From beloved classics like “The Nutcracker” and “A Christmas Carol” to festive new plays, musicals and dance performances, Bay Area performing arts shine extra bright at the holidays. Find your family’s favorite tradition or create a new one.
“A Celtic Christmas” – DEC. 17. Now in its 30th season of touring nationally, Irish storyteller Tomáseen Foley recreates the joy and innocence of a night before Christmas in a remote farmhouse in the west of Ireland in the 1950s when neighboring families gather around the fire to grace the wintry night with traditional Irish Christmas carols. 7:30pm. $50-65, $30 students. Also Dec. 19 at the United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco.
The Freight and Salvage, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley
tomaseenfoley.com/a-celtic-christmas.html
“A Chanticleer Christmas” – DEC. 11. San Francisco’s treasured men’s vocal ensemble creates a new Christmas program each year, activating Memorial Church’s gorgeous acoustics to create a feeling of community and serene beauty. 7:30pm. $95 general admission, $76.68 under age 18.
Memorial Church, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford
live.stanford.edu/events/25-26season/memorial-church/a-chanticleer-christmas
“A Christmas Carol” – DEC. 10-21. Center REP premieres a lively new adaptation of the treasured classic. This tender retelling highlights the necessity of caring for the most vulnerable among us while delivering a profound love letter to Dickens’ beloved story, immersing the audience in a dazzling digital design. $36 and up.
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
“A Christmas Carol” – DEC. 5-21. Silicon Valley Shakespeare presents its version of the Christmas classic, taking audiences on a journey – figuratively, and literally – with Ebenezer Scrooge as he travels the grounds of Montalvo through his past, present and future. You’ll traipse through the corridors of the historic Villa, explore the elegant courtyards and roam pathways featuring stunning vistas. $5-78.
Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga
Alameda Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – NOV. 22 AND 23. 2pm. Be transported on a journey with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince when Alameda Civic Ballet presents its annual holiday performance. $44-49 adults, $34-39 youth.
Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley
Ballet America’s “Nutcracker” – DEC. 6 AND 7. This family-friendly “Nutcracker” is staged with dancers from Academy of American Dance. $20 and up.
Main Theatre, Cañada College, Redwood City
Berkeley Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Bird” – DEC. 13 and 14. This bold, new “Nutcracker” ballet – a one-act, 70-minute production – redefines the holiday tradition with Snowflakes, Ocean Waves and more. Sweet treats and festive beverages before the performances and meet-the-dancer parties after each show are included in the ticket fee. 1 and 5pm. Adults $45-50, ages 2-12 $37-42, children on laps do not need ticket.
Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland
Black Diamond Ballet’s “Nutcracker” – DEC. 5-14. This 13th annual performance features exciting new choreography, costumes and dazzling cultural dances. There will be a one-hour, sensory-friendly performance on Dec. 6 at 11am, designed especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, sensory sensitivities or other disabilities. $20-36.
El Campanil Theatre, 601 E. Second St., Antioch
blackdiamondballet.org/nutcracker
“Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Ghose Story Told by Jefferson Mays” – DEC. 16-21. Berkeley Rep presents a thrilling solo rendition of the holiday classic, the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge told by Tony Award-winner Jefferson Mays, who plays over 50 roles in a virtuosic, master class of a performance that must be seen to be believed. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Roda Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley
Circus Bella’s “Starlight” – DEC. 12-JAN. 4. This all-new winter circus spectacular is performed in the round under a colorful big–top circus tent with a diverse cast of 13 performing thrilling feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace and poise, hilarity and authentic moments. Brand-new acts, sumptuous costumes and artists from across the nation bring the nostalgia and beauty of an old-timey circus combined with the eyebrow-raising savvy and modern look of today. $55-75.
The Crossing at East Cut, 211 Beale St., San Francisco
Contra Costa Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – NOV. 29 and 30. This one-hour performance is an elegant introduction to the holiday classic, filled with colorful costumes, whimsical sets and an array of talented, young dancers. 2 and 4:30pm. $42.50-52.50.
Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, 10 10th St., Oakland
“Dear San Francisco: Home for the Holidays” – NOV. 20-DEC. 30. This tribute to San Francisco created by circus collective The 7 Fingers adds new acts, surprise guests, sweet treats and festive vibes for the holidays. $108.90 and up.
Club Fugazi, 678 Green St., San Francisco
“The Gift of Nothing” – DEC. 13-23. Marin Theatre presents the West Coast premiere of this musical based on the beloved characters from “Mutts” comics. The story follows best friends Mooch the cat and Earl the dog as Mooch searches for the perfect gift for his friend, only to discover that the most meaningful gift of all isn’t something you can wrap but is simply friendship itself. A “relaxed performance,” for families with young children, neurodivergent people and others, is scheduled for Dec. 20 at 11am. $25 and up.
Marin Theatre, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley
Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker” – DEC. 20-21. The Oakland Ballet brings the classic story to life with beautiful dancing, magnificent scenery and imaginative costumes, with music by the Oakland Symphony and Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir. Sweet Dreams parties, with treats and cast meet-and-greet, are available with an additional ticket. 1pm. $34.55 and up.
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
Holidays at SFJAZZ – DEC. 13-21. SFJazz has a full slate of holiday entertainment from the Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s “Salsa Navidad” on Dec. 13-14, the Klezmatics’ “Happier Joyous Hannukah” on Dec. 15 and two renditions of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Dec. 20-21. See website for full details.
SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco
“Holiday Spectacular” – DEC. 12-13. The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus presents a sparkling celebration that blends beloved holiday classics, bold new works and fabulously queer twists. Fri. at 7:30pm, Sat. at 1 and 7:30pm. $35.10 and up.
Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., San Francisco
“Holiday Spectacular” – DEC. 6-7. Join Symphony San Jose, the Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabile Youth Singers, New Ballet and special guests to rejoice in beloved holiday classics, heartwarming carols, dazzling dance numbers, audience sing-alongs and the ever-popular “12 Days of Silicon Valley.” Come early to meet Santa and decorate gingerbread cookies. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Sat. at 2:30 and 7:30pm, Sun. at 2:30pm. $24-121.50.
California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose
symphonysanjose.org/attend/2025-2026-season/concerts/holiday-spectacular
Marin Ballet’s “Nutcracker” – DEC. 6 AND 7. This production features 125 dancers and elaborate Victorian costumes and sets. Ticket prices TBA.
Novato Center for the Arts, 625 Arthur St., Novato
“Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets” – DEC. 6-21. This unique 50-minute version of “The Nutcracker” is designed for families with young children and is affordable, magical, zany and fun. $23.50-65.50.
Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center for the Arts and Culture, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street, San Francisco
“Midwinter Revels: a Medieval Feast of Fools” – DEC. 12-14 and 19-2. Adult, teen and children’s choruses, dressed in colorful period costume, bring traditional music to life through singing, dancing and revelry. See website for details.
Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St., Hayward
New Ballet’s “The San Jose Nutcracker” – DEC. 13-23. Presented with Symphony San Jose, “The San Jose Nutcracker” is a joyful production that transports the well-loved story to turn-of-the-century San Jose, with historical references that highlight the valley setting as a birthplace of innovation. $31.50 and up. “My Very First Nutcracker,” for the youngest audiences, is scheduled at 11am on Dec. 14, 15 and 22 and will include a pre-show play zone provided by the Legoland Discovery Center. $26.50 and up.
California Theatre,345 S. First St., San Jose
“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet” – DEC. 17. This North American tour unites world-class talent from renowned ballet capitals across the globe and features all-new choreography this year. 7pm. $40.26 and up.
Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., San Francisco
“OIGC 40th Anniversary Holiday Concert” – DEC. 6. The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir presents “Hope in Harmony” in celebration of its 40th anniversary. It also plays Dec. 21 in Mountain View. 7pm. $15-80.
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
“The Original San Jose Nutcracker” – DEC. 13-14 and 20-21. Performed with the Cambrian Symphony, San Jose Dance Theatre’s “Nutcracker” is celebrating 60 years with special dress-up performances and more. “Once Upon a Nutcracker,” a shortened version for young audiences, is Dec. 12 at 10:30am. $54 and up, VIP tickets available.
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S. Almaden Blvd, San Jose
Pacific Ballet Academy’s “The Nutcracker” – NOV. 28-30. Pacific Ballet Academy will present five performances, including a shorter one-act performance on Nov. 28 at 1pm ($15). $30 adults, $25 children.
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
“RAIN: A Beatles’ Christmas Tribute” – DEC. 23.In this new holiday edition of the acclaimed show, “RAIN” brings the magic of The Beatles to life on stage – with a cheerful seasonal twist. With dazzling visuals, iconic costumes and note-for-note precision, “RAIN” transforms the stage into a winter wonderland filled with music, memories and peace-on-earth vibes. 7:30pm. $33.93 and up.
Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., San Francisco
Ramon Moreno School of Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” – DEC. 13 AND 14. This school’s dancers bring the timeless holiday classic to life. $49.87 and up.
Menlo–Atherton Performing Arts Center, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton
ramonmorenoballet.com/nutcracker
San Francisco Ballet “Nutcracker” – DEC. 5-28. San Francisco Ballet made history with the first American “Nutcracker” performance, and it has been a treasured family tradition ever since. Helgi Tomasson’s version transports the story to 1915 San Francisco. A special sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for Dec. 28 at 11am. Children under age 3, including babies, will not be admitted. Ticket prices TBA.
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
sfballet.org/productions/nutcracker
San Francisco Symphony – NOV. 30-DEC. 22. The symphony celebrates the season with events all month long, from “A Merry-Achi Christmas” on Nov. 28 to “Disney’s Frozen in Concert” on Dec. 13 to “A Charlie Brown Christmas Live” on Dec. 21-22. See website for details.
Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
Smuin’s “The Christmas Ballet” – NOV. 22-DEC. 28. This annual performance includes favorite classics and new works celebrating the holidays. Performances are Nov 22-23 in Walnut Creek, Dec. 11-14 in Mountain View and Dec. 18-28 in San Francisco. See website for details. $30 and up.
smuinballet.org/events/christmas-2025
Snow Queen – DEC. 19 and 20. Bayer Ballet presents a stunning youth ballet full of intrigue and whimsy in which a young boy sets out on a quest to save his best friend from the Snow Queen. $42-65.50.
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View
Valley Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” – DEC. 13-21. This full production of “The Nutcracker,” accompanied by the Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra, features elaborate sets, skilled dancers and beautiful costumes. $39-59 adults, $25 under age 18, 2 and under FREE.
Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First St., Livermore
“The Velveteen Rabbit” – NOV. 29-DEC. 7. ODC/Dance returns to the stage with the 39th anniversary of this Bay Area holiday tradition based on the beloved classic children’s book. Featuring students from ODC’s Youth and Teen Program, it has larger-than-life storybook characters, a delightful musical score and the perfect amount of holiday cheer. 11am weekdays and Sat., 2pm Sun. $30 and up.
Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA, 700 Howard St, San Francisco
“A Wicked Dance-Along Nutcracker” – DEC. 6 AND 7. Part comedy musical, part dance-it-yourself ballet and part symphonic concert, the San Francisco Pride Band’s “Nutcracker” is fun for the whole family. In this year’s rendition, Uncle Drosselmeyer weaves a tale for Clara and Fritz about a legendary School for Holiday Magic, with music from “The Nutcracker,” “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Wiz.” $50 and up adults, $30 and up children.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco,
dance-along-nutcracker.sfprideband.org
Janine DeFao is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.