This post is sponsored by Cal Performances. With unmatched quality and a wide range of programming, Cal Performances brings the best in music, dance, and theater from around the globe to Bay Area audiences. Save 10% on these featured performances with code HOLIDAY10. Instructions below.*
Celebrate the holidays with your family at Cal Performances, located right on the UC Berkeley campus! Experience holiday cheer this winter with an eclectic mix of vocal music from opera star Lise Davidsen, the Hot Sardines jazz band, and a real holiday pageant with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.
Soprano Lise Davidsen
Opera soprano Lise Davidsen and pianist James Baillieu offer a program that moves from the great art song tradition to beloved holiday music, including traditional Christmas favorites sung in English, German, Italian, and, of course, Davidsen’s native Norwegian. Davidsen LOVES Christmas, and credits Christmas music with starting her journey as a singer. Suitable for ages 7+.
Where: Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley
When: November 19, 2026, at 7:30 pm
Buy tickets >
Save 10% on tickets to this show with code HOLIDAY10.*
The Hot Sardines: Holiday Stomp
The Hot Sardines’ Holiday Stomp kicks off the season’s festivities in a yuletide extravaganza. The retro jazz band brings its sassy, swinging holiday show to Berkeley, featuring music from beloved holiday films and popular classics. Suitable for ages 7+.
Where: Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley
When: December 17, 2026, at 7:30 pm
Buy tickets >
Save 10% on tickets to this show with code HOLIDAY10.*
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Holiday Spectacular 2026!
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’ Holiday Spectacular 2026! returns to Berkeley in what has become a cherished holiday tradition. Mischievous singing elves fill Zellerbach Hall with seasonal earworms and campy sketches, sprinkled with satire and charm. My kid and I had so much fun last year enjoying the choreography, costumes, and songs! Suitable for ages 7+.
Where: Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley
When: December 19, 2026 at 1 pm and 5 pm
Buy tickets >
Save 10% on tickets to this show with code HOLIDAY10.*
* To save 10% on tickets to these wonderful shows, use code HOLIDAY10. The promo code HOLIDAY10 will automatically be entered when you use this link. Then look for seats in price levels 2-4 and select the Special Offer G price type (displayed at the 10% discount rate). Offer ends Dec. 19 at 12 noon PT. This offer requires a login. If you do not have a Cal Performances account, register at the prompt. Not applicable to prior purchases.
Find out more about these shows >>
Cal Performances, located at UC Berkeley, connects deeply with both the campus and the broader community through special access programs and immersive experiences. Families can enjoy a wide range of performances, from classical music to contemporary dance, and benefit from initiatives designed to engage local K-12 youth. These programs foster a love of the arts and create lasting cultural connections for future generations.
Thank you again to Cal Performances — we love its world-class performances so close to home.
