San Rafael Christmas Shows 2026

Clara’s whimsical Christmas Eve dreams come to life through classical ballet, clever storytelling, mischievous humor, and heroic characters. Choreographed by Performance Director Julia Adam, the production features 125 dancers and lavish Victorian costumes and sets. Audiences will also experience an...

Set to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's score performed by a live orchestra, this classic holiday ballet follows Clara on a fantastical journey from her Victorian-era San Francisco home through an onstage blizzard to the Crystal Palace. Audience members watch dynamic choreography...

This excursion includes round-trip transit to San Francisco for a live staging of The Nutcracker performed by the San Francisco Ballet. Guests attend the production at the War Memorial Opera House, featuring an onstage blizzard, the Crystal Palace, and live...

Audiences follow Marie and her soldiers as she rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the evil Rat King, traveling with dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. The performance features imaginative costumes, magnificent scenery, and classic choreography suitable for all ages....

Audiences experience Smuin's annual holiday tradition blending classical ballet technique with contemporary movement and popular culture flair. The program brings back festive seasonal favorites to make spirits bright. Dancers also perform a new choreographic addition created by Company Artist Maggie...

Attendees enjoy live Jewish stand-up comedy performances hosted inside a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco. Guests can choose between an earlier show accompanied by a multi-course meal or a later cocktail performance paired with dim sum. The performance features sets...

Audiences experience George Frideric Handel’s classic holiday work through a dramatic series of arias, recitatives, and choruses exploring Christ’s birth, life, and resurrection. Ruben Valenzuela conducts the San Francisco Symphony alongside the SF Symphony Chorus. The performance features soprano Lauren...

Audiences can enjoy a family-friendly concert of seasonal favorites and sing-alongs. The performance features members of the San Francisco Symphony, guest artists, and costumed characters led by conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser.

The San Francisco Symphony brass section fills Davies Symphony Hall with a festive mix of classical and popular holiday tunes, led by conductor Edwin Outwater. Concertgoers can stroll through the hall's winter wonderland setting decorated with giant lit trees, wreaths,...

Country star Orville Peck headlines this festive concert alongside co-emcees Edwin Outwater and drag sensation Peaches Christ, accompanied by the San Francisco Symphony. Audiences enjoy a variety show featuring drag queens, vocalists, burlesque artist Frankie Fictitious, and the San Francisco...

The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir returns to the Calvin Simmons stage alongside its Youth and Community choirs for its holiday concert tradition. Attendees can experience soul-stirring gospel music celebrating community and joy. An optional pre-show VIP reception features refreshments, special...

Tony Award honoree Bernadette Peters joins conductor Tedd Firth and the San Francisco Symphony for an evening of festive tunes, Broadway favorites, and selections from her acclaimed albums. Guests can explore Davies Symphony Hall decorated for the season with giant...

Drag legends Coco Peru, Matthew Martin, D'Arcy Drollinger, and Holotta Tymes star as Dorothy, Blanche, Rose, and Sophia in a holiday-spirited parody of the classic sitcom. The performance features stage parodies of the episodes 'Family Affair' and 'Big Daddy's Little...

Renowned vocalists All-4-One, Sheena Easton, Ruben Studdard, and Lindsey Webster take the stage to perform Christmas classics and signature hits in tribute to Peabo Bryson. Guests can take in the festive atmosphere of a hall decked out with giant illuminated...

Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández presents a musical tribute celebrating Mexico's Christmas traditions with holiday songs from both Mexico and America. Visitors can experience Davies Symphony Hall transformed into a winter wonderland filled with giant lit trees, wreaths,...

The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and vocalist Hayden Grove take the stage to perform a program of holiday music and classic big band standards. Visitors can stroll through a decked-out Davies Symphony Hall transformed into a winter wonderland of giant lit...

John Waters performs his solo holiday stand-up comedy show featuring an adult, offbeat take on Christmas traditions. The evening includes an opening set by DJ Omar.

This stage production offers a modern twist on the classic Nutcracker story, blending traditional elements with urban dance and music. The live performance is open to all ages.

The performance recreates the communal atmosphere of a Christmas Eve gathering in a 1950s farmhouse in western Ireland. Centered on traditional storytelling by native storyteller Tomáseen Foley, the program features Celtic musicians, singers, and dancers performing traditional carols and step...

Guests enter a candlelit setting surrounded by the glow of original Tiffany stained glass windows inside historic St. Peter's Chapel. Dressed in Victorian attire, the VOENA choir performs holiday harmonies that celebrate global peace and unity. The performance also features...

Visitors attend an evening concert featuring classic Christmas carols arranged with a Celtic twist. The performance showcases traditional live music from Caorunn (Kinnfolk & friends), The Mackenzies, and The Appalachian Piping Academy.

Families gather in the clubhouse for an indoor screening of The Polar Express. Complimentary holiday snacks are provided, and attending automatically enrolls guests in the movie club.

Audiences watch a narrated holiday ballet set in Santa’s Workshop, where toys come to life and holiday magic unfolds. Performed primarily by youth dancers of the Ballet Joyeux, the show weaves classical dance and storytelling together. The performance explores an...

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with the San Francisco Symphony's festive concert series. They offer a magical blend of live orchestral performances, beloved holiday films accompanied by a symphony, and special guest artists. From 'A Merry-Achi Christmas' to 'Disney's...

Experience the magic of the holiday season with 'A Chanticleer Christmas,' a beloved tradition. This acclaimed vocal ensemble, known as an 'Orchestra of Voices,' will fill the air with centuries of music, from hushed reverence to joyous celebration. Performed by...

Celebrate Christmas Eve with the soul-stirring sounds of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Ensemble at the historic Great American Music Hall. This beloved annual tradition offers two performances, one at 7:00 PM and another at 9:30 PM, perfect for creating...

Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season with a Candlelight Christmas Special. This enchanting concert features beloved pieces from Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker' and a selection of festive carols, all performed by a talented string quartet. Experience the wonder...

Experience the enchantment of Candlelight: Villancicos con Cuerdas, a magical concert set within the elegant Fairmont San Francisco. A talented string quartet will perform a heartwarming selection of Christmas carols, filling the historic venue with festive melodies. This unique event...