Holiday sparkle & style – Celebrate the season with festive performances and events

As the holiday performing arts season unfolds, the Bay Area shines as a vibrant hub of LGBTQ artistry and imagination. From glittering drag extravaganzas to innovative reinterpretations of seasonal favorites, San Francisco and its surrounding communities offer a dazzling array of performances that honor our diverse community. And for an added dash of sparkle, we’ve included a few standout programs that aren’t holiday-themed, but were too good to leave out.
   

Music

San Francisco Symphony: “Holiday Gaiety”
    Don your most festive holiday attire for the symphony’s annual LGBTQ holiday variety show, co-emceed by conductor Edwin Outwater and drag legend Peaches Christ. The program features comedian Evan Mills; singer-songwriter and drag performer Adore Delano (“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “American Idol”); vocalist Sasha Allen (“The Voice”); mezzo-soprano and aerialist Nikola Printz; drag artist Sister Roma from The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; and vocalist and drag performer Sapphira Cristál (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”). $39-$225, December 17, Davies Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave.
https://www.sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2025-26/Holiday-Gaiety

     American Conservatory Theater: “Judy Garland: We Need a Little Christmas”
      Debbie Wileman makes her San Francisco debut in a glowing tribute to LGBTQ icon Judy Garland, bringing powerhouse vocals, vintage charm, and selections from her new holiday album “A Christmas Garland.” Blending beloved seasonal classics with iconic show tunes, Wileman captures the spirit, humor, and cinematic warmth that made Garland a legend. $17–$165, Dec. 6 & 7, A.C.T.’s Strand Theater, 1127 Market St.
 https://www.act-sf.org/   (Read our interview with Debbie Wileman.)    

Cantare Chorale, Aurora & Nova Youth Choirs: “Lead with Love”
     This intergenerational holiday concert centers on themes of hope, compassion, unity and peace, culminating in “All of Us,” the moving finale of Craig Hella Johnson’s album “Considering Matthew Shepard,” an homage to the young gay man whose legacy lives on. $20–$44, Dec. 6, Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Ave., Walnut Creek; Dec. 7, First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Broadway, Oakland. https://www.cantareconvivo.org/upcoming-concerts

     San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus: “Holiday Spectacular”
     The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus lights up the season with its 300-voice celebration of holiday classics, heartfelt ballads, and camp-filled showstoppers. With queer twists on favorites by Irving Berlin, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Madonna, and more, the Chorus delivers joy, humor, and enough sparkle to power even the Grinchiest gay through the holidays. $31–$143. Golden Gate Theatre (Dec. 12–13), Cal Performances/Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley (Dec. 20), Sonoma State University Weill Hall (Dec. 21), and Davies Symphony Hall (Dec. 24). https://www.sfgmc.org/holiday-spectacular-2025 (Read our feature article.)

     Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus: “Light”
     The Silicon Valley Gay Men’s Chorus illuminates the South Bay with “Light,” a jubilant winter program featuring the organization’s largest ensemble to date. The show features 80 singers, beloved holiday songs, theatrical surprises, and a high-energy set by its smaller ensemble, Desperate Measures. $27–$37, Dec. 12–14, Campbell United Methodist Church, 1675 Winchester Blvd., Campbell. https://svgmc.org/

     Golden Gate Men’s Chorus: “Tidings of Joy”
     The Golden Gate Men’s Chorus returns with its cherished holiday tradition, offering yuletide harmonies and other choral works spanning Vaughan Williams to contemporary favorites. Don’t miss this 50-voice ensemble in a radiant celebration of the season. $30–$50, Dec. 13–17, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3281 16th St. https://ggmc.org/tidings-of-joy

     Ensemble Cherubim Chamber Chorus: “Carols of Birds, Bells, and Peace from Ukraine”
     Led by Ukrainian-American conductor Marika Kuzma, Ensemble Cherubim returns to Zellerbach with a poignant program of sacred and seasonal music, sung primarily in Ukrainian and interwoven with spoken word. With visual projections highlighting Ukraine’s landscapes and traditions, the concert evokes the pride and resilience of the Ukrainian people. $38–$89, Dec. 13, Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley. www.calperformances.org

     SF Jazz: “Cyrus Chestnut Plays ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’”
     Renowned pianist Cyrus Chestnut brings his unique virtuosity to Vince Guaraldi’s beloved score from the classic 1965 Charles Schultz holiday special, with soulful swing and heartfelt nostalgia. A longtime audience favorite, this jazz tribute offers the perfect blend of charm, memory, and modern flair. $54–$134, Dec. 20, SF Jazz’s Miner Auditorium, 201 Franklin St. https://www.sfjazz.org

Dance

Smuin Ballet: “The Christmas Ballet”
     Smuin’s signature holiday showcase blends classical elegance and contemporary flair in a dazzling collection of festive dances, this year featuring new works by Julia Adam, Myles Thatcher, and Artistic Director Amy Seiwert. The company’s ever-popular LGBTQ Night at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts returns on Dec. 27 with special appearances and playful twists, including drag sensation Lady Camden (former Smuin company dancer Rex Wheeler). $25–$120. Performances in Carmel, Mountain View, and San Francisco. https://www.smuinballet.org/events/christmas-2025/

     San Francisco Ballet: “Nutcracker”
     SF Ballet’s “Nutcracker” stands alone as the Bay Area’s most spectacular holiday production, featuring world-class dancers, glittering costumes, opulent sets, and a full orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Set in 1915 San Francisco, during the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, former Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson’s beloved staging honors the city’s historic connection to the first U.S. full-length “Nutcracker,” which premiered at the War Memorial Opera House in 1944. $55–$612, Dec. 5–28, War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. https://www.sfballet.org/

    MOMIX: “Alice”
    MOMIX’s “Alice” blends stunning illusion, daring acrobatics, and playful theatricality as dancers tumble through inventive vignettes inspired by Lewis Carroll’s fantastical characters. With visual magic and inventive choreography, the production invites audiences deep into a dreamlike wonderland. $40–$92, Nov. 29–30, Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley. www.calperformances.org

     ODC/Dance: “The Velveteen Rabbit”
     A treasured Bay Area holiday tradition now in its 39th year, “The Velveteen Rabbit” brings Margery Williams’ classic tale to life with KT Nelson’s choreography, Geoff Hoyle’s narration, and colorful storybook design. With Britten’s music and ODC’s acclaimed dancers, this family favorite charms audiences of all ages. $30–$125, Nov. 29–Dec. 7, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St. https://odc.dance/velveteenrabbit

     Mark Foehringer Dance Project: “Nutcracker Sweets”
     Since its premiere in 2008, thousands of families have fallen in love with “Nutcracker Sweets,” a fast-paced, 50-minute reimagining of the classic ballet, this year featuring updated choreography, fresh design elements, falling snow, and a live nine-piece chamber orchestra. Be prepared for an interactive experience; young audience members are known to engage with the characters on stage. $23.50–$63.50, Dec. 6–21, Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center. https://mfdpsf.org/nutcracker-sweets/

Peninsula Lively Arts: “Three Nutcrackers”
     Peninsula Lively Arts presents three distinctive takes on the holiday ballet: a family-friendly “Nutcracker Sweets,” especially for young children; the high-energy “Hip-Hop Nutcracker,” geared for teens and young adults; and a full-length production featuring more than 130 performers, including local choirs and ballet students. With options for all ages, San Mateo becomes a one-stop “Nutcracker” destination. $35–$65, Dec. 6–21, various San Mateo venues. https://www.peninsulalivelyarts.org/

     San Francisco Pride Band: “Dance-Along Nutcracker”
     Put on your pointe shoes and get ready to have fun! The SF Pride Band returns with “A Wicked Dance-Along Nutcracker,” a new twist on its delightfully irreverent mashup. Blending music from “The Nutcracker,” “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and “The Wiz,” the show is part concert, part musical comedy, and part dance-it-yourself romp. $28 (children/students/seniors), $48 (adults), Dec. 6–7, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum, 701 Mission St.
  https://dance-along-nutcracker.sfprideband.org/

     New Ballet & Symphony San Jose: “The San Jose Nutcracker”
     Set in 1905 San Jose, this richly detailed production celebrates local history with period-inspired costumes, skyline backdrops, and scenic elements including the San Jose Electric Light Tower. With choreography by New Ballet Director Dalia Rawson, the production honors the region’s heritage while delivering a heart-warming holiday experience. $31–$126, Dec. 13–23, California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. https://newballet.com/performances

Oakland Ballet: “Graham Lustig’s The Nutcracker”
     Oakland Ballet’s spirited “Nutcracker” features live accompaniment by the Oakland Symphony and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir, alongside art nouveau–inspired sets and costumes. With dozens of professional and youth dancers, this beloved East Bay tradition fills the glorious Paramount Theatre with color, elegance, and seasonal magic. $35–$166, Dec. 20–21, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. https://oaklandballet.org/

Theater

     San Francisco Playhouse: “Into the Woods”
     San Francisco Playhouse brings Sondheim and Lapine’s modern fairytale masterpiece to the stage, weaving together the stories of “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” and “Jack and the Beanstalk,” in a moving exploration of responsibility, desire, and what lies beyond “happily ever after.” $52–$145, now through Jan. 17, SF Playhouse, 450 Post St., San Francisco.
https://www.sfplayhouse.org

     Cirque du Soleil: “Echo”
     The legendary Montreal-based troupe Cirque du Soleil returns to San Francisco with “Echo,”  its most ambitious touring production to date. A boundary-pushing fusion of acrobatics, technology, theatricality, and storytelling, the show examines how humans relate to the natural world and to each other. With jaw-dropping special effects, over-the-top sets and costumes, and stunning feats of athleticism and artistry, it’s the must-see theatrical event of the holiday season. $60–$180, now through Jan. 18, Oracle Park Parking Lot A, 74 Mission Rock St., San Francisco. https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/san-francisco/echo/buy-tickets

     Panto in the Presidio: “Peter Pan”
     Following a high successful debut in 2024, the Presidio Theatre revives its hit British-style panto with a joyous, laugh-out-loud retelling of “Peter Pan,” complete with audience call-backs, slapstick antics, dancing chickens, and the beloved dame, Dolores O’Farrell. Bursting with local humor and holiday mischief, this family-friendly program features a cast of nearly 30 Bay Area performers and live musicians. $16.50–$66, Nov. 29–Dec. 28, Presidio Theatre, 99 Moraga Ave., San Francisco. https://www.presidiotheatre.org

     TheatreWorks Silicon Valley: “Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley”
     TheatreWorks returns to the world of Jane Austen with a charming holiday tale centered on two young women eager to chart their own romantic and personal paths during a chilly winter at Pemberley. Filled with music and wit, this new chapter from Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon offers family-friendly delight for Austen fans and newcomers alike. $34–$115, Dec. 3–28, Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. https://theatreworks.org/mainstage/georgiana-kitty/

The Golden Girls Live: “The Christmas Episodes”
     This drag send-up of “The Golden Girls” tv show has become a San Francisco holiday tradition, bringing back Coco Peru, Matthew Martin, D’Arcy Drollinger, and Holotta Tymes as Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia. With razor-sharp humor, festive flair, a live appearance by theme-song vocalist Cindy Fee (opening weekend), and plenty of cheesecake, the show celebrates the sitcom’s 40th anniversary in joyful, irreverent style. $37–$141, Dec. 4–21, Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St., San Francisco. https://www.broadwaysf.com/ (Read our feature article.)

     Center Repertory Company: “A Christmas Carol”
     Center REP presents the West Coast premiere of Harrison David Rivers’ adaptation of Dickens’ tale, directed by multimedia artist Jared Mezzocchi and created in association with AXIS Dance Company. Blending digital magic, inclusive casting, and heartfelt storytelling, this retelling highlights the urgency of caring for our most vulnerable neighbors. $36–$69, Dec. 10–21, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. https://www.centerrep.org/

     Berkeley Repertory Theatre: “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays”
     Tony Award–winner Jefferson Mays astonishes in this highly acclaimed solo production, embodying more than 50 characters in a virtuosic retelling of the classic ghost story. Using stark design, shadow, and sound to heighten its eerie undertones, the minimalist set becomes a vivid canvas for Mays, creating an intimate, radio play-like experience that is both immersive and haunting. $49-$99. Dec. 16–21, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. https://www.berkeleyrep.org/

     Orpheum Theatre: “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”
     The Tony Award–winning sensation “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” returns to San Francisco with its explosive mash-up score, decadent scenic and costumes, and sweeping tale of love, art, and freedom set in the famed Parisian nightclub. If you’re not in the mood for a holiday-themed show, this show is an irresistible spectacle and pure, escapist joy. $72–$269, Dec. 16–28, Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., San Francisco. https://www.broadwaysf.com/