Ticket Alert: Bay Area Nutcrackers & Other Holiday Performances

Putting on a pair of fancy sneakers and attending a ballet or holiday theater performance is an annual tradition for many families. If you’ve got kids who are ready for a large-scale theater experience for the holidays, here are some local shows to choose from.

Thanks to The Oakland Ballet Company for sponsoring this guide to Nutcracker performances and family-friendly holiday theater performances. 

East Bay Nutcrackers, holiday dance, and theater performances

👉 Oakland Ballet Company presents Graham Lustig’s The Nutcracker this December 19 and 20. The spirit of the holidays comes alive with beautiful dancing, magnificent scenery, and imaginative costumes, all in the beautiful, historic Paramount Theatre.

Cheer on Marie and her soldiers as she rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the evil Rat King and then soar with dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets, where luscious treats await. The Oakland Symphony and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir bring Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score to life. This magical performance is sure to be the highlight of your holiday season!
Where: Paramount Theatre, Oakland
When: Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20, 2026 at 1 pm

Elevate the experience for $25 and meet the dancers after the show while enjoying sweet treats at the Sweet Dreams Party.

Buy tickets now >

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
Touring production of the Nutcracker featuring Hayward’s Saratoga School of Dance as young performers.
Where: Chabot College Performing Arts Complex, Hayward
When: November 10, 2026, at 7 pm
Find tickets here >

Diablo Ballet presents The Nutcracker Suite
This performance is 70 minutes in length, with no intermission.
Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
When: November 13-14, 2026, matinee and evening performances
Find tickets here >

Masquers presents A Sherlock Carol
This Christmas-themed mystery is heartwarming and highly theatrical.
Where: Masquers Playhouse, Point Richmond
When: November 13-Dec. 6, 2026
Find tickets here >

SMUIN Contemporary Ballet presents The Christmas Ballet
Michael Smuin’s wonderfully adaptable holiday toast features new works this year. Run time is just under 2 hours, with one intermission.
Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek. Additional dates and locations.
When: November 21-22, 2026, afternoon and evening performances
Find tickets here >

East Bay Dance Company presents The Nutty Nutcracker: A Christmas Spectacular
Y2Sleigh. Get ready for a millennial nutcracker experience fusing musical styles.
Where: Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, San Ramon
When: November 22, 2026, two shows
Tickets will be here >

The Ballet School presents Once Upon A Christmas
A fully narrated ballet performance about a clumsy elf on a Christmas Eve journey. Approximately 80 minutes long with no intermission.
Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
When: November 27-29, 2026
Tickets are here >

Nutcracker Piñata
Watch as “The Nutcracker” is seamlessly woven with traditional Mexican melodies and dance. This festive performance blends ballet, folklórico, and mariachi music, creating a dazzling celebration of culture, community, and holiday magic.
Where: Douglas Morrisson Theatre, Hayward
When: Showtimes from November 28-29, 2026
Find tickets here >

Douglas Morrisson Theatre Chorus presents The Holiday Concert
Where: Douglas Morrisson Theatre, Hayward
When: December 4-6, 2026 (dates and times vary)
Tickets are here >

Bay Philharmonic presents Ringin’ in the Holidays!
Hear holiday favorite songs performed by dozens of singers and incredible dancers in this performance-packed showcase.
Where: Chabot College Center for the Performing Arts, Hayward
When: December 5, 2026, at 7 pm
Tickets are here >

Walnut Creek Concert Band presents Snow Day Holiday Concert
Where: Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church
When: December 6, 2026, at 5 pm
Tickets are here >

Center REPertory presents A Christmas Carol
CenterREP and AXIS Dance Company have reimagined the classic tale. This two-hour musical performance has one intermission.
Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
When: December 9-23, 2026, with evening and matinee shows
Tickets are here >

Town Hall Theatre presents Robin Hood of the Reservoir: A Holiday Panto
This comedic Robin Hood performance mixes pop songs, slapstick comedy, and the holidays. Best for tweens and up. Pay-what-you-can admission prices.
Where: Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette
When: December 10-19, 2026 (dates and times vary)
Find tickets here >

Orinda Ballet Academy & Company presents A Sweet Dream Nutcracker
Where: Orinda Library Auditorium (one BART stop past Rockridge plus a 10-minute walk)
When: December 11-13, 2026, with matinee and evening shows
Tickets are here >

California Revels presents American Crossroads
This immersive holiday pageant will delight the whole family with songs, dances, and stories from across America.
Where: Douglas Morrisson Theatre, Hayward
When: Multiple celebrations from December 11-20, 2026
Find information here >

Piedmont Children’s Choir presents Candlelight Concert
Where: First Presbyterian Church of Oakland
When: December 12, 2026, at 7 pm
Tickets are here >

Berkeley City Ballet presents Nutcracker
This show is a traditional, full-length production.
Where: John and Jean Knox Performing Arts Center, San Pablo
When: December 12-13, 2026, with 2 showtimes each day
Tickets are here >

Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble presents The Biggest Gift
Did you send your letter to Santa? For younger audiences, this 45-minute performance has no intermission.
Where: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
When: December 18-20, 2026, with morning and afternoon shows
Tickets are here >

Cal Performances presents San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Described as “A little naughty but mostly very nice” with sparkling songs and dazzling choreography. This two-hour show includes a 20-minute intermission.
Where: Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley
When: December 19, 2026, two shows
Tickets are here >

👉 Oakland Ballet Company presents Graham Lustig’s The Nutcracker
This performance features the Oakland Ballet Company, accompanied by the Oakland Symphony and Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir. An additional ticketed experience allows you to meet the dancers.
Where: Paramount Theatre, Oakland
When: December 19-20, 2026, at 1 pm
Buy tickets now >

Berkeley Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker Bird
A bold new Nutcracker ballet told in a 70-minute performance with no intermission. Intended for young audiences.
Where: Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Dr., Oakland
When: December 19-20, 2026, afternoon and evening performances
Website >

The Henry J presents Rockin’ Holiday
Come to an interactive holiday experience featuring a concert by Alphabet Rockers, a screening of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and a visit with Santa Claus.
Where: Paramount Theatre, Oakland
When: Saturday, December 20, 2026 at 2 pm
Buy tickets now >

San Francisco Nutcrackers, Holiday Dance, Music, and Theater Performances

San Francisco Symphony presents The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton’s classic Christmas (or is it Halloween?) movie is a joy to quirky moviegoers who want to take in the story accompanied by a swelling orchestral score performed live by the San Francisco Symphony. Best for 8+.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: November 24, 2026
Find tickets here >

ODC/Dance presents The Velveteen Rabbit
This adorable 65-minute performance has one intermission. 
Where: Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA, San Francisco
When: Nov. 28-Dec. 6, 2026,  at 11 am or 2 pm
Find tickets here >

Alice in Wonderland Panto
A topsy-turvy, goofy, over-the-top production of Alice in Wonderland with a panto vibe and holiday spice.
Where: Presidio Theatre, San Francisco
When: November 28-December 27, 2026
Tickets are here >

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus presents Holiday Spectacular
Where: Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
When: Sunday, December 4-5, 2026
Tickets are here >

San Francisco Ballet presents Nutcracker
This show has a 2-hour run time with one intermission. Offers one sensory-friendly performance on December 28.
Where: War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
When: December 4-27, 2026 (times vary)
Tickets are here >

Mark Foehringer presents Nutcracker Sweets
Great for small children and only 50 minutes long.
Where: Cowell Theater at Pier 2, Fort Mason, San Francisco
When: Weekends from December 5-20, 2026, multiple showtimes
Find tickets here >

San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band presents Dance-Along Nutcracker
Part comedy musical, part dance-it-yourself ballet, and part symphonic concert, this version of the show is anything but ordinary.
Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
When: December 6-7, 2025 (multiple)
Look for tickets here >

San Francisco Symphony presents Deck the Hall
Treat your family to a concert of holiday favorites and sing-alongs led by conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser with members of the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Boys Choir, guest artists, and beloved costumed characters.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: December 6, 2026, at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm
Find tickets here >

SMUIN Contemporary Ballet presents The Christmas Ballet
This show has a 2-hour run time with one intermission. The vibe is a little ballet and a little bit Broadway.
Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
When: Showtimes from December 10-24, 2026
Find tickets here >

San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf
Prokofiev’s beautiful story of a boy and his animal friend brought to life by a guest narrator. Kids’ tickets are half off. No children under three.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: Sunday, December 13, 2026
Tickets are here >

Elf The Musical
A live-action musical inspired by the hilarious and heartwarming film. 2:30 minute show includes an intermission. Recommended for 8+; children under 5 not allowed.
Where: Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco
When: December 15-20, 2026
Tickets are here >

African-American Shakespeare Company presents Cinderella
An uplifting retelling of the classic fairy tale, featuring all of the pageantry, hilarity, and charm of the original, but with a decidedly soulful twist. Appropriate for ages 3+.
Where: Marines’ Memorial Theater, San Francisco
When: Showtimes from December 18-20, 2026. This usually sells out.
Find tickets here >

San Francisco Symphony presents Elf–Film with Live Orchestra
Enjoy the hilarious and heartwarming film with music of a live orchestra conducted by the original composer, John Debney. Rated PG and beloved by most. Kids’ tickets are half off.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: December 18-20, 2026
Find tickets here >

World Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker
Where: Curran Theatre, San Francisco
When: Wednesday, December 23, 2026
Find tickets here >

More shows & holiday happenings in San Francisco >>

Related: Browse a big, huge list of East Bay Christmas Activities & Events here >>

Thanks to The Oakland Ballet Company for sponsoring this guide to holiday dance performances.