Huge Life-Sized Nutcracker Exhibit On Display Near Pittsburgh

STEUBENVILLE, OH – The Steubenville Nutcracker Village, the world’s largest collection of life-size nutcrackers, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this holiday season with 10 new statues.

Located about 40 miles west of Pittsburgh, the holiday spectacle will run through Jan. 10. It has drawn tens of thousands of visitors from across the country.

Attendance peaked last season as the display surpassed 200 statues. This season’s 10 new creations include a fairy tale princess, a Christmas Story classic and a fully-articulating kung fu king.

The village was created in 2015 by Mark and Gretchen Nelson as an effort to revitalize downtown Steubenville and bring the community together. Mark Nelson, a woodworker, oversaw the creation of 50 life-size nutcrackers in year one, the first being “Junior” – a traditional red and gold statue.

“We set a standard for ourselves that year, but it now requires much more work to recreate a festival annually that meets our expectations and those of the community.," said Therese Nelson, the event organizer and lead designer. "We started out on this adventure with a goal to bring hope to our city, and we still believe that the work is worth it."

Design themes range from movie/pop culture icons to popular occupations, local universities and professional sports teams, religious and holiday figures and admired area personalities, such as Steubenville native Dean Martin himself and the famous Rat Pack. Fan favorites include the Mouse King, Hermey the Elf, The Wizard of Oz Cast, Charlie Brown and Snoopy, Princess Belle, Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly and five different versions of Saint Nicholas from around the world.

For additional information, including the daily schedule of activities and events associated with the display, click here.