Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun Christmas special celebrates compassion, new friends.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sesame Street: The Nutcracker
What's the Story?
SESAME STREET: THE NUTCRACKER shares the story of Elmo and Tango's first Christmas together. Elmo wants to make sure that Tango has "the best Christmas ever" and shares all of his family's Christmas traditions, like baking, hanging lights, and making paper snowflakes. Then, he welcomes his friends, Big Bird, Abby, Cookie Monster, and Grover, into his home to open presents. The Count arrives to the celebration late and gives Tango a very special present -- a nutcracker toy! Tango loves her present and snuggles with it as she and Elmo listen to The Nutcracker as their bedtime story. Tango and Elmo wake up in a dream, and Tango can talk. A mysterious mouse mistakes Tango's nutcracker toy for a friend named Squeak, and innocently steals him. Elmo and Tango go on a magical adventure in the Land of Sweets where the dance and sing together as they try to rescue the toy. Along the way Elmo shows compassion and care for their new friend, the mouse, and they celebrate Christmas in an unforgettable way.
Is It Any Good?
This is an exciting and musical holiday special that's sure to put a smile on any Elmo fan's face. Sesame Street: The Nutcracker 's bright animation and upbeat, original music will captivate young viewers. Sesame Street's twist on the holiday classic The Nutcracker makes the story more relatable for young viewers. Elmo embodies the spirit of Christmas by showing compassion for a stranger, who becomes his friend, and for wanting to make the holiday extra special for Tango.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in Sesame Street: The Nutcracker, Tango can speak for the first time. Do you have a pet? If so, what would you talk about if they could speak to you?
The nutcracker is Tango's first ever Christmas toy - and she loves it! What's the best toy you've ever received?
Did you learn the words to Elmo and Tango's Christmas song? Perform it for your family!
How was Elmo compassionate in the story?
Elmo and Tango make a new friend on their holiday adventure. Do you think they'll ever see the mouse again? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 1, 2022
- Cast : Ryan Dillon , Leslie Carrara-Rudolph , David Rudman
- Network : Max
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Holidays , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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