Although temperatures never drop below 50 degrees during the day and snow never covers the ground (although we wish it would from time to time), holiday cheer and spirit can be felt through out our 49 square miles as locals and business break out their holiday gear. No where can the holidays be felt more than at our many holiday performances. From performances under the dome to the spectacle that is the Nutcracker, these performances are not to be missed.
Illuminique under the Dome and the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker Snowflakes
Illuminique Under the Dome shows will run nightly Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, every half hour, from 5 p.m. until 30 minutes prior to the Centre’s closing. In addition, the San Francisco Ballet will make two additional guest appearances for holiday shoppers on Saturday, Nov.17 and Dec. 5, from 5 – 6 p.m.
Smuin Ballet’s Holiday Program
Friday,Nov. 23 to Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
The Smuin Ballet kicks off the holidays with its 2012 edition of The Christmas Ballet. The two distinct acts, Classical Christmas and Cool Christmas, are filled to the brim with an eye-catching array of ballet, tap and jazz, celebrating every imaginable holiday flavor from serene and spiritual, hilarious and hopeful, to downright ready to party. This year, the show will have new choreography from choreographer-in-residence Amy Seiwert, Smuin dancer Jane Rehm and former Smuin dancer Darren Anderson, and more. An ever-changing carousel of mischief and elegance, The Christmas Ballet is a perfect gift for audiences of all ages.
The Nutcracker presented by the San Francisco Ballet
Friday, Dec. 7 to Friday, Dec. 28, 2012 at the War Memorial Opera House
The first ballet company to bring The Nutcracker tradition to America, San Francisco Ballet's awe-inspiring production is like no other. Set in San Francisco during the 1915 World's Fair, Clara's dreamlike journey is an ode to the city's historical grandeur - all amidst colorful, larger than life scenery, more than 200 dazzling costumed characters and Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score performed live by the world-class San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. For full details, visit www.sfballet.org.
2012 Dance-Along Nutcracker® Goes Hollywood!
Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (adults-only gala) and Dec. 9, 2012 at 1 p.m. at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St.
This year, William “Billy” Sauerland, a professional countertenor, Chanticleer veteran and artistic director of the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, will star as Fritz at the 2012 Dance-Along Nutcracker® Goes Hollywood! Performed by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the wackiest Nutcracker on earth kicks up its heels Saturday, Dec. 8 (2:30 and 7 p.m. gala); and Sunday, Dec. 9 (1 p.m.) at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street. “Grownups Only” gala with feature a groovy DJ party and holiday reception; tickets are $50. Afternoon shows tickets are $26 for general admission, and $16 children and seniors.
Marin Ballet’s 50th anniversary, celebration of The Nutcracker
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 to 9, 2012
For two nights only, the Marin Ballet, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will stage a holiday performance of "Nutcracker," a work choreographed by Julia Adam with more than 200 Marin Ballet dancers, ages eight to18 years old. Performances will be at the Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium in San Rafael. Tickets are available at tickets.marincenter.org and 415-499-6800.
