'The Nutcracker': Where To See The Holiday Ballet In SF Bay Area 2023

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA — Don't let the holidays pass by without joining Clara on her journey through the Land of Snow with the Sugarplum Fairy and the Land of Sweets!

"The Nutcracker" ballet, a cherished Christmas tradition set to the famed, Tchaikovsky score, is scheduled this year at various San Francisco Bay Area venues — with a variety of renditions, some with full symphony orchestras, plus others geared to the younger set.

Tickets often go quickly for this holiday classic, so peruse our guide to find a production near you.

Enjoy the season and Happy Holidays, from Patch!

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ANTIOCH:

DEC. 8-17: Black Diamond Ballet 'Nutcracker': El Campanil Theatre. "Join us for an afternoon or evening of enchantment & artistic excellence." Sensory-friendly show offered, too.

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APTOS:

DEC. 20: "The Best Santa Cruz Nutcracker at Cabrillo Crocker Theater." "Don't miss this beloved holiday tradition that will captivate audiences of all ages."

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ATHERTON:

DEC. 9-10: Ramon Moreno School of Ballet "The Nutcracker." Presented at Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center.

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BENICIA:

DEC. 16-17: Benicia Ballet Theatre 'Nutcracker': Solano Community College. "The magic of the traditional story with some unexpected twists."

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BERKELEY:

DEC. 9-17: Berkeley City Ballet's Nutcracker. Sold out.

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CAMPBELL:

DEC. 9-10: South Bay Dance Center 'The Nutcracker' - Staged by the premiere dance facility based in San Jose.

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DAVIS:

DEC. 9-10: Davis Children’s Version Of The Nutcracker: Veterans Memorial Theatre. Charming tradition starring dancers 6-12 years old.

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DUBLIN:

DEC. 15-17: Tiffany’s Dance Academy 'The Nutcracker' - With cast of local dancers, ages5 & up.

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FAIRFIELD:

DEC. 16-17: Benicia Ballet Theatre 'Nutcracker': Solano Community College. "The magic of the traditional story with some unexpected twists."

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FREMONT:

DEC. 9-10: Yoko’s Dance Academy 'Nutcracker' With Orchestra: Ohlone College. " Former State Senator Bob Wieckowski returns in his signature role as the mysterious magician Drosselmeier."

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LIVERMORE:

DEC. 9-17: Valley Dance Theatre 'Nutcracker' With Orchestra: Bankhead Theater. East Bay full-length performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, accompanied by Valley Dance Theatre Pit Orchestra.

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LOS ALTOS HILLS:

DEC. 15-16: Palo Alto Dance Connection 'Nutcracker Ballet & 'Hip Hop Nutcracker' - Select from a traditional or a contemporary version.

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LOS GATOS:

DEC. 19-21: Los Gatos Ballet 'Nutcracker', McAfee Performing Arts Center. Featuring "Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, exciting choreography, exquisite dancing & beautifully designed costumes, props & sets."

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MOUNTAIN VIEW:

DEC. 16-17: 'Nutcracker: Not A Ballet': Center For Performing Arts. Like the title says, this is not a ballet. But it is a play aimed for little ones. Performed in Russian, too.

DEC. 16-17: Bayer Ballet Company's 'Snow Queen': Center For Performing Arts. For those interested in an alternative to "Nutcracker," this is a popular holiday ballet.

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NAPA:

DEC. 15-17: Napa Regional Dance 'Nutcracker' With Orchestra: Performing Arts Center. "The combination of this beloved ballet & live symphony is truly stunning, and you, all, are in for a real treat!"

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NOVATO:

DEC. 9-10: Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker. Sold out.

DEC. 17: Marin Conservatory Of Dance 'Nutcracker' - "Join us to celebrate the holidays with our original version of 'The Nutcracker'!"

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OAKLAND:

DEC. 16-17: Oakland Ballet 'Nutcracker' With Symphony: Paramount Theatre. "The Oakland Symphony along with Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir bring Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score to life."

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ORINDA:

DEC. 8-10: 'A Sweet Dream Nutcracker' - Presented by Orinda Ballet Academy.

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PALO ALTO:

DEC. 15-16: Palo Alto Dance Connection 'Nutcracker Ballet & 'Hip Hop Nutcracker' - Select from a traditional or a contemporary version.

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PETALUMA:

DEC. 8-10: Petaluma School Of Ballet 'Nutcracker' - A holiday tradition in its 37th year!

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REDWOOD CITY:

DEC. 15-16: Peninsula Ballet Theatre 'Nutcracker': Fox Theatre. "Professional company is joined by Peninsula School of the Arts in this sparkling production. Meet the cast onstage after each show."

DEC. 16-17: 'Hip-Hop Nutcracker': Fox Theatre. "Mix it up with this new holiday classic!"

DEC. 16-17: Bay Area Youth Ballet 'Nutcracker': Cañada College Theater. A slightly condensed version for all ages, plus features professional guest artists for roles of Nutcracker Prince & Sugar Plum Fairy.

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ROHNERT PARK:

DEC. 8-10: Petaluma School Of Ballet 'Nutcracker' - A holiday tradition in its 37th year!

DEC. 15-17: Santa Rosa Dance Theater 'Nutcracker': Spreckels Performing Arts Center. An annual tradition with "snow falling, flowers waltzing and children delighting."

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SAN FRANCISCO:

DEC. 9-10, 16-17 & 22-23: Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets. "Specifically designed for families with young children."

DEC. 13-30: SF Ballet’s 'Nutcracker' With Orchestra: War Memorial Opera House. "This dazzling production is a kaleidoscope of over 150 dancers accompanied by SF Ballet Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. "

DEC. 16-17: Stapleton School Of Performing Arts 'Nutcracker': Palace Of Fine Arts. Family-friendly Nutcracker Ball follows Saturday evening performance.

DEC. 16-17: Dance-Along Nutcracker 'Nutmare Before Christmas': Yerba Buena Center For Arts. "You’ll waltz! You’ll march! You’ll pirouette! You’ll sing along!"

DEC. 19: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet: Golden Gate Theatre. "Beloved family tradition."

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SAN JOSE:

DEC. 8-10: 'The Original San Jose Nutcracker': Center For Performing Arts. A holiday tradition for more than 58 years.

DEC. 16-23: 'The San Jose Nutcracker': California Theatre. Two-act performance for the whole family with live accompaniment by The New Ballet Orchestra. A show for very young audience members offered, too.

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SAN LEANDRO:

DEC. 16-17: Oakland Ballet School 'Ronn Guidi’s The Secret Nutcracker': Performing Arts Center. "Warm & intimate production, set to Tchaikovsky’s classical score."

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SAN RAMON:

DEC. 16-17: San Ramon Valley Dance Academy 'Impressions Of The Nutcracker.' A one-hour performance that could be perfect for young ones, plus Santa will be there!

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SANTA CRUZ:

DEC. 9-10: Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre 'Nutcracker' With Orchestra. "A treat which will delight young and old alike."

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SANTA ROSA:

DEC. 15-17: Santa Rosa Dance Theater 'Nutcracker': Spreckels Performing Arts Center. An annual tradition with "snow falling, flowers waltzing and children delighting."

DEC. 18: Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet: Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. "The peak of classical European Ballet."

DEC. 23: New World Ballet 'Duke Ellington Nutcracker' & Orchestra: Luther Burbank Center. "New World Ballet & Marcus Shelby Orchestra come together in this special holiday production of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker."

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SARATOGA:

DEC. 19-21: Los Gatos Ballet 'Nutcracker', McAfee Performing Arts Center. Featuring "Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, exciting choreography, exquisite dancing & beautifully designed costumes, props & sets."

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SCOTTS VALLEY:

DEC. 16: Nutcracker Ballet. "Meet the dancers afterwards in our lobby parade!"

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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO:

DEC. 16-17: SSF Civic Ballet 'The Nutcracker' - Tickets $10 for adults & $8 for youth & seniors.
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ALSO SEE: SF Bay Area Guide To Outdoor, Ice Skating Rinks: Holidays 2023-24