Coming soon! Here’s a list of kid-friendly ticketed events and shows for which you might want to buy tickets now and save the date.
Thanks to the Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble for sponsoring this post. Join Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble December18–21 for The Biggest Gift, an interactive performance perfect for young audiences.
Affiliate links are included in some places.
November Events for East Bay Families
Annie
‘Tis the season for the beloved Broadway classic Annie! Follow big-hearted Annie as she’s adopted by billionaire Oliver Warbucks.
Where: Julia Morgan Theater, Berkeley
When: November 28 – December 21
Find tickets here >
MOMIX: Alice
Follow MOMIX’s dazzling dancer-illusionists down the rabbit hole in Alice—a magical, acrobatic reimagining of Alice in Wonderland filled with whimsy, wonder, and movement.
Where: Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley
When: November 29 – 30
The Velveteen Rabbit
The classic children’s book The Velveteen Rabbit comes to life with lively characters and heartwarming holiday cheer, brought to the stage by ODC/Dance’s world-class performers.
Where: Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA, San Francisco
When: November 29 – December 7
Find tickets here >
Peter Pan – Panto in the Presidio
Peter Pan returns to Panto in the Presidio this holiday season with a whimsical San Francisco twist on the classic tale. Audiences of all ages will delight in this over-the-top musical adventure, complete with flying candy.
Where: Presidio Theatre, San Francisco
When: November 29 – December 28
Find tickets here >
Find incredible holiday shows for families in our Nutcracker Guide >>
December Events for East Bay Families
Circus Bella: Starlight
Step right up for Circus Bella’s all-new winter show. Packed with dazzling feats, hilarious clowns, stunning costumes, and live music from the Circus Bella All-Star Band.
Where: The Crossing at East Cut, San Francisco
When: December 12-January 4
Find tickets here >
San Francisco Symphony presents Frozen–Film with Live Orchestra
When her kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, the fearless princess Anna sets out with an unlikely band of friends to find her sister, Queen Elsa, and break her icy spell. Set to moving orchestration performed by the San Francisco Symphony. Rated PG and beloved by most preschoolers (the snow monster can be scary). Kids’ tickets are half off.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
When: December 13, 2025, at 2 pm
Find tickets here >
👉 The Biggest Gift
This holiday season, The Biggest Gift is a festive family adventure. Join Tucker the Elf and his toy friends as they set out to save Christmas when Santa’s letters go missing.
Where: Lesher Center, Walnut Creek
When: December 18-21
Find tickets here >
Cirque Du Soleil’s ECHO
ECHO blends acrobatics, storytelling, and technology. We saw the show in November and loved it! It runs until January 18th, so tickets for the winter break vacation are the perfect experience gift! Kids can get in for $15 or save up to 30% off select dates!
Where: Oracle Park Tent, San Francisco
When: Now through January 18
Find tickets here >
January Events for East Bay Families
Dog Man: The Musical
Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming stage adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s beloved series, bringing Dog Man’s adventures to life in a laugh-out-loud performance perfect for kids ages 5 and up.
Where: Calvin Simmons Theatre, Oakland
When: January 3-4
Find tickets here >
The Little Mermaid
Join the Royal Theater Academy for the Hans Christian Andersen classic The Little Mermaid. Children of all ages will be enchanted by Ariel’s underwater adventure.
Where: Cal State East Bay, Hayward
When: January 17-25
Find tickets here >
The Harlem Globetrotters 100 Year World Tour
Watch The Harlem Globetrotters as they take on the Washington Generals with jaw-dropping dunks, dazzling tricks, and nonstop family fun from start to finish.
Where: Chase Center, San Francisco
When: January 18, 2026
Find tickets here >
Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition
Once Upon a Mattress is a hilarious musical twist on The Princess and the Pea. In this youth-friendly version, audiences will enjoy songs, dancing, and silly royal antics as everyone tries to find the perfect match for Prince Dauntless.
Where: The Presidio Theatre, San Francisco
When: January 24 – February 28, 2026
Find tickets here >
February Events for East Bay Families
Diablo Ballet’s The Little Mermaid
Dive into a magical underwater adventure with Julia Adam’s new ballet, The Little Mermaid. The runtime is 1 hour 30 minutes, with one intermission
Where: Lesher Center, Walnut Creek
When: February 6 – 7, 2026
Find tickets here >
Peppa Pig: My First Concert
Peppa Pig and her family are coming to Walnut Creek in Peppa Pig: My First Concert. Join Peppa, and friends for a fun, interactive introduction to the orchestra.
Where: Lesher Center, Walnut Creek
When: February 14, 2026
Find tickets here >
March Events for East Bay Families
The Magic of Merlin’s SWORD IN THE STONE
Follow young Arthur as he meets the mighty Merlin and begins his journey to become king. This adventure, filled with magic and music, will delight audiences of all ages.
Where: Lesher Center, Walnut Creek
When: March 5 – 8, 2026
Find tickets here >
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!
Join Gabby and the Gabby Cats for a sprinkle-filled, a-MEOW-zing adventure in Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! A magical, music-filled show with puppets, songs, and endless fun.
Where: Paramount Theatre, Oakland
When: March 21, 2026
Find tickets here >
April Events for East Bay Families
Justin Willman: One For The Ages
This magical comedy tour is a fan favorite for kids, tweens, adults, and skeptics. Check out his Netflix shows if you’re not sure.
Where: Paramount Theatre, Oakland
When: April 17, 2026
Find tickets here >
The Emperors New Clothes
Get ready for a silly, fun-filled adventure in The Emperor’s New Clothes. A bossy prince sets out to find the perfect outfit to impress the spirited Princess Alicia.
Where: Lesher Center, Walnut Creek
When: April 30 – May 3, 2026
Find tickets here >
