SF Ballet Nutcracker 2026 (Dec 4–27): Dates, Times, Kids and Getting There

San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker is the city’s big indoor holiday tradition: Helgi Tomasson’s production, with the company’s own orchestra, at the War Memorial Opera House in Civic Center. In 2026 it runs for 35 performances from Friday 4 to Sunday 27 December. This page has every date and time, the age rules, how long it lasts and how to get there, checked against SF Ballet’s own pages.

2026 Dates and Times

San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker · Fri, Dec 4 – Sun, Dec 27

There are no performances on Mondays (7, 14 and 21 December) or on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve the shows are at 11am and 4pm, and the last day, Sunday 27 December, has an 11am sensory-friendly performance and a 4pm show. SF Ballet notes that programming, casting and prices are subject to change.

Full listing & details · SF Ballet: Nutcracker dates and tickets

Is the Nutcracker Right for My Kids?

• Age: SF Ballet says Nutcracker “is most magical for children ages 5 and up.” No children under 3 are allowed in the auditorium, including children on laps.
• Tickets: everyone, whatever their age, needs a ticket, and children sit in their own seat next to an adult.
• Length: Act I is 47 minutes, then a 20-minute intermission, then Act II at 50 minutes, so about 2 hours in all.
• Seats: SF Ballet suggests an aisle seat with children, in case you need a quick trip out; if you leave during the performance you may not get back to your seat until it pauses.
• Late arrivals: for Nutcracker, latecomers are seated at the discretion of the house staff, so aim to be in your seat well before curtain.
• Earlier evening shows: Tuesday 8 to Thursday 10 December start at 6pm, an hour earlier than the other evening shows.

Sensory-Friendly Performance · Sun, Dec 27, 11am

A relaxed performance adapted for neurodiverse audiences of all ages and abilities. SF Ballet also pitches it as a good first ballet for very young children and first-timers.

SF Ballet: sensory-friendly and adaptive programs

Tickets

Tickets are sold by SF Ballet on its Nutcracker page and by phone at 415-865-2000 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm). Prices vary by date and seat and were not printed on the show page when we checked, so compare a few dates on SF Ballet’s calendar. Other options SF Ballet lists:

• Standing room: $10, sold in person on the day at the Opera House box office or by phone, standing at the back of the orchestra and balcony; SF Ballet says prices may differ for special events.
• Groups of 20 or more get discounted prices (call 415-865-2000).
• Box office and will call: in the Opera House main lobby, open on performance days from four hours before the show. SF Ballet suggests arriving at least 45 minutes early because the lines get long.

The Nutcracker Nightcap on Friday 4 December at 9pm is a separate after-party for adults: 21 and over only, $150, with themed cocktails, and it does not include a performance ticket.

Getting There and Parking

The War Memorial Opera House is at 301 Van Ness Avenue at Grove Street, in Civic Center. It is a short walk from the Civic Center BART and Muni station and from Van Ness Muni station, and SF Ballet encourages transit because Civic Center parking is limited on performance days and garage queues can be long. The nearest garage is the Performing Arts Garage; the Civic Center Garage, Opera Plaza Garage and UC Law SF garage are also close. See Muni, BART and cable cars with kids.

After the show, the lobbies close 30 minutes after the performance ends. If you are waiting for a ride after that, staff direct you to the north courtyard outside the North Stage Door, on Franklin Street near Fulton Street.

SF Ballet: plan your visit

Accessibility

The Opera House has wheelchair-accessible seating on the Orchestra and Dress Circle levels; buy it through SF Ballet at 415-865-2000. Wheelchair users can enter through the front doors on Van Ness Avenue, the taxi ramp on Grove Street or the carriage entrance on the north side. Accessible restrooms are on every floor except the Orchestra and Balcony levels. SF Ballet cannot provide wheelchairs or personal assistance; a caregiver who helps you to your seat gets un-ticketed entry and waits in the lobby.

At the Opera House

• Bags are searched on arrival; clear bags are not required, but bags must fit under your seat or on your lap (about 14 × 14 × 6 inches). Larger items go to coat check.
• What to wear: anything. SF Ballet says you will see gowns and jeans; hats come off indoors.
• Photos and video of the performance are not allowed.
• Food and drink: intermission bars on every level sell snacks, sandwiches and drinks, and you can pre-order before curtain to skip the intermission line.
• Opera glasses rent for $5 at the north coat check; lost and found is there too.

More December Events

Make a day of it: our San Francisco holiday lights 2026 guide covers the Union Square ice rink, Lightscape and the free light shows, and our Hayes Valley page covers the neighborhood around the Opera House. In town for the long weekend before? See Thanksgiving weekend in San Francisco.

Checked on 6 October 2026 against San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker page, its plan-your-visit page, its frequently asked questions and its sensory-friendly programs page. We re-check this guide every week until the run ends.