San Francisco Christmas Guide › San Francisco Christmas Shows 2026
When Nov 13 – Nov 14, 2026
Where Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Diablo Ballet's The Nutcracker Suite moves the classic to the 1950s, at San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel, and plays at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Julia Adam's reimagining has been expanded into a two-act ballet with new choreography and new costumes, set to Tchaikovsky's score.
The Diablo family checks into the Nutcracker Suite on Christmas Eve, Drosselmeyer is the concierge, and a bellhop turns into the Nutcracker. Hotel maids dance in the Kingdom of the Sweets, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the mischievous Mouse King appear, and snow falls on stage. Room service has never been this lively.
The performance runs about an hour and a half with one intermission. After the Saturday matinee, a complimentary lobby party lets children and parents meet cast members, watch a ballet class demonstration, and get autographs. Buy tickets only through the Lesher Center for the Arts website or ticket office.
Questions
How long is the performance?
About an hour and a half, including one intermission, at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
How is this Nutcracker different from the classic?
Julia Adam's version is set in the 1950s at San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel. Drosselmeyer is the concierge, a bellhop becomes the Nutcracker, and hotel maids dance in the Kingdom of the Sweets.
Is there a post-show party?
Yes. After the Saturday matinee there's a complimentary lobby party for children and parents, with cast members, a ballet class demonstration, and autographs.
Where should you buy tickets?
Only through the Lesher Center for the Arts website or its ticket office. Tickets bought on third-party sites don't guarantee entrance or seating.