Whether you prefer a homespun, local production full of darling dancing children or a sophisticated big version with professional dancers and stunning effects, “The Nutcracker” is a festive way to usher in the holiday season. Performances throughout the Bay Area kick off this month and continue through the holidays.
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
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alameda-civic-ballets-the-nutcracker-saturday-november-22nd-2025-tickets-1432449146959?aff=oddtdtcreator
Ballet America’s “Nutcracker”
DEC. 6 AND 7. This family-friendly “Nutcracker” is staged with dancers from the 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 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. Price TBA.
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
“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 version is fun for the whole family. Check website for this year’s theme and other details.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco,
dance-along-nutcracker.sfprideband.org
Diablo Ballet’s “The Nutcracker Suite”
NOV. 7-8. Julia Adam’s delightful take on the classic tale finds Clara and her family checking into San Francisco’s glamorous Fairmont Hotel where they encounter the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and a magical snowfall. 7:30pm Fri., 2 and 7:30pm Sat. $43-59, $30 ages 17 and under.
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
diabloballet.org/nutcracker-suite
Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker”
DEC. 20-21. 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 cast meet-and-greet, are available with an additional ticket. 1pm. $34.55 and up.
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
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
New Ballet’s “The San Jose Nutcracker”
DEC. 13-23. 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”
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
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
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
Janine DeFao is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.
