Nutcracker Bear Visits Tufts NICU to Spread Holiday Cheer

The Nutcracker Bear from the Boston Ballet visited the Tufts Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on Tuesday, Dec. 16, to bring holiday cheer to babies, families, and staff.

Patrons of the Boston Ballet know the Nutcracker Bear as a signature element of Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen's production. The bear is renowned for its high-flying leaps and commanding stage presence.

The Nutcracker Bear's visit complements the NICU's holiday theme this year, centered on The Nutcracker. Staff dressed babies in Nutcracker-inspired outfits to get even the little ones in the holiday spirit.

According to a 7NEWS Boston report, volunteers from Project Sweet Peas created Nutcracker-themed costumes for the infants, including Dancing Bear, Mouse King, Mother Ginger, Nutcracker Prince, Clara, Snow Queen, and Ballerinas.

Tufts Medical Center facility dogs Bob and Dottie also dressed up for the occasion and joined the celebration.