San Francisco Christmas Guide › San Francisco Christmas Shows 2026
When Dec 4 – Dec 27, 2026
Where War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker is Helgi Tomasson's take on the holiday classic, with a local twist: Clara's story starts in a Victorian-era San Francisco home. From there she travels through a dazzling onstage blizzard to the Crystal Palace, with the Grammy Award-winning SF Ballet Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's score live.
Along the way, look for the Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and an international cast of characters. It's a holiday tradition for families, and a good fit for kids ages 5 and up and for ballet fans of every stripe.
Allow about two hours. The first act runs 47 minutes, then there's a 20-minute intermission and a 50-minute second act. The sensory-friendly performance is relaxed and informal, a good choice for young children and first-time balletgoers. Grown-ups can also book the Nutcracker Nightcap, a 21+ afterparty with themed cocktails, sweet and savory treats, and dancing (it has its own ticket, which doesn't include the ballet).
Questions
How long is the performance?
About two hours. The first act runs 47 minutes, then there's a 20-minute intermission, and the second act runs 50 minutes.
Is the music live?
Yes. The Grammy Award-winning SF Ballet Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky's score, and the choreography is by Helgi Tomasson.
Is there a performance for young children or first-timers?
Yes. The sensory-friendly performance is relaxed and informal, adapted for neurodiverse audiences of all ages and abilities. It's also a good choice for young children and first-time balletgoers.
What is the Nutcracker Nightcap?
A 21+ afterparty hosted by SF Ballet's Young Patron's Circle, with Nutcracker-themed cocktails, sweet and savory treats, interactive activities, and dancing. It needs its own ticket, and that ticket doesn't include the performance.