Here are this month’s top family activities around the Bay Area.
Dec. 2
Hayward Holiday Lights
THROUGH DEC. 4. Hayward Area Recreation & Park District celebrates the season by lighting up its historical mansions along with open houses of the homes, fun activities and hot chocolate. Mt. Eden Mansion’s event is today; McConaghy House Wed.; and Meek Mansion Thu. 5:30-7:30pm. FREE.
Mt. Eden Mansion, 2451 W. Tennyson Road, Hayward
McConaghy House, 18701 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward
Meek Mansion, 240 Hampton Road, Cherryland
Dec. 5
“A Christmas Carol”
THROUGH DEC. 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
Black Diamond Ballet’s “Nutcracker”
THROUGH DEC. 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 needs. $20-36.
El Campanil Theatre, 601 E. Second St., Antioch
blackdiamondballet.org/nutcracker
San Francisco Ballet “Nutcracker”
THROUGH DEC. 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. Tickets start at $39.
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
sfballet.org/productions/nutcracker
Let’s Glow SF
THROUGH DEC. 14. Viewers can watch works of art being projection mapped onto the facades of six iconic buildings in downtown San Francisco during this holiday experience. Shows are 5-10pm. Details TBA.
Dec. 6
“A Wicked Dance-Along Nutcracker”
THROUGH DEC. 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
“Holiday Spectacular”
THROUGHDEC. 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 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
“Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets”
THROUGHDEC. 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
“OIGC 40th Anniversary Holiday Concert”
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
“Art of Manga” Cosplay Day at the de Young
Come dressed as your favorite character and explore the exhibition “Art of Manga” in costume alongside fellow fans. There will be photo ops and manga merch. Receive a $5 discount on tickets to the exhibit by using code DYCOSPLAYat checkout. Open 9:30am-5:15pm. $20-35 (visitors must reserve a time).
de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco
“Stomp”
THROUGH DEC. 7.Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats in this stage show that’s dance, music and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm.
The Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, 10 10th St., Oakland
Dec. 10
“A Christmas Carol”
THROUGH DEC. 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
Dec. 11
“A Chanticleer Christmas”
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
Dec. 12
Circus Bella’s “Starlight”
THROUGH JAN. 4. This all-new winter circus spectacular is performed under a colorful big–top circus tent with a diverse cast of 13 performing feats of balance and strength, demonstrations of grace and poise, hilarity and authentic moments. 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. $55-75.
The Crossing at East Cut, 211 Beale St., San Francisco
“Holiday Spectacular”
THROUGH DEC. 13. The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus presents a sparkling celebration that blends beloved holiday classics, bold new works and fabulous twists. Fri. at 7:30pm, Sat. at 1 and 7:30pm. $35.10 and up.
Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., San Francisco
“Midwinter Revels: A Medieval Feast of Fools”
ALSO DEC.14 and 19-20. 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
Dec. 13
Berkeley Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Bird”
THROUGH DEC. 14. This bold 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
“The Gift of Nothing”
THROUGH DEC. 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
New Ballet’s “The San Jose Nutcracker”
THROUGH DEC. 23. Presented with Symphony San Jose, “The San Jose Nutcracker” is a joyful holiday 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
“The Original San Jose Nutcracker”
ALSO DEC. 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
Fairy Winterland
ALSO DEC.14, 20-21 and 27-28. A tradition for 20 years, this multicultural holiday celebration brings families together under the theme “United by Light.” Activities include educational holiday displays, a scavenger hunt, winter tales from around the world, holiday themed arts and crafts, Santa Lucia candle crown making, daily puppet shows and nightly performances, dreidel games, a Sadeh communal “bonfire,” Black Santa, free hot cocoa and cider, and more. $22 adults, $11 children.
Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland
Dec. 14
Noche de Brillo/Night of Sparkle
This family-friendly community event features a snow play area, train ride, holiday market, crafts, light parade, live entertainment, photos with Santa and more. 2-7pm. FREE.
Watsonville City Plaza, 358 Main St., Watsonville
watsonville.gov/2561/Noche-de-Brillo
Dec. 16
“Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays”
THROUGHDEC. 21. Berkeley Rep presents a 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 performance that must be seen to be believed. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Roda Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley
Dec. 17
“A Celtic Christmas”
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 during 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
“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”
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
Dec. 19
“Snow Queen”
THROUGH DEC. 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
Let’s Play Dreidel
Celebrate Hanukkah and learn how to play dreidel (spinning top) at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center. There will also be Hanukkah treats. 10am-12pm. FREE.
Peninsula Jewish Community Center Lobby, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City
Dec. 20
Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker”
THROUGH DEC. 21. 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 a cast meet-and-greet, are available with an additional ticket. 1pm. $34.55 and up.
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
Dec. 23
“RAIN: A Beatles’ Christmas Tribute”
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, “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
Dec. 28
Japanese New Year’s Bell-Ringing Ceremony
Usher in the New Year by taking a swing at a 2,100-pound, 16th-century Japanese temple bell at this annual event. Led by Reverend Gengo Akiba, it includes a purification ritual and chanting of the Buddhist Heart Sutra. Visitors can ring the bell to leave behind any unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds or ill luck from the year. The bell will be struck 108 times to usher in the New Year and curb the 108 mortal desires (“bonno”) that, according to Buddhist belief, torment humankind.Public bell-ringing at 1pm. Numbered tickets to ring the bell are distributed beginning at 12pm at the entrance to Samsung Hall on a first-come, first-served basis. Bell-ringing for members is at 10:30am. Museum admission is $20 adults, $17 seniors, $14 ages 13-17 or college students with ID, 12 and under FREE.
Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St., San Francisco
Kwanzaa Celebration
Celebrate the third day of Kwanzaa at the San Francisco Public Library with performances and festivities. Musician and storyteller Azere Wilson performs with Nigerian born percussionist Manas Itene some original and classic African American tunes based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Following the performance, a feast will be served. 2-4:30pm. FREE.
Main Library, 100 Larkin St., San Francisco
Dec. 31
Chabot Space & Science Center New Year Celebration
Ring in the New Year without staying up all night at Chabot Space & Science Center’s 25th anniversary balloon drop. Celebrate strokes of midnight around the world at 11am, 12pm, 3pm and 4pm. Kids can count down and celebrate with hundreds of colorful balloons dropping from above. After the drops, each child can take home a prize. Tickets are $10 for kids. This does not include admission to the center.
Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
Noon Year’s Eve at Hiller Aviation Museum
Kick off the New Year at this family-friendly event featuring music, activities, face painting and three giant balloon drops at 12pm. Some of the entertainment includes Lori & RJ Music, Broadway Babies & Kids, Sing With Bella, The Puppet Company and Peninsula Lively Arts. 10am-1pm. Ticket prices TBA.
Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos
Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Noon Year’s Eve
Start the year off rightat this kid-friendly affair including a celebratory ball drop at 12pm, a DJ and dancing, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 9am-2pm. $23 children and adults, $21 seniors, $5 EBT/SNAP/WIC card holders.
Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Ring in 2026 before bedtime with countdowns to midnight across time zones at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. There will be performances by special guest Choo Choo Soul, and the museum’s version of the famous Times Square ball drop with lots of confetti. At the different drops, “shoutouts” will be given to different countries and what people in those countries might be doing at that time. Kids can create their own party hats, set goals for the new year at the Resolution Station, and sing and dance. Doors open at 9:30am.
Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose
Gilroy Gardens New Year’s Eve Celebration
Gilroy Gardens is ringing in 2026 with a dance party featuring a DJ, specialty appetizers and cocktails, a photo booth, countdown to midnight and fireworks over Coyote Lake. 4pm-12am. $45, FREE with premium membership ($99).
Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy
