Holiday "Nutcracker" Performances in the Bay Area
The San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker performs December 13–30. Photo: San Francisco Ballet © Erik Tomasson
Tchaikovsky's classic ballet The Nutcracker is time-honored Christmas tradition in many communities. You'll find a wide variety of Nutcracker performances throughout Marin and the San Francisco Bay Area this holiday season, from fun introductions for younger kids to elaborately staged, full-length ballet productions. Here's our guide to performances of San Francisco Bay Area Nutcrackers.
Note that ticket prices can fluctuate throughout the season, especially for high-demand performances; prices listed here are accurate as of publishing but may change. Check with each for details.
San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
Photo: San Francisco Ballet © Erik Tomasson
War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
December 13–30, various times
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. Event details
Marin Ballet Nutcracker
Marin School of the Arts Theater, Novato
December 10, 1 & 5 pm, December 11, 1 pm
Celebrate Marin County’s beloved Nutcracker tradition with Marin Ballet’s full-length ballet classic, rich in the dazzling enchantment of old-fashioned theatrical grandeur and holiday sentiment. Featuring over 125 dancers and elaborate Victorian costumes and sets. One weekend only! $50 adults, $30 youth and seniors. Event details
Stapleton School of the Performing Arts Nutcracker
Palace of Fine Arts Theater, San Francisco
December 16 & 17, 1 & 5 pm
The vibrant Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker provides a magical start to the holiday season! Now in its 35th year, this production features inspired dancing, exquisite costumes and lavish sets. This year they'll also be hosting the Nutcracker Ball gala on Saturday, December 16 from 7–9 pm in the theater lobby after the 5 pm performance. Tickets: $55 adults, $40 seniors and children. Event details
Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets
Cowell Theatre, Fort Mason, San Francisco
December 2–23, 11 am, 1:30 pm & 4 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: $23.50–$49.50. Event details
San Francisco's Youth Ballet Nutcracker
Chinese American International School Theater, San Francisco
December 2 & 3, 1 & 5 pm
This 2-hour production is geared toward families and is a perfect opportunity to introduce young children to this holiday ballet tradition. As always, there will be photo opportunities with different characters after all performances. Event details
Petaluma School of Ballet Nutcracker
Spreckels Performing Arts Center, Rohnert Park
December 8–10, various times
Petaluma School of Ballet and North Coast Ballet California presents a full-length production of The Nutcracker. Tickets: $26–36. Event details
Berkeley City Ballet Nutcracker
Berkeley City Ballet Studio Theater, Berkeley
December 9, 10, 16 & 17, 2 & 4:30 pm
The Berkeley City Ballet features a 50-minute production with a cast of over 40 dancers, with elegant costumes and sets. Perfect for the entire family. Tickets: $20–$25. Event details
Graham Lustig's Nutcracker
Paramount Theatre, Oakland
December 16, 1 & 5 pm, December 17, 1 pm
Celebrate the holiday season with the Oakland Ballet's production of Graham Lustig's Nutcracker, at the Paramount Theater with the Oakland Symphony and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir. Tickets: $29.70–$126.80. Sweet Dreams parties take place after the matinee performances and cost an additional $20. Event details
