It’s the most traditional time of the year as we run the routines of the December holiday season. Musical groups are no different, bowing to the demand for Nutcrackers and carols, although a few are banking on taking in listeners with performances that are invitingly offbeat. As always, SF Classical Voice offers our list of dozens of holiday-themed concerts and musical events for almost every taste. A wide swathe of the San Francisco Bay Area’s rich musical culture is on display this month. Ignore your inner Grinch and partake.
At Davies Symphony Hall
The San Francisco Symphony’s monthlong holiday schedule has reliable featured favorites and a couple of surprises. Here are the highlights:
“A Merry-Achi Christmas” (Dec. 1) — José Hernández leads Mariachi Sol de México in a multicultural celebration of holiday music from the Americas.
Holiday Cirque (Dec. 2) — Circus arts meet Christmas classics as Troupe Vertigo dazzles with acrobatics, dance, and contemporary theater on the Davies Symphony Hall stage, conductor Ming Luke and the SF Symphony accompanying.
“The Colors of Christmas” (Dec. 3–4) —Vocalists Peabo Bryson, Jackie Evancho, Jennifer Holliday, and BeBe Winans join the orchestra, conductor Gail Deadrick, and the Bay Area Super Choir for a thrilling program of Christmas classics and greatest hits.
Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 6–7) — The not-to-be-missed holiday staple is conducted by Stephen Stubbs and features a lineup of world-class vocal soloists.
“Deck the Hall” (Dec. 8) — The SF Symphony and guests offer a family-friendly concert of festive favorites and sing-alongs, Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser conducting.
Holiday Brass (Dec. 11) — Members of the orchestra’s glorious brass section perform holiday selections.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (Dec. 12–14) — The SF Symphony plays the score of Brian Henson’s beloved film live in concert.
“Holiday Gaiety” (Dec. 13) — Drag sensation Peaches Christ and conductor Edwin Outwater host this adult-themed Christmas variety show that is the height of fabulousness.
Boyz II Men (Dec. 17–18) — The vocal group brings its close harmony to orchestrated versions of original songs and classic carols.
Find tickets and more info on the SF Symphony’s website.
Nutcrackers and Other Dance Delights
ODC/Dance: The Velveteen Rabbit (Nov. 30 – Dec. 8) — Director and choreographer KT Nelson offers a musical fable based on the beloved children’s book by Margery Williams. The tale is narrated for the benefit of young children and features music by Benjamin Britten. ODC’s dancers are well versed in this seasonal special, long an annual tradition at the company.
Smuin Ballet: The Christmas Ballet (Dec. 5–24) — Another “not The Nutcracker” holiday ballet, Michael Smuin’s attractive alternative combines classical, contemporary, character, Broadway, jazz, and tap in two acts — and features just as eclectic a roster of music. The show has already played Walnut Creek and heads to Mountain View (Dec. 5–8) before settling at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (Dec. 13–24).
San Francisco Ballet: The Nutcracker (Dec. 6–29) — Every year, Helgi Tomasson’s classic production, decked out with beautiful sets and costumes and backed by the full SF Ballet Orchestra, introduces new and newly promoted company members to the public, in addition to showcasing SF Ballet’s formidable principal dancers. If you love ballet in the grand tradition, this is it.
Marin Ballet: The Nutcracker (Dec. 7–8) — Novato High School Center for the Arts hosts Marin Ballet for four performances of the holiday classic, with full sets and costumes and 125 dancers executing choreography by former SF Ballet principal Julia Adam.
Mark Foehringer Dance Project: Nutcracker Sweets (Dec. 7–22) — This may be an abridged version of The Nutcracker, set to Foehringer’s part-contemporary, part-classical choreography. But it’s still a full-on production, with sets by Peter Crompton, costumes by Richard Battle, and crucially, a live chamber orchestra. At Fort Mason’s Cowell Theater.
Cal Performances: Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite (Dec. 14–15) — Step aside, ballet. Tap takes over in Dorrance Dance’s swinging seasonal production, set to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s classic 1960 arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s timeless tunes. It’s the Sugar Rum Cherry who gets the spotlight here, with the dancers sliding and strutting to music that’s both naughty and oh-so-nice.
New Ballet and Symphony San Jose: The San Jose Nutcracker (Dec. 14–23) — Presented in partnership with History San Jose, this production sets the ballet in the South Bay at the turn of the 20th century, incorporating landmarks of the era. Aside from the setting, the performances showcase New Ballet’s professional dancers, students from the company’s training program, and this year, for the first time, Symphony San Jose playing Tchaikovsky’s score.
Oakland Ballet: Graham Lustig’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 21–22) — In addition to its dancers, Oakland Ballet’s production can boast the participation of the Oakland Symphony and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir. At the Paramount Theatre.
Baroque and Beyond
Voices of Music: “Virtuoso Concertos” (Dec. 6–8) — For Baroque lovers, December is the time for Arcangelo Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto.” Voices of Music provides that and a host of other concertos and festive dance music in its contribution to holiday cheer.
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale: “A Bach Christmas” (Dec. 11–13) — Soprano Sherezade Panthaki joins the ensemble under conductor Ruben Valenzuela for J.S. Bach’s famous Advent cantatas, “Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland” (Now come, Savior of the heathens) and “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben” (Heart and mouth and deed and life), as well as another cantata by Bach’s contemporary, Christoph Graupner.
American Bach: “A Baroque Christmas” (Dec. 12), Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 13), and “A Baroque New Year’s Eve at the Opera” (Dec. 31) — In a classical music twofer, Artistic Director Jeffrey Thomas leads instrumentalists, choristers, and a quartet of soloists on Dec. 12 in the first part of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio and the Christmas section of Handel’s Messiah. Then, the group returns to Grace Cathedral the next day for the full Messiah experience — the one to beat in the Bay Area (partly because of the setting). And on New Year’s Eve, soprano Maya Kherani and countertenor Eric Jurenas sing arias by Handel, Jean-Philippe Rameau, and (getting into the Baroque deep cuts) Carl Heinrich Graun.
California Bach Society: “Gaudete: A Christmas Dialogue Across Centuries” (Dec. 13–15) — Guest conductor Derek Tam leads an innovative program alternating Renaissance and Baroque settings of Nativity texts with 20th- and 21st-century ones. The ensemble itself remains one of the best chamber choruses in the Bay Area.
Sonoma Bach: Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 14–15) — Keep your eyes and ears on Sonoma Bach, the boss of Baroque in the North Bay. The superlative group and its flagship 50-voice chorus are doing Handel’s Messiah for the first time in recent memory, accompanied by the resident Live Oak Baroque Orchestra, all conducted by Associate Director Amanda McFadden.
Holiday Pops
Symphony San Jose: “Holiday Spectacular” (Dec. 7–8) — Expect seasonal classics, sing-alongs, and festive fun from Symphony San Jose and Chorale, Cantabile Youth Singers, New Ballet, and special guests at the California Theatre. Preconcert activities include gingerbread cookie decorating, photos with Santa, and perhaps a couple of surprise appearances by the Grinch.
Nova Vista Symphony: “Befana: A Christmas Fable” (Dec. 8) — Vivace Youth Chorus and Resounding Achord Choir join the orchestra for a heartwarming evening of classical and contemporary holiday music. Highlights include Gabriel Fauré’s Cantique de Jean Racine, selections from The Nutcracker, Kirke Mechem’s Befana: A Christmas Fable, and other festive favorites. At the Church of the Ascension in Saratoga.
Golden State Symphony Orchestra & Chorus: Handel’s “Sing It Yourself” Messiah (Dec. 8–15) — A Bay Area tradition for more than 30 years, featuring a full orchestra, chorus, and soloists. Audiences are invited to join in Handel’s timeless holiday classic. Dec. 8 at Herbst Theatre and Dec. 15 at the Benicia Clock Tower.
Oakland Symphony: “Let Us Break Bread Together” (Dec. 15) — The orchestra’s annual holiday bash returns to the Paramount Theatre, with this year’s theme being “a Tribute to the Legends of Disco!” Music Director Kedrick Armstrong leads this program featuring vocal soloists, the Oakland Symphony Chorus, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, East Bay Singers, and more in a joyous coming together of community.
Santa Rosa Symphony: Holiday Pops (Dec. 15) — Pops Conductor Emeritus Michael Berkowitz returns to the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts for an afternoon of holiday classics that stars vocalists LC Powell and Chris Jason. Enjoy timeless hits from icons like Nat King Cole, Brenda Lee, Elvis Presley, and Mariah Carey, all backed by orchestra.
Choruses and Caroling
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus: “Holiday Spectacular” (Dec. 6–24) — You can always count on SFGMC for a dose of warm and heartfelt holiday cheer. But for those of us who are stressed at this time, the group also brings the laughs. Performances at the Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco (Dec. 6–7), Sonoma’s Green Music Center (Dec. 15), UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall (Dec. 21), and in a switch while the Castro Theatre is being renovated, Davies Symphony Hall (Dec. 24).
Cappella Romana: “12 Days of Christmas in the East” (Dec. 7) — One of the West Coast’s most dynamic professional choirs is Portland-based Cappella Romana, which specializes in music from the Greek Orthodox tradition. This year, to our great delight, the group, led by founding Artistic Director Alexander Lingas, is making its way down the coast, stopping at Holy Trinity Orthodox Greek Church in San Francisco for a concert mixing early music and contemporary compositions.
Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus: “Holiday Choral by Candlelight” (Dec. 7–8) — Kevin Fox conducts these concerts also featuring harpist Anna Maria Mendieta, Marin Girls Chorus, and Marin Symphony strings and percussion in traditional and contemporary holiday carols. At the Church of St. Raphael in downtown San Rafael.
San Francisco Bach Choir: “A Candlelight Christmas Under Moon and Stars” (Dec. 7–8) — The mama bear of candlelight carol concerts returns to Calvary Presbyterian Church. If it’s traditional you want, it’s here in spades. This year, the choir is joined by the virtuosic Velocity Handbell Choir.
Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble and WomenSing: “Synergy” (Dec. 7–8) — Two longstanding and high-achieving Bay Area choirs pool their resources for a holiday concert that makes fantastic use of their combined forces.
Grace Cathedral: Various programs (Dec. 7–23) — The cathedral music ministry is busy as usual during Advent. There are multiple performances of the one-hour children’s show “Sing You a Merry Christmas” (starting Dec. 7). Then it’s time to sound the 7,466-pipe organ in a handful of concerts with Grace Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys (starting Dec. 14). The top-notch Bay Brass come in to play their annual concert (Dec. 16). And harpist Destiny Muhammad brings back her Sonic Ensemble of Bay Area Masters for “Soulful Joy,” holiday music in a jazz/ gospel key.
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir: Various programs (Dec. 7–24) — Yes, this great choir is once again participating in the Oakland Symphony’s all-embracing “Let Us Break Bread Together” holiday bash (Dec. 15). No, that’s not all the group is doing this season. In the run-up to Christmas, the powerhouse choir sings in Mountain View (Dec. 20), at Beebe Memorial Cathedral in Oakland (Dec. 22), and presents its 35th Annual Christmas Eve Concert at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall (Dec. 24) — among other offerings.
Golden Gate Men’s Chorus: “Gloria” (Dec. 12–17) — The venerable men’s chorus continues its 40-year tradition of presenting shimmering winter anthems, joyful carols, and touching holiday classics in four performances at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in San — a testament to the rich diversity of this city.
Chanticleer: “A Chanticleer Christmas” (Dec. 12–22) — This men’s chorus is internationally renowned, and its Christmas program is a tried-and-true favorite, featuring music of all centuries. But truthfully, whatever these gents sing they make sound wonderful, and with nine performances around the Bay Area, as well as in Carmel and Sacramento, there’s no excuse to miss it.
Peninsula Women’s Chorus: “Cultivating Hope” (Dec. 13–14) — Here’s the surprise present of the season. In concerts in Palo Alto and Santa Clara, Artistic Director Anne Hege and PWC are featuring Amy X Neuburg’s “Before I Forget,” Joan Szymko’s “Only Light, Only Love,” Eric Tuan’s “Ain’t I a Woman?” (from his four-part set A Great Cloud of Witnesses), and Saunder Choi’s “Meet Me for Noche Buena,” along with motets by J.S. Bach and Anton Bruckner.
Santa Clara Chorale: “The Christmas Truce” (Dec. 13–15) — Christmas history wouldn’t be complete without a reflection on the famous impromptu cessation of hostilities on certain sections of the Western Front during World War I. Food and news were shared, and carols were even sung. Aside from music, this program features readings of letters from soldiers who experienced the extraordinary moment.
Vallejo Choral Society: “Love Came Down at Christmas” (Dec. 14–15) — The Magnificat, Mary’s prayer of acceptance of the angelic announcement that she would bear the child Jesus, has always been a staple text for composers. VCS’s concert contrasts Antonio Vivaldi’s Baroque setting with Dale Trumbore’s modern one and also includes music by Arvo Pärt, Tomás Luis de Victoria, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Rutter, and John Gardner.
Masterworks Chorale: “Festive Family Fun” (Dec. 14) and “O Magnum Mysterium” (Dec. 17) — Subtitled “Carols, Cookies, and Christmas,” Masterworks’ family concert on Dec. 14 at Congregational Church of San Mateo does in fact feature a postconcert cookie reception, as well as a sing-along segment that’s aimed at the kiddos. The adult concert on Dec. 17 features another perennial Christmas text for composers, “O magnum mysterium,” as well as cookies. Don’t pretend you won’t grab one on the way out.
San Francisco Choral Artists: “Christmas on the Edge: Voices From the Pacific Rim” (Dec. 15–22) — Artistic Director Magen Solomon and SFCA should probably get a special award for diversifying holiday music. Every year, this chorus avoids doing the expected, or even repeating its own ideas. This season’s world tour of winter solstice traditions includes holiday music from Australia, Canada, Chile, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, and the U.S., along with works by composer-in-residence Theo Popov and composer-not-in-residence Patricia Julien.
San Francisco Choral Society: “Festival of Carols” (Dec. 21–22) — Artistic Director Robert Geary’s big amateur group is always a pleasure to hear sing. This year, the SF Choral Society favors composer Kirke Mechem with a performance of his Befana: A Christmas Fable and also digs into John Rutter’s Magnificat, as well as traditional carols.
The Choral Project and San Jose Chamber Orchestra: “Winter’s Gifts: Wish” (Dec. 21–22) — Daniel Hughes’s chorus and Barbara Day Turner’s orchestra get together again for a concert on the theme of wishes. The program features music honoring different faith traditions, with compositions by Hughes, Gustav Holst, Z. Randall Stroope, and Robert Seeley, as well as Paul Halley’s “Ubi Caritas,” which combines a plainchant melody and a Nigerian song.
Youth Ensembles
Ragazzi Boys Chorus: “Sing, Choirs of Angels!” (Dec. 7–15) — Ring in the holiday season with the Grammy Award-winning youth chorus. Under Artistic and Executive Director Kent Jue, Ragazzi performs works by J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Dan Forrest, and John Rutter. Two performances, in Palo Alto and San Francisco.
Young Women’s Choral Projects of San Francisco: “Carols by Candlelight” (Dec. 7) and “Carry the Light” (Dec. 15) — YWCP returns to Old First Concerts with “Carols by Candlelight,” a cherished annual tradition. Directed by Matthew Otto and featuring harpist Molly Langr, the program includes Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols. The next weekend, the chorus takes to Calvary Presbyterian Church for a family-friendly concert.
Golden State Youth Orchestra: Holiday Concert (Dec. 8) — Three of the organization’s youth ensembles come together to celebrate the season with a festive program of dances, overtures, and suites at the California Theatre. Violinist Ashley Huang is the featured soloist in Camille Saint-Saëns’ rousing Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, and to cap off the evening, alumni join the orchestra for a special encore.
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir: Candlelight Concert (Dec. 14) — PEBCC presents its annual Candlelight Concert at Berkeley’s First Congregational Church. The program explores innovative works on social issues, historical pieces by marginalized composers, and songs from around the world.
San Francisco Boys Chorus: “Sing for the Holidays” (Dec. 14) — Nearly 200 young choristers raise their voices in this concert, performing seasonal favorites alongside works by Antonio Vivaldi, Michael Praetorius, Gioachino Rossini, and Ariel Ramírez. The concert features all levels of the chorus and handbell ringers in a festive celebration. At Calvary Presbyterian Church.
San Francisco Girls Chorus: Holiday Concert at Kohl Mansion (Dec. 15) and “A Celtic Winter” (Dec. 23) — SFGC celebrates the season with two festive concerts. First, the Premier Ensemble, conducted by Valérie Sainte-Agathe, performs new works and holiday favorites at Kohl Mansion. Then the whole chorus goes to Davies Symphony Hall for “A Celtic Winter,” with support from violinist Edwin Huizinga and mandolinist Ashley Hoyer.
iSing Silicon Valley: “Holidays @ the Mission” (Dec. 21) — The talented young women of iSing embrace the holiday spirit in two afternoon performances of carols with chamber orchestra accompaniment. At the historic Mission Santa Clara.
A Jazzy Christmas
SFJAZZ: Various programs (Dec. 6–22) — December highlights at the SFJAZZ Center include vocalist Destani Wolf’s (Dec. 6), Pink Martini (Dec. 10–15), Cyrus Chestnut’s A Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 20), Spanish Harlem Orchestra (Dec. 21–22), guitarist George Cole’s tribute to Nat King Cole (Dec. 20–22), and the Marcus Shelby New Orchestra performing Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s Nutcracker Suite (Dec. 22). Many programs are already close to sold out, so get your tickets now.
Maria Muldaur: “Christmas Tunes for Hipsters” (Dec. 7–22) — Maria Muldaur and her Jazzabelle Quintet bring a fresh twist to the holiday season with multiple performances across the Bay Area that feature her signature collection of hip, swinging, and irreverent Christmas tunes.
The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol: “Carolizing Christmas” (Dec. 12–20) — The Bay Area’s queen songstress shares her signature style in Christmas performance around the region. Backed by an all-star trio and dynamic string quartet, she delivers fresh, funky, and fun takes on holiday classics, perfect for grooving into the new year.
Green Music Center: Adonis Rose and the NOJO7 (Dec. 14) — “A Crescent City Christmas” brings New Orleans jazz to the North Bay. Led by Grammy Award-winning drummer Adonis Rose, the NOJO7 — a vibrant ensemble drawn from the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra — promises a high-energy performance in the holiday spirit of the Crescent City.
Piedmont Piano Company: Nicolas Bearde and Friends (Dec. 14) and Holiday Project Sextet (Dec. 15) — Piedmont Piano Company presents two standout holiday concerts. First, vocalist Nicolas Bearde delivers his signature blend of jazz, soul, and blues, joined by a band of some of the Bay Area’s finest. Then pianist Michael Smolens’s Holiday Project Sextet reimagines Christmas pop, Hanukkah songs, and spirituals in bold, innovative arrangements.
Alternative Holiday Traditions
Opera San Jose: La bohème (Nov. 30 – Dec. 1) — Christmastime is the setting for the first two acts of Puccini’s classic opera chronicling Parisian life, La bohème. There are only two performances left in this run, which started mid-November. Michelle Ainna Cuizon directs, and Joseph Marcheso conducts.
Presidio Theatre: Peter Pan (Dec. 3–29) — Panto in the Presidio returns with a whimsical, uniquely San Francisco twist on Peter Pan. This family-friendly production blends beloved characters, over-the-top musical parody, and British pantomime traditions like booing villains, cheering heroes, and sing-alongs. Featuring a live band, flying candy, and favorites like Pecker the singing rooster, the show is a festive treat for all ages.
Kitka: “Wintersongs” (Dec. 7–22) — A beloved Bay Area tradition returns for seven performances around the region. This year’s program follows the arc of the Georgian supra, a ritual feast celebrating connection and reflection, with songs from Eastern Europe that summon light and hope in times of darkness.
Golden Bough: “Christmas in a Celtic Land” (Dec. 13) — A festive celebration featuring rare Celtic carols. Drawing from the traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall, this enchanting program blends lively instrumentals, haunting ballads, and humorous sing-alongs. Margie Butler, Paul Espinoza, and Kathy Sierra bring the music to life on Celtic harp, penny whistle, violin, and more.
Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night (Dec. 14) — The immersive holiday sound sculpture returns to San Francisco. Hosted by Josh Greene, the event begins at the Dolores Park tennis courts, where participants then carry boom boxes to create a unique, multilayered musical experience through the city streets.
California Revels: “A Celtic Celebration of the Solstice” (Dec. 20–23) — This program invites you to an Irish village “to welcome a Scottish sojourner and celebrate the return of the Light.” Featuring song, dance, storytelling, and immersive pageantry, the family-friendly event runs for six performances at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward, including an ASL-interpreted matinee on Dec. 22.
