In the forest, Gretel weaves wreaths out of wild flowers as Hansel picks the last of the strawberries. He offers them to Gretel, and she eats one. As they leave the glade, a cuckoo calls, and the children imitate the sounds as they munch on the berries. Soon it is dark, and they realize that their basket is empty, and worse, they are lost. Terrified, they spot wild animals behind every tree. An owl glowers at them from an overhanging branch, and the Sandman appears. He scatters gold sand and the children say their prayers and fall asleep. Angels keep watch as they rest.
Act III
Hansel and Gretel are awakened by the beautiful Dewfairy. The morning mist dissipates and a gingerbread and candy house is revealed, with a fence made of gingerbread children. Hansel nibbles on a piece of the cottage, and hears a voice from inside. An old crone emerges, attempting to lure the children inside. When they resist, she casts a spell on them and locks Hansel in a cage. Filled with joy, the Witch contemplates the coming feast. She summons Gretel to the oven, but Gretel feigns ignorance and asks the Witch to show her how to make the oven work. As the Witch demonstrates, Gretel pushes her in and slams the door. As Hänsel and Gretel dance with joy, the gingerbread children come back to life and Peter and Gertrude arrive. All give thanks to the Lord.