San Francisco Christmas Guide › San Francisco Christmas Shows 2026
At Oakland's Paramount Theatre, Oakland Ballet Company presents Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker, with Tchaikovsky's score played live by the Oakland Symphony and the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir. Follow Marie and her soldiers as she rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the evil Rat King, then travels with dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets.
Look for imaginative costumes, magnificent scenery, and classic choreography billed as perfect for all ages. As an add-on, the Sweet Dreams Party on the Paramount's Mezzanine level right after the performance lets you meet the cast and characters, pose for photos, collect autographs, and have treats and refreshments. Everyone needs a party ticket plus a performance ticket.
Buy tickets through Oakland Ballet's own site (it sells through Ticketmaster) or at the Paramount box office on Fridays, and skip the resellers. The theater is reachable by BART.
Questions
Is the music live?
Yes. The Oakland Symphony plays Tchaikovsky's score, joined by the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir.
What is the Sweet Dreams Party?
An add-on party on the Paramount's Mezzanine level right after the performance, with the cast and characters, photos, autographs, treats, and refreshments. You need a party ticket plus a performance ticket.
Where should you buy tickets?
Through Oakland Ballet's own site, which sells through Ticketmaster, or at the Paramount box office on Fridays (except federal holidays). Avoid resellers.
Can you take BART?
Yes. The Paramount Theatre in Oakland is reachable by BART, so you can skip driving.