Once Upon a Storytime Podcast.
For more fun supplementals visit: Once Upon a Printable
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onceuponastorytimepodcast.com
What’s Inside “The Nutcracker” Companion Guide?
I don’t want to just offer you a read-aloud without some other physical way to help engage your entire family.
Not just for adults and not just for kids, It’s got something for everyone!
The free printable Nutcracker Companion Guide is exclusively for email subscribers and offers tools to make the story truly come alive:
1. Discussion Guides
- Tailored for both adults and children.
- Spark meaningful conversations about the characters, themes, and symbolism in The Nutcracker.
- Designed to connect with listeners of all ages.
2. Writing Prompts
- Encourage imaginative thinking and reflection on the story.
- Great for journaling or expanding holiday unit studies.
3. “Draw a Scene” Pages
- Visualize key moments from the story.
- Includes space for all ages of children to draw according to the prompt, or use the blank drawing page option and come up with their own!
4. Interactive Experience
- Questions and activities for each of the 14 chapters.
- Helps solidify understanding and deepen appreciation for this holiday literature classic.
How to Get the Companion Guide
These free printables are available exclusively to subscribers. Simply enter a valid email address in the box below, hit subscribe, and you’ll gain instant access to the entire printable library—including this download!
We’d love it if you’d subscribe, you’ll gain access to many other resources designed to enrich your family’s experience with living books regularly!
These free printables are a part of our exclusive subscriber library and are for personal use only. They are the exclusive property of Once Upon A Printable and may not be reproduced or used for commercial purposes without our written consent. Thank you for respecting our copyright.
Add On Even More to Your Holiday “Nutcracker” Unit
Hoffmann’s The Nutcracker is more than a Christmas fairy tale—it’s a story of courage, kindness, and imagination.
This podcast read-aloud and companion guide invite you to rediscover its timeless charm while engaging your family in a creative, reflective, and joyful way.
But if you need even more to add to this seasons goodness, try on some of these other great printables for size!
About Julie
She’s a homeschool graduate, mother of five, designer, and educator. Inspired by classic books, art, music, and nature, she creates thoughtful, engaging resources to support parents and educators in teaching with intention and wonder.
Julie, you are absolutely talented and how blessed WE are that you share it with us for free. Thank you so much for bringing my favorite story to life in a way I can enjoy it with my great-nieces and nephews for our story time. Your artistry is breathtaking. Love it. I will be definitely checking out more of your site and sending people your way!!
Thank you so much for these wonderful comments! They truly mean so much to me. You’re very welcome! I am so glad you will get some enjoyment and use out of my creations.