This San Francisco holiday season brings plenty of yuletide cheer and so much more.
Dress Rehearsal: The Art of Theatrical Design at de Young/Legion of Honor through May 11
THROUGH 12/13
TAKES ALL KINDS
Dan Hoyle’s latest thought-provoking work recreates scenes depicting real Americans from across the country—think die-hard political battles, school board showdowns and more—bringing the stories of unlikely changemakers to life in these troubled times. The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., sfplayhouse.org
THROUGH 1/18
WAITRESS
Watch as Jenna, a waitress in a small-town diner, learns to chase her dreams despite obstacles, including a loveless marriage and an unexpected pregnancy. This incredible musical features plenty of pies, music and lyrics by superstar Sara Bareilles. 450 Post St., 415.677.9596, sfplayhouse.org
Empress by Boon welcomes World’s Best Bartender Simone Caporale for an exclusive cocktail experience Jan. 22 through 25.
THROUGH 5/11
LEGION OF HONOR
Marking the Legion of Honor’s 100th anniversary, this exhibition showcases a remarkable selection of costume and set designs through two interwoven narratives: the evolution of theater and dance and the Legion’s founding. Alma de Bretteville Spreckels (1881–1968), co-founder of the Legion, generously donated over 60 striking Russian theater and dance drawings featuring extraordinary designs for the Ballets Russes (1909–1929). 100 34th Ave., 415.750.3600, famsf.org
12/6-29
THE NUTCRACKER
It’s not a holiday celebration without a showing of The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s beloved score is peppered with San Francisco Ballet’s masterful movements that tell the tale of Clara as she battles mischievous mice and the Sugar Plum Fairy. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., 415.865.2000, sfballet.org
Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet (Dec. 13-14) is a jolly holiday celebration.
12/13-24
THE CHRISTMAS BALLET
Smuin’s signature holiday event is back and better than ever. Dancers spread Christmas cheer with classic ballet numbers and joyful contemporary pieces set to beloved pop hits. Don’t miss LGBTQ night on Dec. 20, featuring special guest and RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist Lady Camden. Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA, 700 Howard St., 415.912.1899, smuinballet.org
12/13-1/5
KALEIDOSCOPE
Circus Bella presents Kaleidoscope for the second year in a row. A diverse cast of 11 performance artists thrill guests with a one-ring circus chock-full of electric music, elaborate costumes and showstopping stunts. The Crossing at East Cut, 415.480.4239, circusbella.org
Don’t miss Chandon Home’s Dinner Under the Stars Dec. 20.
12/14
THE JEWELRY BOX
Playwright Brian Copeland’s holiday-themed production follows his younger self as he navigates the daunting streets of Oakland to buy his mom the perfect Christmas present. The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., sfplayhouse.org
12/19-21
ELF IN CONCERT
Everyone’s favorite elf is back. San Francisco Symphony is bringing the Christmas classic to the stage as a live orchestra performs John Debney’s stunning score with the film playing on a projector behind them. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org
12/20
DINNER UNDER THE STARS
Chandon Home is bringing classic supper club-style dining to its recently renovated space in Yountville. This new alfresco event, with decadent dishes across seven courses (prepared by an expert chef, naturally), showcases a selection of limited-release and cellar wines. 1 California Drive, Yountville, 888.242.6366, chandon.com
12/21-6/22
INTENTNESS AND SONGS
Don’t miss Samson Young’s first West Coast solo exhibition, Intentness and Songs, at SFMOMA this winter. The Hong Kong-based artist focuses on multimedia pieces, utilizing performance, video and AI to explore the rhythms of love, attention and memory. 151 Third St., 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org
Circus Bella acrobats and contortionists showcase their skills with Kaleidoscope Dec. 13 through Jan. 5.
1/7-26
SOME LIKE IT HOT
From screen to stage, this performance is seriously steamy. This Tony- and Grammy-winning play follows two musicians who witness a mob hit and attempt to escape the same fate by posing as women. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., 888.746.1799, broadwaysf.com
1/22-25
EMPRESS BY BOON
Empress by Boon, famed for its modern Cantonese cuisine, will welcome Simone Caporale, the creative force behind SIPS Barcelona—currently ranked the world’s top bar by 50 Best. This collaboration brings together Caporale and Michelin-starred chef Ho Chee Boon to craft an exclusive dining and cocktail experience. 838 Grant Ave., 415.757.0728, theempresssf.com
1/23-26
FOG DESIGN + ART
This year’s iteration of FOG Design + Art features 59 curated exhibitors, including New York’s Charles Moffett Gallery, Milan’s Marconi Gallery and the Bay Area’s Altman Siegel and Anthony Meier galleries. Event programming runs from FOG MRKT (a curated artisanal installation) to the FOG FOCUS pavilion. Fort Mason Center, 415.745.3315, fogfair.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF DE YOUNG/LEGION OF HONOR; COURTESY OF BRAND; AARON WEINSTOCK; CHRIS HARDY; COURTESY OF BRAND
