Our Annual Guide to Nutcracker performances in the San Francisco Bay area. Don’t forget the magic of meeting the dancers. Whether the event is called Sweet Dreams, Sugar Plum or Family Performance it always means the same thing, an opportunity to meet and greet costumed cast members, refreshments and perhaps a picture or two with Clara or the Mouse King.
Nutcracker Weekend will be December 13-14, 2025 with December 6-7, 2025 being a close second. These weekends will have the most number of performances.
Sensory Friendly Nutcracker Ballets
November 28, 2025
Sensory Friendly Nutcracker by Pacific Ballet Academy
December 6, 2025
Sensory Friendly Nutcracker by Black Diamond Ballet Theatre
December 21, 2025
Family Dance-Along Nutcracker with SF Ballet
Sensory Friendly Nutcracker Dance-Along (Ages 5-12) | SF Ballet
Sensory Friendly Nutcracker Dance-Along (Ages 13-22+) | SF Ballet
December 28, 2025
Sensory Friendly Nutcracker by SF Ballet
Nutcrackers Especially for Kids
Most Nutcracker Ballets are 2 hours long, which might be a bit much for younger fans, here are some events specifically for younger audiences. Plus a student performance by the Oakland Ballet Company.
Oakland Ballet Company also hosts a Sweet Dreams Sweet Dreams Party (character meet and greet) after its perfomances. Tickets are extra.
November 22, 2025
11:00 am The Nutcracker Storytime: Presented by SJDT and Hicklebees
November 29, 2025
The Nutcracker with Orchestra and Puppets | San Francisco
November 30, 2025
The Nutcracker with Orchestra and Puppets | Oakland
The Nutcracker with Orchestra and Puppets | Palo Alto
December 6, 2025
Nutcracker Sweets by Mark Foehringer Dance Project
Nutcracker Sweet by Peninsula Ballet Theatre
December 7, 2025
Nutcracker Sweets by Mark Foehringer Dance Project
Nutcracker Sweet by Peninsula Ballet Theatre
December 12, 2025
Children’s Nutcracker by San Jose Dance Theatre
Sweet Dream Nutcracker by Orinda Ballet
December 14, 2025
My Very First Nutcracker by the New Ballet
Nutcracker Bird by Berkeley Ballet
December 19, 2025
Student Matinee – Oakland Ballet
Free Nutcracker Performances
These Nutcracker events are free or free but RSVP requested. Rachel’s Ballet is always ‘sold out’ but Standing Room Only is usually available. The SF Chamber Orchestra teams up with Children’s Fairyland to present the Nutcracker with Puppets.
November 29, 2025
The Nutcracker with Orchestra and Puppets | San Francisco
November 30, 2025
The Nutcracker with Orchestra and Puppets | Oakland
The Nutcracker with Orchestra and Puppets | Palo Alto
December 12, 2025
Most Unusual Nutcrackers
Wicked fans rejoice! SF Pride Band will host Wicked Dance Along Nutcrackers on December 6 & 7 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
Also, Hip Hop Nutcrackers are on schedule performed by the Peninsula Ballet Theatre.
✨ 2025 Bay Area Nutcracker Ballets ✨
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Updated November 7, 2025
