Make San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker a Holiday Tradition

Jasmine Jimison in Tomasson's Nutcracker // © San Francisco Ballet, photo by Lindsey Rallo

Last week, we attended the opening performance of San Francisco Ballet's fantastic production of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. This is the Nutcracker that started it all — the San Francisco Ballet presented the first full-length performance of The Nutcracker in America way back in 1944 — and as always it did not disappoint! 

When we entered the festively decorated lobby of San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House, we were in awe of the magnificent Christmas tree, lights, and the incredible holiday decor in the building. Costumed Nutrcracker characters, like the fearsome Mouse King, were on hand to greet visitors and take photos before the performance. This was all great, but we were excited to go in to take our seats and see this magical production.

San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson's Nutcracker // © San Francisco Ballet, photo by Lindsey Rallo

Created by choreographer Helgi Tomasson in 2004 (and celebrating its 20th anniversary this year), this production of Nutcracker is set in San Francisco in 1915, right after the Panama-Pacific International Exposition that celebrated the city's rebirth from the devastation of the 1906 earthquake and fire. A brief series of slides sets the scene, showing San Francisco's recovery from the earthquake damage and scenes of family life in the early 20th century. When it finally started, we could hardly take our eyes off the graceful dancers, the colorful costumes, and the incredible scenery. I saw Nutcracker as a child, but I never remembered it being this incredible. 

San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson's Nutcracker // © San Francisco Ballet, photo by Lindsey Rallo

While the ballet recommends that children under 5 don't attend, there's enough action and adventure on the stage to keep most kids enthralled through the entire performance. That said, the San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker is a full-length ballet, not a scaled-down production tailored for children, so keep that in mind. If your kids are ready, then you're in for an awe-inspiring magical holiday treat that you and your family will never forget. I've attended with my children many times and it's never failed to captivate them and keep their eyes glued to the stage.

Joshua Jack Price in Tomasson's Nutcracker // © San Francisco Ballet, photo by Lindsey Rallo

The San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker is a magnificent spectacle that's truly one of the highlights of the San Francisco Bay Area holiday season  We're already making our plans to go back next year!

Our favorite parts were the holiday party scenes, complete with magnificent Christmas tree and gifts, the exciting battle with the Mouse King and his rodent troops, the Russian dancers, and of course when it started snowing during the Waltz of the Snowflakes. We also loved the fact that the production was accompanied live by the world-class San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Having a full live orchestra performing the score is really something that elevates a production like this above others and makes things truly magical.

San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson's Nutcracker // © San Francisco Ballet, photo by Lindsey Rallo

If You Go

The San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker runs through December 26 at the War Memorial Opera House at Van Ness and Grove Streets in San Francisco's Civic Center.

Ticket prices range from $30 to $575, depending on performance date and seat location. Performances are offered at 2 pm and 7 pm most days, but there are other shows at 11 am, 4 pm, and 6 pm depending on the day; check their schedule for exact times. A sensory-friendly performance is offered on December 29 at 11 am. The entire ballet lasts approximately two hours, including intermission; at the evening shows you're out the door and on your way home by 9 pm.

Parking is available at the Performing Arts Garage, just behind the War Memorial Opera House on Grove Street between Gough and Franklin Streets. The garage usually charges a flat rate during performances, and it's clean, well-lit, safe, and close to the Opera House. Other nearby options include the Civic Center Plaza Garage (across from City Hall on McAllister Street between Polk and Larkin) and the Opera Plaza Garage (Golden Gate Avenue between Van Ness and Franklin).

For more information on San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker, and to order tickets, visit www.sfballet.org or call the box office at (415) 865-2000 (Monday–Friday, 10 am–4 pm).

Production photos courtesy San Francisco Ballet © Erik Tomasson