1920s Vienna. Mary lives in a home filled with lovely things and loneliness. Bothered by her brother Max and neglected by her parents, she yearns for companionship and adventure.

On Christmas Eve, Mary's beloved Uncle Albert arrives with the gift of a wooden nutcracker doll. Later that night, Mary's imagination brings the doll to life.

Introducing himself as "NC," he takes her on a wondrous journey through a stunning dimension where toys assume human form and everything appears ten times larger.