DECEMBER
Dec. 1 – 24
A.C.T. | A Christmas Carol
Photo: Kevin Berne
This cornerstone of the A.C.T. repertoire is a holiday tradition for Bay Area families. Charles Dickens’ classic features a large lively cast, delightful music, gorgeous costumes, and those deliciously spooky ghosts. Toni Rembe Theater, 415 Geary St. act-sf.org
Dec. 3 – 29
Panto in the Presidio | Peter Pan
Panto for the whole family. An all-new production of childlike wonder in magical Neverland starring Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and the Lost Boys. Presidio Theatre, 99 Morago Ave. presidiotheatre.org
Dec. 5 – 26
Broadway SF | The Golden Girls Live – The Christmas Episodes
Photo: Gareth Gooch
The festive tradition of the drag parody returns this holiday season. Four sassy drag performers take on the roles of Blanche, Sophia, Dorothy, and Rose in two special parody Christmas episodes of the hit television show. Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St. broadwaysf.com
Dec. 6 – 7
San Francisco Symphony | Handel’s Messiah
An instant classic after its 1742 premiere, a global holiday tradition ever since. Through a dramatic series of arias, recitatives, and choruses, George Frideric Handel offers a musical meditation on Christ’s birth, life, resurrection, and redemption. Stephen Stubbs leads the SF Symphony and Chorus in this perennial favorite. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org
Dec. 6 – 8
Broadway SF | Shrek the Musical
Credit Jason Anderson_Pendleton Photography
Everyone’s favorite ogre is back. Based on the Oscar®-winning smash hit DreamWorks animated film, all-new choreography and orchestration, this reimagined production shares a special kind of love. Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St. broadwaysf.com
Dec. 6 – 29
San Francisco Ballet | Nutcracker
(© Erik Tomasson)
Classicists know and love Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Children adore the magic Christmas tree, blizzard of waltzing snowflakes, and dancing bear. History buffs appreciate the 1915 setting against a backdrop of old San Francisco. Celebrate 20 years of Tomasson’s beloved holiday tradition. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org
Dec. 7
SFJAZZ | Big Band Holidays
The 15-piece big band sound of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is joined by the phenomenal Cameroonian-American vocalist Ekep Nkwelle along with the acclaimed young singer and pianist Robbie Lee. SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org
Dec. 7
SFJAZZ | A Charlie Brown Christmas
A family matinee with Adam Shulman on the piano and special guests performing with the San Francisco Girls Chorus in Charles Schulz’s 1965 holiday classic. SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org
Dec. 6 – 7, 15, 21, and 24
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus | Holiday Spectacular “Together”
credit: SFGMC
Festive cheer, stirring music, plenty of humor for laughing out loud and singing along. This year’s theme embodies the spirit of community, love, and connection in every note. Performances in San Francisco, Rohnert Park, and Berkeley. sfgmc.org
Dec. 6
American Bach Soloists | A Baroque Christmas
In a majestic setting, a concert featuring a period-instrument orchestra performing Part I of Bach’s scintillating “Christmas Oratorio” and the Christmas portion of Handel’s timeless “Messiah” for all ages. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org
Dec. 12 – 15 and 18-19
Transcendence Theatre Company | Broadway Holiday
photo- Rob Martel
Blending Broadway veterans with rising stars in a new production of musical hits and seasonal favorites, a special wintertime event for all ages. Two engagements, both with a VIP event option, at Marin Theatre in Mill Valley followed by Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma Plaza. transcendencetheatre.org
Dec. 13
American Bach Soloists | Handel’s Messiah
Featuring a stellar cast of vocal soloists, American Bach’s annual tradition of performing Handel’s Messiah in this historic setting perennially provides a treasured December holiday event to capacity audiences. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org
Dec. 13 – 23
A Chanticleer Christmas
photo: Lisa Kohler
Chanticleer’s 47th Bay Area season celebrates the most wonderful time of year in stunning venues. With performances in Petaluma, Oakland, Sacramento, Mill Valley, Santa Clara, Berkeley, San Francisco, and Carmel. From the candlelit chant procession to the triumphant gospel conclusion, beautiful music spans centuries, from classical to carols. chanticleer.org
Dec. 14 – 15 and 21 – 23
Grace Cathedral’s Choir of Men and Boys | A Cathedral Christmas
Since 1947, the choir has celebrated the coming of Christmas, performing exquisite classic carols and sacred masterpieces. Ring in the season with this glorious, nationally recognized choir, accompanied by full orchestra and the 7,466 pipe organ. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org
Dec. 24 – 29
BroadwaySF | Beetlejuice
photo: BroadwaySF
The ghost-with-the-most returns to San Francisco. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical is “Screamingly good fun,” says Variety. Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St. broadwaysf.com
Dec. 31
SFJAZZ | Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Ring in the New Year in New Orleans’ style. “A national treasure steeped in both the past and the present” (The New York Times), they celebrate nearly 50 years as a New Orleans institution and welcome 2025 with a rollicking party like no other.” SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org