Steubenville, Ohio, a town already famous as the birthplace of Christmas icon Dean Martin, is now drawing crowds for a different reason: its Nutcracker Village. This year, the village achieved a record with an astonishing display of 205 life-size nutcracker figures, featuring beloved characters like Charlie Brown, the Wizard of Oz ensemble, and even a tribute to Dean Martin himself.
The brainchild of woodworker Mark Nelson and his wife, Gretchen, the Nutcracker Village began in 2015 as a project to revitalize and bring joy to their hometown. Their son-in-law, Brodie Stutzman, who is responsible for carving these magnificent figures, shares with PEOPLE the vision behind this festive endeavor: “It’s about giving our community a true sense of magic.”
The Nutcracker Village, open through January 6 and free for self-guided tours, is recognized as the only life-size nutcracker collection in the world.
Nutcracker Village in Ohio. Photo by Therese Nelson Creating these intricate figures is no small feat. Stutzman reveals that preparations kick off in March, requiring around 500 hours of volunteer work. The tasks range from repairing statues to securing sponsorships and setting up the display area. The community’s involvement has been pivotal in making this event a cherished local tradition.
The inaugural display featured 50 nutcrackers, all handcrafted by Mark with assistance from his ten children and their families. Stutzman fondly recalls the unforgettable joy and excitement of that first year, saying it brought a unique holiday spirit to Steubenville.
Among the numerous figures, Stutzman’s personal favorite is Hermey the elf from the 1964 classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” a character that resonates with many visitors’ childhood memories.
Nutcracker Village in Ohio. Photo by Therese Nelson This year’s Wizard of Oz display is particularly enchanting, with the team’s meticulous attention to detail evident in each character’s accessories and features.
When planning new additions each year, Stutzman finds inspiration in his past creations, continually pushing his limits with figures that sometimes reach nine feet tall or have other elaborate features. Despite the pressure of the impending opening night, he relishes the creative process.
“The most enjoyable part,” Stutzman says, “is imbuing each nutcracker with its own personality.” From the distinct shapes and colors to the mustaches and accessories, every figure is unique — sometimes even gaining quirks through accidental falls.
For those who love festive displays or unique artistry, the Nutcracker Village in Steubenville offers a magical experience, uniting community spirit with the joy of the holiday season.
