The San Francisco Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

DECEMBER 5–28, 2025

Bundling up in warm winter coats and heading to the ballet this time of year is a time honored family tradition. For many, The San Francisco Nutcracker has become THE HOLIDAY SHOW NOT TO MISS each winter season. And this season is no exception!

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, The Nutcracker Ballet is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story entitled “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”, about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. The ballet debuted in December of 1892 at St. Petersburg’s famous Mariinsky Theatre and has since become the most frequently performed of all ballets.

In 1944, the San Francisco Ballet brought the first full length performance of The Nutcracker to America under the direction of Willam Christensen and has continued to present a production yearly since its premiere.

In 1986, current In 1986, current Principal Choreographer and previous Artistic Director, Helgi Tomasson premiered an entirely new and stunning Nutcracker production which continues to delight audiences of all ages to this day. Set in one of San Francisco’s iconic “Painted Ladies” homes of the Victorian era, the costume and scenery include many notable elements of the city, making this production a uniquely San Francisco affair., Helgi Tomasson premiered an entirely new and stunning Nutcracker production which continues to delight audiences of all ages to this day. Set in one of San Francisco’s iconic “Painted Ladies” homes of the Victorian era, the costume and scenery include many notable elements of the city, making this production a uniquely San Francisco affair.

Sensory Friendly Performance, Dec 21

1–2 pm (ages 5–12), 2:30–3:30 pm (ages 13–22+)

Sensory Friendly Performances are designed to create a welcoming performing arts experience for people with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, and their families, friends, and caretakers. In collaboration with our community partners from Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area, SF Ballet has made special accommodations to the performance and theater-going experience to make neurodiverse audiences feel welcome to enjoy Nutcracker in a fun, accepting environment.

Premium Performances

DEC 21, 9–10 am, 10:15–11:15 am, 11:30 am–12:30 pm, suggested for ages 3–7
NUTCRACKER DANCE ALONGS
Step into Clara’s magical winter wonderland full of toy soldiers, twirling snowflakes, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and more! Move to the choreography, discover the music, learn about costumes and point shoes, and enjoy hands-on arts and craft activities.

DEC 13, 2 PM
NUTCRACKER BENEFIT LUNCHEON: LAND OF DREAMS
Enjoy a magical family day beginning with an enchanted Nutcracker wonderland in the transformed Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall—complete with lunch, sweet treats, crafts, character appearances, and special surprises—followed by private Box or prime Orchestra seats for the matinee performance of Helgi Tomasson’s Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House. Guests at the Nutcracker Suite level will also enjoy an exclusive post-show celebration onstage with San Francisco’s one-and-only snowfall. Tables for eight or ten and individual tickets are available, with individual guests encouraged to form their own tables. All proceeds support San Francisco Ballet’s education, training, and community programs, including its partnership with the Boys & Girls Club. Contact Meg Sullivan at msullivan@sfballet.org or (415) 865-6625 with any questions.

The production stars a plethora of truly remarkable talent. The dancers’ technique sets the standard we have come to expect from the prestigious San Francisco Ballet. It’s always quite a treat to see the children of The San Francisco Ballet School join in to perform as guests of the party in the 1st Act and as fairies and cute little bugs in the opening of the 2nd Act. The sets and costumes are a notable contribution to the overall production value. And the beautiful music composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is unrivaled for holiday memories.

There is a magic to this particular production. It can weave its way into the hearts and minds of children of all ages. Whether it’s your first time or your 50th, the story as told by San Francisco Ballet is one to be treasured as well as one that’s hard to stop humming and dancing to well after it’s concluded! Join in the fun and become an audience member, a fan or share as a gift to that special child or person in your life.

Review by Jennifer Massey

Jennifer has been a ballet professional dancing internationally. She is an American Ballet Theater Certified Teacher and proud to include, a breakthrough 9 level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. Jennifer continues to coach & teach via Zoom so anyone can join.

Contact Jennifer

Photos permission by the San Francisco Ballet