Christmas Events In San Francisco 2024
Christmas By The Bay: San Francisco Holiday Events in 2023
Perhaps there is no more ephemeral and beautiful city in the country than that of the City by the Bay. Legendary bands like Jefferson Starship, The Grateful Dead, and Journey have captured San Francisco beautifully in lyrics that have stood the test of time.
Now, come experience the holiday musical traditions that define the city – from classic ballets to modern musicals, San Francisco has something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas.
One of the most popular Christmas concerts in San Francisco is The Nutcracker, performed by the San Francisco Ballet. This timeless ballet tells the story of a young girl's magical journey on Christmas Eve, and features stunning choreography, beautiful costumes, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score. Another must-see performance is The Colors of Christmas, presented by the San Francisco Symphony. This annual concert features a lineup of renowned singers performing classic holiday songs, accompanied by the orchestra's world-class musicians.
In addition to these beloved performances, there are also many other Christmas concerts and theater shows to choose from in San Francisco. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing or a romantic date night, there is no shortage of options to explore. So grab your loved ones and get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season in one of our country's most magnificent cities.
Setting the stage: San Francisco Christmas
San Francisco is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, and during the Christmas season, the city comes alive with a variety of theater performances and concerts. From traditional holiday classics to modern interpretations, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the most popular theater Christmas events in San Francisco is the San Francisco Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker." This beloved holiday classic has been a tradition in San Francisco since 1944 and continues to draw large crowds every year wishing to see processions of toy soldiers, King of the Mice, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Over 150 dancers accompanied by the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra perform this beloved score and help foster memories that last a lifetime.
For those seeking a more immersive holiday experience, the annual Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace is a must-see. This event, which has been a Bay Area tradition since 1970, transports visitors back in time to Victorian London with live performances, holiday shopping, and festive food and drink.
Grace Cathedral also hosts a variety of Christmas events, including choral performances by the American Bach Soloists. And for those looking for a more modern twist on the holiday season, the San Francisco Playhouse presents "Guys and Dolls," a gospel-infused celebration of the season.
Overall, San Francisco's Christmas theater and concert scene offers a diverse range of options for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a traditional holiday classic or a modern interpretation, you're sure to find something to get you in the holiday spirit.
Most Popular theater Christmas Events in San Francisco 2023
One of the most highly anticipated events is the San Francisco Ballet's performance of "The Nutcracker" at the War Memorial Opera House. This timeless classic is a holiday tradition and a must-see for anyone visiting San Francisco during the Christmas season. The show runs from December 13th to December 30th, and tickets can be purchased online.
Another popular theater Christmas event in San Francisco is the Great Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace. This event is a Bay Area tradition dating back to 1970 and features over 800 performers in a Victorian London setting. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, holiday shopping, and traditional British food and drink. The fair runs on weekends from November 18th to December 17th, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
For those who prefer a more modern take on the holiday season, the Curran Theatre is presenting “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” inspired by a true story of a 1956 homecoming with Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley. Take a journey through Christmas past and all the hits including “Jingle Bell Rock” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Other notable Christmas theater events in San Francisco for 2023 include:
- "Mamma Mia!" at the Golden Gate Theatre from December 5th through December 10th
- "A Christmas Carol" put on by the American Conservatory Theatre taking place at the Toni Rembi Theater from December 6th to December 24th
- "The Lion King" at the Orpheum Theatre from November 22nd to December 30th
You can read on to understand a bit more about the Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol below.
No matter what your preferences are, there is sure to be a theater Christmas event in San Francisco that will get you in the holiday spirit. Be sure to book your tickets early, as these events are sure to sell out quickly.
San Francisco Ballet's The Nutcracker
One of the most anticipated events during the Christmas season in San Francisco is the San Francisco Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker. The ballet company, which is the oldest in the US, first performed the show on Christmas Eve in 1944. Since then, it has become a holiday tradition for many families in the Bay Area.
In 2023, the San Francisco Ballet will be presenting The Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House from December 13 to December 30. The show promises to be a magical winter wonderland of toy soldiers, the King of the Mice, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and much more.
The Nutcracker was composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Helgi Tomasson. The show has become a classic and is loved by audiences of all ages. The San Francisco Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker is recognized as the first full-length Nutcracker performance in the United States.
Tickets for The Nutcracker are available for purchase on the San Francisco Ballet's website. Group discounts are available for all performances except for Premium Performances.
If you are planning to attend The Nutcracker, it is recommended that you arrive at the War Memorial Opera House early to find parking and to get settled in your seats. The show is expected to be very popular, so it is important to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Nutcracker is a must-see show during the Christmas season in San Francisco. Whether you are a fan of ballet or simply looking for a fun and festive activity to do with your family, The Nutcracker is sure to delight and entertain.
American Conservatory Theater's Performance of A Christmas Carol
The American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) is a renowned theater company located in San Francisco, California. Every year, during the holiday season, they put on a production of the classic Charles Dickens' tale, A Christmas Carol. The 2023 performance promises to be as captivating as ever and will also be the last.
The show will run from December 6th to December 24th, 2023, at the Toni Rembe theater located at 415 Geary Street in San Francisco. The theater is easily accessible via public transportation, and there are several parking garages nearby.
A.C.T.'s production of A Christmas Carol is a beloved Bay Area holiday tradition that has been performed for many years. The production features all of the classic characters from the story, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim. The talented cast, along with the stunning set design and costumes, bring the story to life in a way that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
This version —adapted by Paul Walsh and Carey Perloff—stays true to the heart of Dickens's timeless story of redemption and brings a playful sensibility to his rich language. A Christmas Carol is a decades-long cornerstone of the A.C.T. repertory and has become a holiday tradition for families all around the San Francisco Bay Area.
This will also be the last time to see the beloved production in this version, one that has been a tradition for Bay Area families for 20 years. A newer version will be brought to life in 2024, so don’t miss out on this classic – one final time.
In addition to the regular performances, A.C.T. also offers a Sensory Friendly Performance on December 20th, 2023, at 2 p.m. This performance is specially designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families. The theater provides a Sensory Access Guide to help prepare for the performance, and the show includes sensory disclosures to help attendees know what to expect.
With its timeless story, talented cast, and stunning production design, it is sure to be a memorable experience for all who attend.
San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
The San Francisco Symphony is getting ready for the holidays with a number of special performances:
- The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert with Sarah Hicks (Nov. 30 - Dec. 1)
- Cirque Nutcracker with Ming Luke (Dec. 5-6)
- Handel’s Messiah with Jonathon Cohen (Dec. 8-9)
- San Francisco Symphony Love Actually with Thiago Tiberio (Dec. 16)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas with Lawrence Loh (Dec. 20-23)
San Francisco Sports on Christmas 2023
San Francisco is home to championship-caliber teams and come Christmas, one game stands out as the perfect Christmas gift.
San Francisco hosts the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 25 at Levi’s Stadium. The other local team in action during the winter, the Golden State Warriors, hits the road and will take on the Denver Nuggets in Denver on Christmas Day. So, if you really want to watch the Warriors you’ll have to book a flight to the Mile High City.
Other Holiday Events in San Francisco for Christmas 2023
In addition to the Christmas concerts and theater performances, San Francisco has a variety of other holiday events to offer visitors and locals alike. Here are some of the popular events happening in the city during the Christmas season of 2023:
- Great Dickens Christmas Fair: This fair is a Bay Area Christmas tradition dating back to 1970. It offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience Victorian London during the holidays. The fair features over 800 costumed performers, seven stages of entertainment, and over 120 unique shops and stalls to explore.
- Holiday Ice Rinks: Skating in Union Square is a popular holiday tradition in San Francisco. The large rink in Union Square sponsored by Safeway will be open from November 1, 2023, until January 15, 2024. Prices in 2023 are $20 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under for a 60-minute session, with skate rentals included.
- Holiday Lights Tour: San Francisco's holiday lights tour is a great way to see the city's festive decorations. The tour takes visitors through some of the city's most popular neighborhoods, including Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square. The tour is available from November 24, 2023, to January 1, 2024.
- The Nutcracker: This classic holiday ballet is performed by the San Francisco Ballet at the War Memorial Opera House. The Nutcracker runs from December 12 to December 29, 2023.
- Holiday Train: The Caltrain Holiday Train is a Bay Area tradition that has been running for over 20 years. The train is decorated with thousands of lights and features holiday characters and live music. The train runs from December 2 to December 23, 2023.
San Francisco has a lot to offer during the Christmas season. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy a variety of holiday events, from ice skating to holiday lights tours to classic ballet performances.
