Barbie Commemorates 25 Years of “Barbie in the Nutcracker” with an All-New Animated Special Premiering Globally in 2026

Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, announced today that Barbie® is kicking off a year-long celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of the iconic Barbie™ in the Nutcracker - the special that launched the brand’s animated legacy and became a holiday classic for generations.  Barbie is setting the stage for a year filled with new dolls, consumer products, and the official return of nostalgic Barbie specials from the past 25 years. 

For more than six decades, Barbie has empowered generations to dream big and believe they can be anything, bringing stories to life with innovative product and inspiring content that encourages endless storytelling for fans of all ages. The new Barbie in the Nutcracker invites audiences everywhere to rediscover the holiday magic, music, and imagination where it all began.

“This anniversary is an opportunity to honor where Barbie’s animated storytelling began — and to invite a new generation to experience these worlds in their own way,” said Nathan Baynard, Vice President, Head of Barbie, Mattel Inc. “Barbie in the Nutcracker has always been about imagination in motion, and this new chapter opens that world again through reimagined content, inspired products, and experiences that encourage discovery and play.” 

A Fresh Retelling for a New Generation

Barbie in the Nutcracker returns in an all-new animated special that will be on Netflix in 2026.

This 45-minute reimagining brings modern animation and fresh storytelling to the classic tale. In this new adventure, Barbie “Brooklyn” Roberts steps into the role of the Sugarplum Princess and Barbie “Malibu” Roberts stars as Clara, as they journey through a musical, magical dreamworld filled with holiday wonder, courage and friendship. The special honors the heart of the 2001 film while inviting a whole new generation to fall in love with the story that defined the Barbie brand’s animated legacy.

The project is overseen by Rob David and Teale Sperling for Mattel Studios. Additional announcements to come.

New Toys, Collector Favorites, Experiences & More

To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Barbie will debut a line inspired by the special, bringing the enchantment of the Nutcracker to life through beautifully designed dolls, including:

• Barbie® Nutcracker Chelsea Snow Fairies Assortment
• Barbie® Nutcracker Land of Sweets Ballerinas Assortment
• Barbie® Nutcracker Clara Doll 
• Barbie® Nutcracker Daisy Doll
• Barbie® Nutcracker Clara Deluxe Doll
• Barbie® Nutcracker Sugar Plum Fairy Doll
• Barbie® Nutcracker Land of Sweets Horse and Sled
• Barbie® Nutcracker Land of Sweets Horse
• Barbie® Nutcracker Clara and Sugar Plum Fairy 2 Pack

Products will launch at mass retailers ahead of the Netflix premiere and will be supported by special retail surprises this Fall. Additional Nutcracker consumer products, including upcoming collaborations with Loungefly, Brown Girl Jane, Funko, Hallmark, Glamlite, Just Play, Townley, Centric Brands, Alex + Ani, Tutu Du Monde, and Crayola will expand the magical world even further. 

Alongside the new special, Mattel Press will release Barbie: The Nutcracker, a jacketed hardcover picture book retelling of the story, featuring enchanting original illustrations by Pura Belpré Honoree Mirelle Ortega and text by Lorelai Hart. Barbie: The Nutcracker will be available September 8, 2026, wherever books are sold. 

Barbie Celebrates Her Animated Legacy

As part of the anniversary celebration, Mattel will re-release iconic animated Barbie specials for fans to enjoy their favorite titles again. Titles includeBarbie™ & Her Sisters in a Pony Tale, Barbie™ and the Magic of Pegasus and Barbie™ in the Nutcracker (2001).

Each title will launch on the Barbie YouTube channel, and are available on select streaming platforms and broadcasters globally, allowing fans to rediscover animated adventures across different eras of Barbie. Barbie™ in the Nutcracker (2001) will also release on Netflix later in 2026.

Since 1959, Barbie has inspired the limitless potential in every girl, sparking imaginations and shaping futures through play. The brand boasts over 175 inclusive looks and offers a unique voice across multiple platforms to engage a wide range of audiences.