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Best Holiday & Christmas Shows from October 12 - December 12

in San Francisco

A Whynot Chrismas Carol at Toni Rembe Theatre

A Whynot Chrismas Carol

A charmingly funny adaptation of Dickens' festive classic A Christmas Carol, comes to the American Conservatory Theatre! In this witty reimagining, the tale takes place in a play-within-a-play, with a theater troupe in a small town preparing for their own festive production of the story. But with differing ideas on how best to tackle such an undertaking, replete with choreographic mishaps and failing props, will the aspirations of the troupe result in a successful show?

Nov 26 - Dec 12

Toni Rembe Theatre

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San Francisco Ballet - The Nutcracker at War Memorial Opera House

San Francisco Ballet - The Nutcracker

San Francisco Ballet's sparkling production of Nutcracker has introduced audiences of all ages to the magnificent world of ballet. This holiday season, experience the beauty and athleticism of SF Ballet's international cast of world-class dancers in Nutcracker, a San Francisco tradition since 1944. Accompanied by a sensational live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's timeless score.

A John Waters Christmas at Great American Music Hall

A John Waters Christmas

John Waters loves Christmas, and he wants you to know. The legendary cult-filmmaker takes to the stage with his traditional one-man monologue, extolling the virtues of everyone's favorite holiday, from offering advice on Christmas films and music to asking the important questions you've always wanted to be answered by the people's pervert, such as 'Is Santa erotic?'

Mariachi Sol De Mexico at Davies Symphony Hall

Mariachi Sol De Mexico

Jose Hernandez's world-renowned Mariachi band, Mariachi Sol De Mexico, heads out across the States to bring you their infectious sound to their fans across the country. The Grammy-nominated super-group present their extensive back catalog of Mariachi hits both traditional and contemporary! Don't miss their much anticipated Christmas tour - A Merry-achi Christmas!

Sarah Brightman at Ruth Finley Person Theater

Sarah Brightman

The unearthly talent of Sarah Brightman is on show once more as the iconic performer is back with her Christmas tradition. Brightman has decided to bring festive joy on tour with A Christmas Symphony production. A gloriously unique journey through some of the seasons' best and most-loved songs, let Brightman infuse you with the festive spirit this year in this ultimate holiday event!

The Golden Girls Live at Curran Theatre

The Golden Girls Live

The festive tradition of the Golden Girls drag parody returns to San Francisco this holiday season! Four of the greatest and sassiest drag performers around take on the roles of Blanche, Sophia, Dorothy and Rose in two special, parody Christmas episodes of the classic hit television show. Starring the supremely talented Matthew Martin, Holotta Tymes, Coco Peru and D'Arcy Trollinger, this uproarious festive show is a treat you won't want to miss!

The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert at Davies Symphony Hall

The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert

So good it's often been named the best film adaptation of Charles Dicken's festive masterpiece ever, no holiday season is complete without a viewing of The Muppet Christmas Carol, and there's no better way to experience it than in this Live to Screen concert edition, played by your local Symphony. Starring Kermit the Frog, Micheal Caine, Gonzo and many more of the iconic Muppet stable, enjoy the classic story, complete with humor, heart, and Miles Goodman and Paul Williams' unforgettable score!

San Francisco Symphony: Handel's Messiah at Davies Symphony Hall

San Francisco Symphony: Handel's Messiah

Celebrate the holidays with one of music's most beloved traditions, with Jonathan Cohen conducting the San Francisco Symphony in a performance of Handel's Messiah. A cherished holiday custom since its premiere in 1742, this splendid oratorio features some of the most popular refrains in Western music; from "Comfort ye, my people" to the famous "Hallelujah" chorus.

A Drag Queen Christmas at Golden Gate Theatre

A Drag Queen Christmas

The all-star queens of Logo TV's RuPaul's Drag Race are coming to save your Christmas and this year is even more speical, marking the 10th anniversary! Featuring all your favorite stars singing seasonal classics, new and old, A Drag Queen Christmas is guaranteed to get you in the naughty holiday spirit. So dig out your glad rags and prepare to sashay straight to this once-a-year spectacular!

A Drag Queen Christmas at Ruth Finley Person Theater

A Drag Queen Christmas

The all-star queens of Logo TV's RuPaul's Drag Race are coming to save your Christmas and this year is even more speical, marking the 10th anniversary! Featuring all your favorite stars singing seasonal classics, new and old, A Drag Queen Christmas is guaranteed to get you in the naughty holiday spirit. So dig out your glad rags and prepare to sashay straight to this once-a-year spectacular!

San Francisco Symphony - Deck The Hall at Davies Symphony Hall

San Francisco Symphony - Deck The Hall

Returning for 2024, the San Francisco Symphony's annual holiday extravaganza has more than enough festive fun to banish even the biggest Scrooge! Featuring a program of holiday favorites new and old and a delightful cast including musicians, dancers, and special guests, Deck The Hall is one unmissable San Francisco holiday tradition!

Grand Kyiv Ballet - The Nutcracker at Palace of Fine Arts

Grand Kyiv Ballet - The Nutcracker

The extremely talented dancers of Ukraine's Grand Kyiv Ballet are back on the stage in North America, performing Tchaikovsky's must-see holiday classic The Nutcracker! Originally written by E.T.A. Hoffmann, Tchaikovsky's masterpiece score to the world-famous ballet received its debut over 130 years ago, in 1892. A truly timeless work, an evening spent at a performance of this enchanting show is the perfect way to welcome in Christmas with the whole family!

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