Marin Weekend Family Fun for December 13–15

Experience 200 costumed characters, dazzling scenery and more at this weekend's San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker

Other Holiday Happenings:

• Holiday ice skating
• Visit with Santa Claus
• North Bay Christmas Tree Farms and Lots
• Festive holiday teas
• Holidays in San Francisco

Friday, December 13

• Iceless Skating Rink
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Friday, 9 am–4 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Strap on skates and take a spin around the “ice” this December at the Bay Area Discovery Museum! We’re transforming our Discovery Studio space into an Iceless Skating Rink. On our synthetic ice rink, children of all ages can slide and glide into the holiday season. Tickets: $13.95–$15.95. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. Event details.
• "Tis the Season for Science
  California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
  Friday & Saturday, 9:30 am–5 pm, Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
  Visit the Cal Academy this holiday season for indoor snow flurries, live reindeer, a hands-on polar-themed exhibit, and live festive music. Museum admission applies. Location: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco. Location:  Event details.
• Christmas House at West End Nursery
  San Rafael
  Friday & Saturday, 8 am–5 pm, Sunday 9 am–4 pm
  Get in the holiday spirit and visit the amazing Christmas House at San Rafael's West End Nursery. This magical setting includes lights, decorated trees, and more. It's a holiday must-visit in Marin. Free admission; ornaments and decor are for sale. Location: 1938 5th Avenue, San Rafael. Event details.
• Pop Up Holiday Boutique Friday, 11 am–7 pm
  Marin Center Bartolini Gallery, San Rafael
  Friday–Sunday, 11 am–7 pm
  Get all your holiday shopping done at Marin Center’s Pop-Up Holiday Boutique! Shop for one-of-a kind locally produced gifts and meet some of Marin County’s top artisans, showcasing their unique jewelry, textiles, home accessories and quality crafts. Take home something special for the art lovers in your family while supporting the true creative culture of Marin! Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Event details.
• Children’s Magical Tea
  Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco
  Friday & Saturday, noon–4:30 pm
  Magical Holiday Tea is open to kids and adults of all ages, and features Raul the Master Balloonatic, face painting with Fire Pixie, our Mark Hopkins Nutcracker, and a Cookie Decorating Station. Santa will visit on Saturdays, too! $80 per person; $75 with toy donation to the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Drive. Advance reservations required: (415) 616-6941. Location: 999 California Street. Event details.
• NorCal Ice
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Friday, 2:30–9 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 am–10 pm
  The NorCal Ice (formerly known as Marin on Ice) outdoor skating rink in San Rafael's Northgate Mall returns to offers al fresco skating. The rink will once again be located near the center's Oaktree Plaza and features 6,400 square feet of real ice. Skating costs $15 per person on Friday and $17 on Weekends. "Skate Buddies" (the blue plastic chair-like supports) are available to rent for beginners ($6 per hour). Location: Northgate Mall (next to Kohls), San Rafael. Event details.
• San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
  War Memorial Opera House
  Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 2 & 7 pm
  Experience 200 costumed characters, dazzling scenery, Tchaikovsky's beautiful score performed live by the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, and the opulence of the War Memorial Opera House decorated for Christmas. Tickets to this time-honored holiday tradition are going fast! This is a full-length ballet performance, so the SF Ballet recommends Nutcracker for children ages 5 and up, and requests that no children under 3, including infants in arms, attend. Tickets: $25 and up. Purchase tickets here. Location: 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. For more info, call (415) 865-2000 or visit their website.
• Open Lab at the Makerspace
  South Novato Library
  Friday, 3–6 pm
  Explore & develop your skills through a passion project. Bring your ideas and interests and we’ll help you build and create something unique using design thinking. What do you want make? Bring your ideas and creativity. Open to grades 5th - 12th. Location: 931 C Street, Novato. Event details.
• Kids Night Out: Snow Day
  TumbleSpot Marin, Mill Valley
  Friday, 5–9 pm
  Date night! Drop the kids off for dinner, guided gym activities, movies & more! Open to Kids Ages 5 – 12. Cost: $40.00 per student. $10 sibling discount applied for each additional child registered. Dinner is included! Register online here. Location: 750 Redwood Hwy Suite 1212, Mill Valley. Event details.
• Zoo Lights
  Oakland Zoo
  Friday–Sunday, 5:30–9 pm,
  Celebrate the holidays at Oakland Zoo amidst a million glowing lights! Soar over the Oakland hills in our festively-lit gondolas and see the Bay Area skyline like never before. New this year, enjoy swirling snowfalls over a dazzling Winter Wonderland attraction featuring Santa in his decked-out workshop for the ultimate holiday experience. ZooLights is a separate event and is not included in regular Zoo Admission. $12 adults, $11 children 2–14 and seniors 65+, free for children under 2 and adults over 80. Location: 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland. Event details.
• Rombeiro Christmas House
  Devonshire Drive, Novato
  Friday–Sunday, 6–10 pm
  Their home is something that truly has to be seen to be believed, and photos don't really do it justice. There are something like 140,000 lights as well as countless figurines, dioramas, and decorations adorning the front and side yards, walls, and roof of the Rombeiro house. If you think the outside is impressive, then you need to go on inside and get a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. You'll find model trains, more figurines, Christmas trees, and the biggest lighted holiday village you've ever seen. Location: 34 Devonshire Drive, off of Center Road, Novato. For more info, read about our visit here.
• 2019 Lighted Boat Parade
  Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
  Friday, 6–8 pm
  The Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District and the St. Francis Yacht Club present the oldest and largest lighted holiday boat parade on San Francisco Bay. A holiday tradition since 1994, the parade includes members of the St. Francis Yacht Club, Fisherman's Wharf Fishing Fleet, Golden Gate Yacht Club, PIER 39 Marina, and the Sea Scouts. The parade route will begin just off of PIER 39, proceeding west past Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Mason and the St. Francis Yacht Club, and will turn around off of Crissy Field to return along the waterfront. Spectators can enjoy wonderful views from Aquatic Park, PIER 39, the Marina Green, and Crissy Field. Free. Event details
• 23 Elephants: Disney's Frozen, Jr.
  Novato Theater Company
  Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 2 & 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
  This enchanting modern classic from Disney is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. This is a story of true love and acceptance between sisters. When princesses Anna and Elsa are faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Tickets: $15 general, $30 reserved. Location: 5420 Nave Drive, Novato. Event details
• A Christmas Carol
  A.C.T.’s Geary Theater, San Francisco
  Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 2 & 7 pm, Sunday, 1 & 6 pm
  Featuring a lively cast of dozens, gorgeous costumes, and those deliciously spooky ghosts, the Bay Area's favorite holiday tradition returns with a sparkling, music-infused production of A Christmas Carol. Bring your family, bring your friends, and check your “humbugs” at the door! Tickets start at $15 and up. Purchase tickets here! Location: 405 Geary Street, San Francisco. Event details
• Petaluma School of Ballet Nutcracker
  Evert B. Person Theatre, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday, 1:30 & 6:30 pm and Sunday, 11 am & 3 pm
  Petaluma School of Ballet and North Coast Ballet California present a full-length production of The Nutcracker. Tickets start at $21. Location: 1801 E. Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park. Purchase tickets.
• Berkeley Playhouse: A Christmas Story, The Musical
  The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Berkeley
  Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1 & 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
  This holiday season, journey on a nostalgic romp full of joyful spirit, featuring music from the Oscar-winning team behind the music of La La Land, The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen. Featuring all your favorite scenes from the classic movie, A Christmas Story. Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes, including intermission. Tickets: $25–$44. Purchase tickets here! Location: 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley. Event details

 Saturday, December 14

• Holidays Along Farm Trails
  Sonoma County
  Friday–Sunday, various times
  'Tis the season to celebrate with our community. Join Sonoma County farmers and producers as they open their gates and barn doors to offer a behind-the-scenes peek at life on the farm. Shop their unique farmstands for your holiday meals, cut your own Christmas tree, make a gift at DIY workshops, greet farm animals, and so much more. Free. Register online for a complete list of participants. Event details.
• Snacks with Santa
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Saturday & Sunday, 8:30 am–2:30 pm
  Share your holiday wishes and snap a family photo with the man of the season! Snacks with Santa allows families to beat the crowds to enjoy a timed meet-and-greet with Santa. Light snacks, coffee, and hot cocoa included. Offered in half hour sessions on December 14 or 15. Register here! Cost: Non-Members: $14.95 per person + museum admission, BADM Members: $9.95 per person. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. Event details.
• Farmer's Market & Santa Photos
  Marin County Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10 am–2 pm, live music for kids and adults, face painting, arts and crafts by SCRAP, and of course the best local and organic produce, flowers, pastured meats, seafood, organic cheeses, yogurt and milk, breads, baked goods, nuts, local wine, jams, honey, hummus, knife sharpening, and brunch and lunch options. Free photos with Santa from 10:30 am–1:30 pm. Location: Larkspur Landing, Larkspur. Event details.
• SMART Holiday Express
  Various locations in Marin and Sonoma
  Saturday, 9:55 am–3:42 pm
  The Holiday Express returns for the fourth year in a row! Help us fill our decorated train full of toys to make the holidays bright for children in need! The Holiday Express will make two southbound trips and two northbound trips on Saturday, December 14, as part of regular paid-fare service. Enjoy free eggnog from Clover Sonoma. Donations benefit local families through Toys for Tots and local non-profits. Event details
• Wreath Making Workshop
  McNears Beach Park, San Rafael
  Saturday 10 am–noon
  Bring the beauty of nature to your front door with a festive, homemade wreath! Join rangers at McNears Beach Park for a day of sipping hot chocolate, listening to holiday tunes, and creating your own natural wreath to take home. Fresh greenery, pinecones, and other natural materials will be provided. You are encouraged to bring your own decorations to use. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Healthy snacks provided. RSVPs appreciated but not required: SBurkhart@marincounty.org or (415) 446-4424. Park entrance waived for participants. Location: 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael. Event details.
• Iceless Skating Rink
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  Strap on skates and take a spin around the “ice” this December at the Bay Area Discovery Museum! We’re transforming our Discovery Studio space into an Iceless Skating Rink. On our synthetic ice rink, children of all ages can slide and glide into the holiday season. Tickets: $13.95–$15.95. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. Event details.
• Craft a Picture
  Civic Center Library, San Rafael
  Saturday, 11 am–noon
  Learn how distress a picture frame to shabby chic perfection. Then fill the frame with a coordinating collage Location: 3501 Civic Center Drive # 427, San Rafael. Event details.
• Joy at the Zoo
  San Francisco Zoo
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Santa is sending his favorite reindeer, Belle, Holly, and Peppermint to spread holiday cheer at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens! Until January 1, majestic reindeer will be romping at SF Zoo's Playfield Lawn, near the spectacular Elinor Friend Playground. Zoo admission applies. Location: Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway, San Francisco. Event details.
• The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
  Cow Palace, Daly City
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
  Experience Victorian London with hundreds of costumed players, shops offering one-of-a-kind gifts and Christmas treasures, dining, and pubs. Meet Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist, Tiny Tim, Jules Verne, David Copperfield, Charles Darwin, and 700 costumed characters. Of course, Father Christmas himself will be on hand to join in the fun. Tickets: Adult $32 (13 and up), child $14 (5–12) and 5 and under are free. Location: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City. Event details.
• Gingerbread Dog House Workshop
  Charles Schultz Museum, Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 10 am–noon & 1–4 pm, Sunday, 1–4 pm
  Assemble and decorate Snoopy’s doghouse out of gingerbread complete with a marshmallow Snoopy on top. Advance reservations required. Register online or by calling (707) 284-1272. Event details
• Sing You a Merry Christmas
  Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11 am
  Sing along with your favorite Christmas carols as the toys of St. Nicholas's workshop lead you on an extraordinary journey, filling children, young and old, with the joys of the season. Festive for families! Tickets start at $10. Purchase tickets here. Location: 1100 California Street, San Francisco. Event details.
• Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets
  Cowell Theatre, Fort Mason, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am & 1 pm
  Celebrate the holidays at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture with Mark Foehringer‘s Nutcracker Sweets, a 50-minute production of the classic holiday ballet for families with small children and audiences of all ages. This special production is danced storytelling that is affordable, magical, zany, and fun. Tickets: $20.50–$42.50. Location: 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco. Event details
• Holiday Tea with Princess Elsa at the Claremont
  Berkeley
  Saturday, noon–4 pm
  Visit our Frozen themed gingerbread display with a special visit from Princess Elsa during Holiday Tea! Enjoy enhanced menu options and special Frozen themed giveaways for the kids! Space is limited – make your reservations now! Reservations strongly encouraged, please call 510-549-8556 or email us here. Cost: $109+ adults; $79+ Children ages 5–12. Location: 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley. Event details.
• Magic Toy Box Tea at Falkirk
  San Rafael
  Saturday and Sunday, seatings at noon & 3 pm
  The tea is an old-fashioned tour de force in the elegant Queen Anne Victorian Falkirk Mansion. Homemade tea sandwiches and sweets are served, along with tea, hot chocolate, and other beverages. Features include life-sized toys, a raffle, and plenty of photo opportunities. Make sure you bring your teddy bear or other favorite toy! The Magic Toy Box Tea is hosted by the Cultural Affairs Service League. This extremely popular event is by reservation only and always sells our early! Reserve your spot by calling (800) 838-3006 or online. The cost is $28 for adults and $24 for children or $50 for an adult-and-child combination ticket. Location: 1408 Mission Avenue at "E" Street, San Rafael. Event details
• Saturdays with Santa
  Bon Air Center, Greenbrae
  Saturday, noon–3 pm
  Santa arrives by firetruck (courtesy of the Larkspur Fire Department) at Santa’s Workshop in front of Mollie Stone’s Market on the first three Saturdays of December.  Free photos with Santa for families, friends and pets courtesy of CVS. Enjoy live music, sidewalk specials, Santa’s elves and children’s activities and treats. Location: 50 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae. Event details.
• Free Holiday Music Performance: Megan Schoenbohm
  Town Center Corte Madera
  Saturday, 1–3 pm
  Free festive live musical performances by a handful of local bands as well as the Marin Youth Symphony will take place in center court, across from Blue Barn to spread holiday cheer. Location: Center Court, 100 Corte Madera Town Center. Event details.
• Cirque de Bohème presents "A Paris"
  Cornerstone Sonoma
  Friday–Sunday, 1, 3 & 5 pm
  Created in Paris during a period called “les Années Folles,” this old-style show is based on the French tradition of a 1920s Circus. Cirque de Bohème transports audiences back in time for an hour of mystery and entertainment. Presenting A Paris! An original spectacle with poetry, music, mystery, lots of laughs, and amazing circus talents! Delight in the work of world-class performers including a Magician, Hand Chair Balancing, Hula Hoop, Mime, Spinning Plates, Slack Rope, Jugglers, and more! Tickets: Tickets range from $27 (for children under 15) to $55. Purchase tickets here. Location: 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. Event details.
• Peter and the Wolf with special guest narrator Dulcé Sloan
  Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
  Sunday, 2 pm
  Prokofiev’s timeless tale of a boy and his animal friends’ bravery is brought to life! Presented by a special guest narrator, watch and listen as the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra puts their talent on display in this classic musical fable along with other seasonal favorites. Location: 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco.  Get tickets.
• Transcendence's Broadway Holiday Spectacular
  Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater
  Saturday, 2 & 7:30 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
  This year's show is a renewed and reimagined seasonal celebration for all ages with holiday favorites, show stopping dance numbers, Broadway show tunes, and modern twists on some of the world's most uplifting and cherished songs. The musical revue will feature professional performing artists from Broadway and national touring productions including Wicked, White Christmas, Mary Poppins, and Mamma Mia! performing the innovative, inspiring, and delightful blend of song and dance that distinguishes this professional, award-winning theater company. Tickets: $39 to $139. Location: 100 California Drive, Yountville. Event details.
• Photos with Santa
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Saturday & Sunday, 2:30 am–4 pm
  Santa will be available for photos in the afternoon on December 14-15.Included in museum admission or free for members. Register here. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. Event details.
• Mayflower Chorus Presents: An Animated Holiday
  Showcase Thear, San Rafael
  Saturday, 2:30 & 7:30 pm
  Classic songs from the holiday shows make for a rollicking good time and moments of fond nostalgia. Hear old favorites from Rudolph, Little Drummer Boy and Charlie Brown Christmas, and new songs from blockbuster films Polar Express and Frozen- wonderful music for young and old alike! Price: $22 general; $18 seniors (60+) & students (13-18); $8 children 12 & under (plus fees). Purchase tickets here. Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Event details.
• Holiday Double Feature: Magic and Movie
  Novato Recreation Center
  Saturday, 5 pm
  Gather your friends and family, bring your low-back lawn chairs and/or blankets and pack a picnic for a free magic show featuring Mike Della Penna and a movie inside the Downtown Recreation Center! Popcorn and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Magic Show begins at 5pm and the movie (The Grinch) will begin at 6 pm. Location: 950 Seventh Street, Novato. Event details.
• Kid's Night at the Museum
  Charles Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 5–9 pm
  Drop your kids (Grades 1–6) off for after-hours fun and catch up on your holiday shopping. Kids will have the Museum all to themselves for pizza dinner, games, art, cartooning, and lots of holiday-themed crafts! Cost: $25 member, $32 non-member; sibling discount availavble. Advance reservations required--register online or call (707) 284-1272. Location: 2301 Hardies Lane Santa Rosa. Register and info here.
• Rombeiro Christmas House
  Devonshire Drive, Novato
  Saturday–Sunday, 6–10 pm
  Their home is something that truly has to be seen to be believed, and photos don't really do it justice. There are something like 140,000 lights as well as countless figurines, dioramas, and decorations adorning the front and side yards, walls, and roof of the Rombeiro house. If you think the outside is impressive, then you need to go on inside and get a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. You'll find model trains, more figurines, Christmas trees, and the biggest lighted holiday village you've ever seen. Location: 34 Devonshire Drive, off of Center Road, Novato. For more info, read about our visit here.
• Indoor Power Play
  Cal Star Gymnastics, Novato
  Saturday, 6–9 pm
  Drop the kiddos ( K-8 th grade) for some indoor fun. They can run, jump and play in an open gymnastics environment. Bring the kids in on a rainy day or any day to burn some energy. Cost: $30 per child. Location: 70 Digital Drive, Suite #3 in Novato. Event details
• San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker (see Friday for details).
• Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square (see Friday for details).

Sunday, December 15

• Civic Center Farmers' Market
  Marin Civic Center, San Rafael
  Sunday, 8 am–1 pm
  There's lots of organically grown produce, breads, eggs, and fresh cut flowers, as well as live music, bounce houses, and more. This farmers' market is a great one to take the kids to. It’s located in the main Civic Center parking lot. Event details.
• Snacks with Santa
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Sunday, 8:30 am–2:30 pm
  Share your holiday wishes and snap a family photo with the man of the season! Snacks with Santa allows families to beat the crowds to enjoy a timed meet-and-greet with Santa. Light snacks, coffee, and hot cocoa included. Offered in half hour sessions on December 15. Register here! Cost: Non-Members: $14.95 per person + museum admission, BADM Members: $9.95 per person. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. Event details.
• Mill Valley LiVE: Megan Schoenbaum
  Mill Valley Community Center
  Sunday, 10–11 am
  Performer, songwriter, music teacher, and yoga enthusiast Megan Schoenbohm will wow you and your family with her fun, and engaging show. $8 general admission, 3 years and under free. Location: 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. Event details
• Take Your Picture with Snoopy
  Snoopy's Home Ice, Santa Rosa
  Sunday, 11 am–3:30 pm
  Bring the kiddos for some fun on the ice and a photo with Snoopy. He will be on the ice during the Parents and Puppy Practice and public skating. Free with skate admission. Bring your camera. Location: 1667 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. Event details
• Make It, Take It, Wrap It
  Mill Valley Community Center
  Sunday, 11 am–1 pm
  Local artisans will instruct easy crafts for youth and adult to make and take home. Free! Location: 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. Event details
• Festival of Lights
  Osher Marin JCC, San Rafael
  Sunday, 11:30 am–2 pm
  Enjoy dancing, arts & crafts, live music, delicious food, games, face painting, and lots of Hanukkah-related fun! Event details.
• Holiday Skate Party
  Strawberry Village, Mill Valley
  Sunday, noon–3 pm
  Lace up your skates! Come celebrate the season at our Holiday Skate Party to benefit SchoolsRule-Marin. Plus we’ll have a DJ spinning music, a photo booth, face painting, a caricature artist, a bubble magician, holiday arts & crafts and more! Tickets: $10 cash or check; includes skate rental and all activities. Minimum height for this experience is 42 inches and minimum age is 5 years old. Outside skates are not permitted. Event details
• Snoopy: A Beagle of Mars
  Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
  Sunday, 2 pm
  Snoopy: A Beagle of Mars crash lands at the Schulz Museum this holiday season! Join Schulz Creative Associates, the team behind the newest original graphic novel from Peanuts and Boom Studios, for a special presentation followed by a book signing and discover how Snoopy made his way to the Red Planet! Free after museum admission. Event details
• Sing Along Messiah
  Dance Palace, Point Reyes Station
  Sunday, 3–5 pm
  Join us for one of our community’s most fulfilling holiday events at this sing-along of the most glorious and exciting choral masterpiece ever written. Fun for music lovers and listeners of all ages; no experience necessary. Directed by Molly Maguire and accompanist Bill Quist. Fun for music lovers and listeners of all ages; no experience necessary. Tickets: $20 general, $18 seniors, $5 kids and teens. Location: 503 B Street, Pt. Reyes Station. Event details
• San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker (see Friday for details).
• Rombeiro Christmas House (see Friday for details).
• A Christmas Carol (see Friday for details).

 San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker photo courtesy San Francisco Ballet © Erik Tomasson