Festivity, fun and inspiration are everywhere this holiday season in the beautiful Bay Area! Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly activity or wanting to start a new tradition, there’s a holiday event that’s just right for you — and many of them are free of cost. Check out these family friendly holiday experiences and grab your tickets before they sell out!
SAN FRANCISCO
Glow: Discover the Art of Light
Get curious about light this winter! Compose music with light, touch quantum physics, see yourself in mechanical mirrors, and more. Explore our galleries for luminous artworks big and small, including U.S. premieres.
November 21–January 26, 2025. See website for times & ticket info. Exploratorium, San Francisco; www.exploratorium.edu
Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets
Celebrate the holidays with Mark Foehringer‘s Nutcracker Sweets, a unique 50-minute production of the classic holiday ballet designed for families with small children and audiences of all ages. This special production is danced storytelling that is affordable, magical, zany, and fun. Foehringer uses his choreographic skills in contemporary dance and ballet to craft a show that is sure to thrill dance newcomers and the most jaded balletomane. See all of the favorite Nutcracker characters in beautiful costumes performing on a colorful set with live chamber orchestra music.
December 7–22. See website for times and ticket information. All ages. Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center. www.mfdpsf.org
A WhyNot Christmas 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?
December 4–December 24. See website for showtimes and ticket info. Toni Rembe Theatre, San Francisco; www.san-francisco-theater.com
The Velveteen Rabbit Beloved Holiday Tradition
Brimming with wit, festive costumes, madcap characters and the perfect amount of holiday cheer, ODC/Dance returns to the stage with the beloved Bay Area holiday tradition. The Velveteen Rabbit features captivating narration, a delightful musical score and larger-than-life storybook characters portrayed by the world-class dancers of ODC/Dance.
November 30–December 8. See website for showtimes and ticket information. The Blue Shield of California Theatre at YBCA, San Francisco; www.odc.dance
San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker
Set at a Christmas Eve party in 1915 San Francisco, Nutcracker tells the story of Clara, a young girl given a magical nutcracker doll. The Nutcracker comes to life in her dreams, battles the evil King of the Mice, and takes Clara to a Crystal Palace full of dancing. With brilliant choreography by Helgi Tomasson and a beloved score by Tchaikovsky, SF Ballet’s Nutcracker is a festive treat for the entire family!
December 6–29. See website for times and ticket info. Ages 5 and up. War Memorial Opera House, 415-865-2000; www.sfballet.org
SAN JOSE
Christmas in the Park
This 40+ year tradition is back in downtown San Jose’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park. There are a few surprises including new light displays, a brand new 65’ tall walk-through Christmas tree and Blinky’s Tavern – an all-new inflatable beer and wine garden! Admission is free.
Tree lighting November 29, 6pm. Christmas in the Park runs to early January. See website for event listings and ticket information. Downtown San Jose; www.ChristmasinthePark.com
My Very First Nutcracker
My Very First Nutcracker” is a special one-act presentation of “The San Jose Nutcracker,” ideal for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. This joyful holiday production features the festive holiday party, at which Uncle Nikola reveals his fascinating gifts. Kids will marvel at the historic San Jose Electric Light Tower rising magically above the streets of San Jose, and cheer on adorable mice and toy soldiers who compete to win a magic crown. Introduce your family to the magic of classical ballet! This performance has a run time of approximately 55 minutes.
December 15 and 22. See website for showtimes and ticket information. California Theatre, San Jose; www.newballet.com
Drive Thru Light Show
Experience the magic of Christmas in the Park like never before! Since 2020, our Drive Thru Light Show in History Park San Jose has been bringing holiday joy to the community. Cruise through dazzling light tunnels, festive buildings, and giant candy canes all synced to your favorite holiday tunes.
November 21–January 1, 2025. See website for event listings and ticket information. Lake Cunningham Park in San Jose; ChristmasinthePark.com
EAST BAY
CASTRO VALLEY
Alameda Civic Ballet’s The Nutcracker – Performed in Castro Valley
This holiday season prepare to be transported on a magical journey with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. From the heroic battle against the Mouse King, travel through the Land of the Snowflakes and on to the Kingdom of the Sweets. There you will meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and be entertained by the wonders of the Land of Enchantment. Choreographed by Artistic Director Abra Rudisill with gorgeous costumes and beautiful sets – all to the classic Tchaikovsky score – this is a production sure to bring out the child in all of us.
November 23 & 24. See website for ticket information and showtimes. Castro Valley Center for the Arts 19501 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley; www.alamedacivicballet.org
Glowfari – Oakland Zoo
This year’s experience features new themes – take a float down Africa’s longest river, the Nile to view wading wildlife and ancient Egyptian structures, a trip to the farm to visit barnyard favorites like cows, chicken, and sheep, a hike up the highest peaks to visit animals at the top of the world like ibex and alpaca, and a return to the past to see dinosaurs take over the California trail. Finish your experience with a train ride through an Avian Odyssey, with our winged, feathered friends from parrots to puffins!
This event sells out early. December 1–January 26, 2025. Oakland Zoo, Oakland Hills; www.oaklandzoo.org
Oakland Ballet Company Presents Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker”
Oakland Ballet Company’s spritely and colorful version of this holiday classic is a holiday tradition that is fun for the entire family. Brimming with holiday magic, this is the Nutcracker to see! With live music by the Oakland Symphony.
December 21 & 22. See website for ticket information. All ages Paramount Theatre, 510-893-3132; www.oaklandballet.org
Fellowship of Craft
The Fellowship of Craft, formerly the Craneway Craft Fair, is an indoor, weekend-long marketplace that showcases more than 200 artists & craftspeople from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
November 30 & December 1. See website for hours and ticket info. Henry J Kaiser Center for the Arts; www.fellowshipofcraft.com
LIVERMORE
The Nutcracker
Experience the magic of the Nutcracker. This annual Tri-Valley holiday event continues to enchant audiences of all ages, bringing Tchaikovsky’s well-known music and ballet to life with all of its elegance and beauty. Thrill to a stage filled with one magical Nutcracker, a swirl of lovely snowflakes, adorable mice, dancing soldiers and a glittering sugar plum fairy.
December 14–22. See website for showtimes and ticket info. Bankhead Theatre, Livermore; www.livermorearts.org
MARIN
SAN RAFAEL
Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker
Get ready to be enchanted by Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker! Clara’s magical Christmas Eve dreams are returning this year, featuring the artistry of 125 dancers, and elaborate Victorian costumes and sets. Embrace this wonderful holiday tradition with your loved ones.
December 7 & 8. See website for times and ticket information. All ages. Center for the Arts; marinballet.org
Stapleton Ballet Presents: Nutcracker
The vibrant Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker provides a magical start to the holiday season! This engaging production features lavish costumes, ornate sets and joyful choreography that celebrates the spirit and exuberance of over 200 dancers performing alongside guest artists.
Dec. 13-15. See website for times and ticket. All ages. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 415-473-6800; www.stapletonschool.org
