The holidays run on tradition: Nutcrackers on beloved stages, Messiahs ringing out in historic churches, carols sung by candlelight in neighborhood sanctuaries. But for those looking to shake things up, the festive offers a chance to branch out with brass ensembles swinging the standards, joyful mariachi, and jazzy takes on holiday favorites. As ever, SF Classical Voice offers our annual guide to help you sort through the full range of offerings across the Bay Area. Whether you’re here for the comfort of the familiar or the spark of something new, this guide is sure to have something for you.
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” (Nov. 30) — José Hernández leads Mariachi Sol de México in a multicultural celebration of holiday music from the Americas.
Christmas with the Count Basie Orchestra (Dec. 3) — The hard-swinging big band is still going after 18 Grammy wins. For its holiday concert, the orchestra teams up once again with its star vocalist Carmen Bradford.
Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 5–6) — The orchestra and San Francisco Symphony Chorus are joined, as always, by star soloists, with the eminent Jane Glover conducting this holiday staple.
“Deck the Hall” (Dec. 7) — The SF Symphony and guests offer a family-friendly concert of festive favorites and sing-alongs, with Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser conducting.
The Holiday — Film with Live Orchestra (Dec. 10–11) — Anthony Parnther conducts the orchestra in Hans Zimmer’s score for Nancy Meyers’s romantic comedy starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law.
Disney’s Frozen in Concert — Film with Live Orchestra (Dec. 13) — Disney provides the snow, the orchestra plays the instant-classic songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, supported by Christophe Beck’s score.
Peter and the Wolf (Dec. 14) — Joshua Dela Cruz, host of Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Clues & You!, narrates Sergei Prokofiev’s holiday classic, familiar to many from the Disney animated short. The performance features the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, conducted by Radu Paponiu.
“Peabo Bryson and Friends: Home for the Holidays” (Dec. 16) — Bryson is joined by vocalists Sheena Easton and Ruben Studdard, along with trumpeter Ilya Serov, for a high-energy evening of holiday standards.
“Holiday Gaiety” (Dec. 17) — Drag sensation Peaches Christ and conductor Edwin Outwater host this adult-themed Christmas variety show that is the height of fabulousness.
Home Alone in Concert (Dec. 19–20) — John Williams’s score is given the live performance treatment. The film is its dizzy self in this fun-for-all event.
Holiday Brass (Dec. 20) — Members of the SF Symphony brass section perform holiday selections.
A Charlie Brown Christmas — LIVE! (Dec. 21–22) — Vince Guaraldi’s great score is conducted by Ming Luke, while actors and dancers bring the TV classic to life.
Find tickets and more info on the SF Symphony’s website.
Baroque and Beyond
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale: “Gloria” (Dec. 5–7) — Artistic Director Valérie Sainte-Agathe leads the ensemble in a jubilant program culminating in a performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria. The performance is also set to feature the world premiere of British composer Roderick Williams’s Quem Pastores Laudavere — which bears the same name as a popular choral setting by Michael Praetorius, also included on the program — and the U.S. premiere of Caroline Shaw’s The Holdfast.
California Bach Society: “Laudate Coeli: Songs of Light in Winter’s Deep” (Dec. 5–7) — California Bach Society’s Christmas program features soloists soprano Rita Lilly, mezzo-soprano Mindy Ella Chu, tenor Corey Head, and bass Chung-Wai Soong. The singers will be accompanied by strings, piano, and harp as they perform Baroque and Romantic pieces spanning over three centuries.
New Century Chamber Orchestra & San Francisco Girls Chorus: “In Winter’s Glow” (Dec. 11–13) — Led by Music Director and Concertmaster Daniel Hope, NCCO partners with the San Francisco Girls Chorus for two concerts in Berkeley and one in San Francisco. Because NCCO’s 2025–2026 season is organized in honor of composer Gordon Getty, the program includes selections from his Four Christmas Carols alongside other winter-themed pieces.
Tactus SF: “A Renaissance Christmas” (Dec. 12–14) — At Oakland’s Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church and San Francisco’s Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist, celebrate Tactus SF’s 10th anniversary season with three early music works that celebrate the mystery and joy of the season. The concerts will end with Michael Praetorius' festive cantata "Vom Himmel Hoch," a dazzling double-choir setting of Martin Luther's familiar Christmas hymn, "From heaven above to earth I come." A reception will follow the concert.
Sonoma Bach: “Early Music Christmas: A Three-Nation Celebration” (Dec. 13–14) — This program — sung by the Sonoma Bach Choir and accompanied by The Whole Noyse and the Barefoot All-Stars Viol Consort — aims to transport listeners back to France, Germany, and England with early music detailing the first Christmas. There will be a lecture held 35 minutes before each concert to provide background information on the pieces and contextualize the concert in music history.
Music at Kohl Mansion: Musica Pacifica — “Hijinks of the High Baroque: Composers Behaving Badly” (Dec. 14) — Musica Pacifica’s winter concert promises “festive music punctuated with hilarious stories of the composers’ misdeeds and shenanigans.” The program features works by seven composers, including the illustrious J.S. Bach. Stanford cellist and music educator Christopher Costanza is set to deliver a pre-concert talk at 6 p.m., and the ensemble invites audience members to stick around after the concert for a complimentary glass of wine and dessert.
American Bach: “A Baroque Christmas” (Dec. 14) — In the past, American Bach has delivered its “A Baroque Christmas” concert and a performance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah to ring in the holiday season. This year, Artistic Director and Conductor Jeffrey Thomas will lead the choral ensemble and soloists in a combined program that includes sections of Messiah alongside pieces by Arcangelo Corelli and Marc-Antoine Charpentier.
Voices of Music: “Virtuoso Concertos: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and more!” (Dec. 19–21) — The end of the year and beginning of the holiday season marks the perfect time for a 300th anniversary performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons concertos. Voices of Music pairs the masterpiece with the composer’s Concerto for Four Violins, performed by an impressive array of soloists including Co-Director Hanneke van Proosdij.
American Bach: “A Baroque New Year’s Eve at the Opera” (Dec. 31) — Described by SFCV’s music critic Steven Winn as “a showcase for the vocal splendors” in its first year, ABS’s annual concert returns to kick off New Year’s Eve festivities with a 4 p.m. concert of Baroque opera arias, duets, and overtures.
Holiday Pops
Modesto Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Pops! (Dec. 5–6) — Principal Pops Conductor Ryan Murray leads the MSO chorus in two festive performances at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Vocalist and pianist Tony DeSare joins the ensemble as a guest artist for the heartwarming holiday concert series.
Livermore-Amador Symphony: Free Family Holiday Concert (Dec. 6) — This annual LAS concert was — as per usual — a quick sellout, though those interested in experiencing the family-friendly holiday experience can still join the waitlist. Past concerts have lasted about an hour, with sing-alongs and activities like an “instrument petting zoo” offered afterward for children.
Symphony San Jose: Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 6–7) — As in years prior, 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 and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Nova Vista Symphony: Holiday Concert (Dec. 13) — Nova Vista Symphony — celebrating its 60th anniversary this season — will present a mix of standard and nonstandard holiday repertoire. The symphony plans to perform Engelbert Humperdinck’s Overture to Hansel and Gretel and Sergei Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé Suite before launching into a medley of songs from The Sound of Music.
Santa Cruz Symphony: Winter Pops — Holiday Concert (Dec. 13–14) — This holiday extravaganza is not just limited to Christmas music; the Santa Cruz Symphony’s program includes Peter Jaffe’s Hanukkah medley arrangement Symph-Hanukkah as well as sing-alongs for “tunes in a variety of December traditions.” Attendees are invited to enjoy wintry decorations in the Civic Auditorium lobby and take a photo with Santa.
Oakland Symphony: Let Us Break Bread Together — A Tribute to Whitney Houston (Dec. 14) — The theme of this year’s annual holiday bash with Oakland Symphony at the Paramount Theatre is “A Tribute to Whitney Houston.” Music Director Kedrick Armstrong leads this program featuring the Oakland Symphony Chorus in a joyous coming together of community.
Santa Rosa Symphony: Holiday Pops (Dec. 14) — Music Director and Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong takes the podium at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts for an afternoon of holiday classics starring vocalists Emily Ann Yates and Jonathan Poretz. Enjoy timeless hits from icons like Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and Mariah Carey, all backed by the orchestra.
Nutcrackers and Other Dance Delights
Smuin Contemporary Ballet: The Christmas Ballet (Nov. 22–Dec. 28) — The late Michael Smuin’s annual legacy of celebrating the holidays will feature new works this year by Smuin Artistic Director Amy Seiwert, Julia Adam and Myles Thatcher. In addition, there will be works by Val Caniparoli, Nicole Haskins, Ben Needham-Wood, and Rex Wheeler. As always at The Christmas Ballet, Santa Baby will be there too.
Pacific Ballet Academy: The Nutcracker (Nov. 28–30) — The Academy’s 34th Nutcracker season will include (at the Nov. 28 matinee) special performances during Act II for children only and a sensory-friendly show. Directors Marion and Rima Chaeff are a mother-and-daughter duo with an extensive ballet background, who manage a school of some 200 young dancers.
Cal Performances: MOMIX: Alice (Nov. 29–30) — Follow the dancers of MOMIX down the rabbit hole in Alice! Blending illusion and acrobatics with a sense of whimsy and wonder, the Lewis Carroll-inspired performance features bold athleticism and theatrical flair. A series of absurdist vignettes just gets curiouser and curiouser!
ODC/Dance: The Velveteen Rabbit (Nov. 29 – Dec. 7) — KT Nelson’s award-winning choreography is seen for the 39th year, featuring students from ODC’s Youth & Teen Program. Based on the classic children’s book by Margery Williams, and with a score of Benjamin Britten’s music, The Velveteen Rabbit entertains with wit, festive costumes, madcap characters, and holiday cheer.
San Francisco Ballet: Nutcracker (Dec. 5–28) — SF Ballet gave the American premiere of Nutcracker in 1944 and has been producing the ballet for the largest audiences in the country ever since. Helgi Tomasson’s choreography, using the setting of the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition, has been cherished for over two decades.
Marin Ballet: The Nutcracker (Dec. 6–7) — Featuring some 125 dancers, Victorian costumes and sets, Marin Ballet’s production of Nutcracker at the Novato Center for the Arts includes Skylar Campbell — former principal dancer with Houston Ballet — as the Nutcracker Prince.
Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets (Dec. 6–21) — Condensed into 50 minutes, Foehringer’s much-acclaimed Nutcracker production has a special venue: Fort Mason’s Cowell Theater on Pier 2, jutting out into the Bay. The sound of seagulls and harbor seals blends in with Tchaikovsky’s familiar music, performed by a chamber orchestra led by Keisuke Nakagoshi.
San Jose Dance Theatre: The Original San Jose Nutcracker (Dec. 13–21) — Who knew 60 years ago that San Jose’s first complete Nutcracker, by Paul E. Curtis Jr. and Shawn Stuart, would live on to entertain tens of thousands of young and old? The Tchaikovsky score this year is performed by Scott Krijnen’s Cambrian Symphony.
New Ballet & Symphony San Jose: The San Jose Nutcracker (Dec. 13–23) — “My Very First Nutcracker” is Dalia Rawson’s one-act/abbreviated version of the San Jose Nutcracker, with live music by Symphony San Jose. Pre-performance activity for young children includes a play zone provided by LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Bay Area.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet (Dec. 17) — The production brings together principal dancers trained at prestigious ballet academies in Ukraine, Japan, Italy, and beyond. Magical Christmas Ballet aims to connect cultures, unite communities, and captivate audiences of all ages.
Oakland Ballet: Graham Lustig’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 20–21) — Oakland Ballet Artistic Director Graham Lustig’s Nutcracker includes his special variations to the traditional numbers in the second act, including a nod to Chinese culture as an ornamental bird takes flight. Instead of the Mother Ginger character, Polichinelles dance in and out of the legs of a clown on stilts.
Peninsula Lively Arts: Hip-Hop Nutcracker (Dec. 21–22) — A cast of 35 hip-hop artists performs Nutcracker “with a contemporary flavor,” choreographed by Alee Martinez and Isaac “Stuck” Sanders, co-founders and directors of The Tribe and Poise’n. The production, which keeps Tchaikovsky’s score, includes magic and a full-body workout.
Grand Kyiv Ballet: The Nutcracker (Dec. 29) — Even after Christmas, Nutcracker lives on, this time at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre with Oleksandr Stoianov’s touring Grand Kyiv Ballet, which is operating temporarily from the International Ballet Academy in Bellevue, Washington, while in refuge from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Messiah and More
Pacific Chamber Orchestra: Handel’s Messiah (Nov. 29–30) — The concerts, which conclude with audience participation in the “Hallelujah Chorus,” are held on Saturday in Walnut Creek’s Del Valle Theater and on Sunday in Livermore’s Bankhead Theater. Soloists are soprano Raven McMillon, alto Sara Couden, tenor Ricky Garcia, and bass Matt Boehler.
San Francisco City Chorus: Sing-Along Messiah (Dec. 6) — Loaner scores are available from SF City Chorus, first come, first served. Preparation is encouraged with YouTube Videos for Voice Part Guides and Scrolling Score and with Concert Version Audio Tracks. Attendees are invited to sing any voice part of their choice.
San Francisco Bach Choir: “Holiday & Handel: Messiah, Part I, and Candlelit Seasonal Favorites” (Dec. 6–7) — The origin of this 89-year-old community choir goes back to the Great Depression. The concerts in the Calvary Presbyterian Church with a baroque orchestra combine Part I of Messiah with music by Holst, Mendelssohn, Aprahamian, Praetorius, and others. For the candlelight procession of singers, the choir provides electric candles to the audience.
Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra: Holiday Extravaganza (Dec. 7) — Grammy-winning jazz violinist Mads Tolling is the guest artist as all five PACO orchestras perform in Foothill’s Smithwick Theatre “in a night of jazz, hip-hop, and funk.” The Senior PACO Orchestra will also perform Turina’s La Oración del Torero and a movement of Brahms’s String Sextet No. 1.
Temple Hill Events / Musical Arts Performance Company: Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along (Dec. 7 & 14) — This will be the organization’s 40th annual Messiah sing-along event, to be led this time by Lori Landin — conductor, director, and performer. Free admission. The venue for the Dec. 14 performance is the church at 2700 Camrose Avenue in Fairfield.
Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra & Chorus: Sing It Yourself Messiah (Dec. 7–14) — From Herbst Theatre on Dec. 7 to the unusual venue of the Benicia Clock Tower on Dec. 14, Urs Leonhardt Steiner and the Golden Gate Symphony will pace these community performances of Messiah.
American Bach: Handel’s Messiah in Grace Cathedral (Dec. 11–12) — Artistic Director and Founder Jeffrey Thomas has been leading American Bach’s Messiah concerts for over three decades. Soloists this year are soprano Liv Redpath, contralto Ágnes Vojtkó, tenor Brian Giebler, and bass-baritone Christian Pursell.
Schola Cantorum: “Messiah Sing” (Dec. 15) — The organization’s 59th annual Messiah Sing will be led by longtime Schola singer and gala auction winner Melanie Ercoli. Tickets are $30. The event also serves to support the Second Harvest Food Bank with collections of monetary donations and non-perishable food items.
Zephyr Symphony: Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 21) — Zephyr Symphony presents an abridged version of Messiah in a family-friendly Panama–Pacific International Exposition concert. Under the direction of Don Scott Carpenter, the performance will feature soprano Shawnette Sulker, countertenor Kyle Tingzon, tenor Alexander John Perkins, and baritone Corby York. Zephyr’s Adopt-A-Hallelujah program aims to match Handel’s 166 Hallelujahs with a $25 donation each.
Choruses and Caroling
Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus: “Holiday Choral by Candlelight” (Dec. 6–7) — Conductor Eric Choate leads the Chamber Chorus, Marin Symphony strings and percussion, and the Marin Girls Chorus in an intimate, candlelit concert at San Rafael’s historic Church of St. Raphael. The program ranges from Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and Poulenc’s O magnum mysterium to Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on Christmas Carols and Rutter’s rollicking “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Also enjoy Latin American favorites and audience carol singing for a warmly luminous holiday experience.
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir: Holiday programs (Dec. 6–24) — Terrance Kelly’s powerhouse choir kicks off its 40th anniversary season with a big Holiday Concert at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre (Dec. 6). No, that’s not all: The singers also star in Oakland Symphony’s “Let Us Break Bread Together” tribute to Whitney Houston (Dec. 14), take their high-energy gospel to Mountain View for the 17th Annual South Bay Concert (Dec. 21), and keep their cherished Christmas Eve tradition alive with two soul-stirring shows at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall (Dec. 24). Expect soaring soloists, roof-raising choirs, and plenty of chances to clap, sway, and sing along.
WomenSing: “Peace on Earth — Holiday Concert for Our Times” (Dec. 7) — At Orinda’s St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, WomenSing invites reflection on humanity’s shared hope for peace in a stirring program. The chorus performs transcendent works like Sir John Tavener’s Song for Athene (a serenely reverent piece performed at Princess Diana’s funeral), Carrie Newcomer’s “I Heard an Owl,” and Tim Osiek’s uplifting “Like a River in My Soul,” alongside other compassion-themed carols. This heartfelt concert offers a moment of empathy and harmony for the season.
Chanticleer: “A Chanticleer Christmas” (Dec. 11–23) — The internationally renowned “orchestra of voices” returns with its cherished Christmas tradition, a candlelit program weaving together centuries of music that illuminate the joy and mystery of the season. From hushed Renaissance hymns to rousing modern carols, Chanticleer’s sublime harmonies make everything they sing sound magical. With performances across the Bay Area — including Stanford Memorial Church, Oakland’s Cathedral of Christ the Light, Berkeley, Petaluma, San Francisco, Carmel, and Santa Clara — there’s no excuse to miss this radiant musical celebration.
Peninsula Women’s Chorus: “Voices that Guide Us” (Dec. 12) — At Palo Alto’s First United Methodist Church, Eric Tuan and the Peninsula Women’s Chorus trace “the arc of transcendence” in music by prophetic women and visionary creators. Their program highlights the enduring power of women’s voices, featuring Tuan’s A Great Cloud of Witnesses (honoring prophetic women), Pamela Z’s innovative “Pen Pal,” new works from Stanford composers, and pieces by Joan Szymko and Shira Cion. It all culminates in a joyful medley of holiday songs from around the world — an uplifting seasonal tapestry of hope and inspiration.
Santa Clara Chorale: “Let There Be Light” (Dec. 12 & 14) — Conductor Scot Hanna-Weir and the Santa Clara Chorale illuminate the season with a heartwarming celebration of light conquering winter’s darkness. The program spans genres: from serene carols like “Silent Night” and “The Stable Lamp is Lighted” to contemporary choral gems by Ēriks Ešenvalds and Abbie Betinis. There’s even gospel flair courtesy of composer Keith Hampton and a Dolly Parton classic (“Light of a Clear Blue Morning”) in the mix. Performed at the historic Mission Santa Clara, this concert’s radiant blend of traditions is sure to leave audiences aglow.
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus: “Holiday Spectacular” (Dec. 12–24) — SFGMC’s beloved Holiday Spectacular hits the Golden Gate Theatre, Sonoma State’s Green Music Center, Berkeley, and San Francisco with multiple performances of “Home for the Holidays.” Count on a warm dose of heartfelt cheer and plenty of laughs — the show blends the warmth of festive classics with the sparkle of campy showstoppers. Expect over-the-top fun (think ugly sweaters, dancing Santas, drag artists), dazzling choreography, and gorgeous harmonies from hundreds of voices in full festive regalia. With concerts across the Bay Area plus a Christmas Eve finale at Davies Hall, SFGMC wraps the region in joy, laughter, and holiday glitter.
Golden Gate Men’s Chorus: “Tidings of Joy” (Dec. 13–17) — The 40-voice GGMC fills historic St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in San Francisco with rich male-chorus sound in a holiday program featuring expansive carol arrangements by Vaughan Williams and the King’s Singers alongside contemporary favorites arranged by BYU Vocal Point. Four performances invite audiences into an intimate, resonant space for harmony and community. From timeless classics to new yuletide songs, the choir’s warm voices deliver glad tidings for all.
Grace Cathedral: Christmas concerts and services (Dec. 13–23) — Few places say “San Francisco Christmas” like Grace Cathedral, where soaring Gothic arches and a 7,466-pipe organ frame an array of holiday events. Highlights include the signature “A Cathedral Christmas” concerts with the famed Choir of Men and Boys, accompanied by orchestra and the majestic organ. For a different flavor, “Soulful Joy” brings a jazz and gospel twist led by harpist-vocalist Destiny Muhammad, while “A Brass and Organ Christmas” fills the vaults with triumphant fanfares. Families can enjoy the “Sing You a Merry Christmas” sing-along shows with costumed characters. From sublime choral anthems to interactive merriment, Grace Cathedral has something for everyone.
Ensemble Cherubim Chamber Chorus: “Carols of Birds, Bells, and Peace from Ukraine” (Dec. 13) — At UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall, esteemed conductor Marika Kuzma (UC Berkeley emerita) leads Ensemble Cherubim in a poignant Ukrainian holiday celebration, joined by mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, actor-narrator L. Peter Callender, and the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir. The stirring program of songs, hymns, and carols — capturing the intimate spirit of music sung in Ukrainian homes and churches — includes Mykola Leontovych’s famed “Shchedryk” (Carol of the Bells) among other musical treasures from ancient times to today. With projected imagery of Ukraine’s winter landscapes, this performance immerses audiences in the beauty, resilience, and hope of Ukrainian holiday traditions.
Masterworks Chorale: “Festive Family Fun” (Dec. 13) — Masterworks Chorale offers a concert designed especially for kids (and the young at heart). Full of fun and whimsy, this family holiday program is a musical sugarplum featuring favorite songs, sing-along carols, and a classic holiday storybook brought to life. It’s a joyous introduction to the magic of the season for little ones. And of course, the beloved tradition continues with a holiday cookie reception after the show — a sweet treat to cap off an afternoon of festive family delight in San Mateo.
Vallejo Choral Society: “Carols and Lullabies” (Dec. 13 & 20) — The Vallejo Choral Society presents a tuneful holiday program blending British and American choral classics in evening and afternoon performances in Benicia and at Mare Island’s historic St. Peter’s Chapel. Selections include Benjamin Britten’s enchanting A Ceremony of Carols and Conrad Susa’s folksy Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, paired with seasonal gems by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych and legendary arrangers Alice Parker and Donald Patriquin. This concert of beautiful carols and calming lullabies offers comfort and joy across the North Bay.
San Francisco Choral Artists: “Mystery, Magi, and Mittens” (Dec. 14, 20–21) — The award-winning SF Choral Artists (director Magen Solomon) delve into the wonder and mystery of the Christmas story with a program evoking chilly nights and warm fires, humble mangers and starry skies. They’ll sing music spanning the 15th through 21st centuries — from Renaissance masters like William Byrd and Scarlatti to modern classics by Poulenc and Brahms, plus jazz arranger Gene Puerling. The choir also premieres new works by composers-in-residence Max Marcus and Peter Hilliard. Performed in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Oakland, this inventive concert wraps profound tradition in fresh creativity.
The Choral Project and San José Chamber Orchestra: “Winter’s Gifts: Comfort & Joy” (Dec. 20–21) — This beloved annual South Bay collaboration is all about warmth and togetherness. Titled Comfort & Joy, the concert shares radiant music that “comforts the soul and fills the season with joy.” Conductor Daniel Hughes pairs classical gems like Mendelssohn’s “There Shall a Star Come Out of Jacob” with festive world carols (listen for the exhilarating Nigerian carol “Betelehemu”). From serene lullabies to sparkling orchestrations, this cherished tradition offers a joyous evening of harmony and hope in the year’s darkest nights.
San Francisco Choral Society: “Festival of Carols” (Dec. 21–22) — SF Choral Society spreads holiday cheer in back-to-back concerts at Trinity+St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in San Francisco and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley. Alongside beloved carols, the program features Kirke Mechem’s charming Christmas opera Befana: A Christmas Fable. With the chorus’s soaring voices leading the way, this family-friendly event invites audiences of all ages to sing, listen, and celebrate together in a jubilant community tradition.
Cappella Romana: “Christmas With Cappella” (Jan. 4, 2026) — Extend the season into January with Christmas With Cappella, a shimmering program of ancient and modern Orthodox Christmas music. The renowned vocal ensemble surrounds listeners with Byzantine-inspired chant, carols, and contemporary works that evoke candlelit churches and winter night skies, offering a contemplative, sonorous close to the holidays.
Youth Ensembles
Ragazzi Boys Chorus: Rejoice! (Dec. 6 & 14) — Ring in the holiday season with the Grammy Award-winning youth chorus. Under Artistic and Executive Director Kent Jue, Ragazzi’s program explores the different ways we welcome each other to celebrate holiday traditions. The two performances are in Palo Alto and San Francisco.
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir: Candlelight Concert (Dec. 6) — Celebrate the holidays by candlelight with the radiant voices of Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir. The ensemble’s annual Candlelight Concert will take place at Berkeley’s First Presbyterian Church. This year’s program features works by Finnish composer Pekka Kostiainen and carols from Ukraine.
Peninsula Girls Chorus: Carols & Candlelight 2025 Holiday Concert (Dec. 6) — Immerse yourself in a beautiful tapestry of sound as the Peninsula Girls Chorus presents an enchanting selection of choral music, including beloved holiday classics and delightful wintry tunes. “Carols & Candlelight” will ring in the season at the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto.
Golden State Youth Orchestra: Holiday Concert (Dec. 7) — The ensemble plays festive favorites at the California Theatre to celebrate the season. Led by Dr. Yun Song Tay and Dr. Richard Roper, the delightful program will include selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Stravinsky’s Suite No. 1. Look forward to hearing featured soloists violinist Angie Zou and bassist Coltrane Wozniak.
San Francisco Girls Chorus: In Winter’s Glow: SFGC with the New Century Chamber Orchestra (Dec. 11–13) — In a radiant program that shimmers like freshly fallen snow, bask in winter’s glow with San Francisco Girls Chorus and the New Century Chamber Orchestra. Led by Daniel Hope, the ensembles perform works by Antonio Vivaldi, Benjamin Britten, David Conte, Gordon Getty, and Jake Heggie, among others. Performances are scheduled in Berkeley, Tiburon, and San Francisco.
Young Women’s Choral Projects of San Francisco: “Angelic Voices: Carols by Candlelight” (Dec. 13) — Nothing says California Christmas like Joni Mitchell. Enjoy tunes by the beloved singer-songwriter, sung by the angelic voices of the Young Women’s Choral Projects of San Francisco, as well as traditional carols and works by Bach. Enjoy the event at Old First Concerts, or via live stream.
San Francisco Boys Chorus: Winter Concert (Dec. 13) — From Bach to Broadway, SF Boys Chorus has the holidays covered. Feel the magic of the season at Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, uplifted by a full orchestra, more than 100 skilled voices, and handbell ringers.
San Francisco Girls Chorus: “Esperanza del Futuro” (Dec. 15) — Davies Symphony Hall welcomes San Francisco Girls Chorus once again for a beloved holiday engagement. In addition to annual favorites like Silent Night, this year’s concert features the premiere of a work for 250 voices by 2025-2026 Composer-in-Residence Nicolás Lell Benavides, along with special guest Diana Gameros.
Young Women’s Choral Projects of San Francisco: “Winter Showcase — Songs of Joy and Peace” (Dec. 20) — Over 100 singers ages 4-18 perform the “Evening Prayer” from Humperdinck’s fairytale-opera, Hansel and Gretel, as well as works by Chilcott, Quartel, Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, and Hagenberg. The evening will also honor YWCP founder, Dr. Susan McMane. Attend the heartwarming concert at San Francisco’s Calvary Presbyterian Church.
iSing Silicon Valley: “Holidays @ the Mission” (Dec. 20) — The young voices of iSing Silicon Valley will give their annual holiday concert. Expect carols and a chamber orchestra at Mission Santa Clara mere days before Christmas. iSing was founded in 2013 to change the lives of young women through choral music, and currently serves 375 1st–12th-grade singers from diverse backgrounds.
A Jazzy Christmas
Piedmont Piano Company: Nicolas Bearde — “18th Annual Holiday Show” (Dec. 6) — Vocalist Nicolas Bearde delivers his signature blend of jazz, soul, and blues, joined by a band of some of the Bay Area’s finest in his 18th annual holiday show at Piedmont Piano.
Maria Muldaur: Holiday Swing Party (Dec. 7–20) — Vocalist Maria Muldaur makes four stops (Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley, Dec. 7; Tomales Town Hall, Dec. 13; Brannan Center, Calistoga, Dec. 18; and The Back Room, Berkeley, Dec. 20) with her “alternative holiday show” that features more sass than sappiness. She’s joined by her Jazzabelle Quintet.
The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol: “Carolizing Christmas” (Dec. 7 & 21) — The Bay Area’s queen songstress brings her trio and a string quartet to the Orinda Theatre (Dec. 7) and Keys Jazz Bistro (Dec. 21), for a funky, soulful Christmas concert.
Yoshi’s Oakland: Various programs (Dec. 9–23) — Yoshi’s Oakland brings back Irish Christmas in America, with dancer Samantha Harvey to kick off its holiday season. Vocalist Kat Edmonson dips into the Great American Songbook on Dec. 10. Guitarist Peter White does four shows Dec. 17–18, and then soul/R&B vocalist Nzuri Soul caps the season off with a repeat of her hit “Christmas in Egypt III” on Dec. 23.
SFJAZZ: Various programs (Dec. 13–21) — As with everything they do, SFJAZZ’s holiday calendar is stuffed with acts ranging from Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s “Salsa Navidad” (Dec. 13) to the Klezmatics’ “Happier Joyous Hanukkah” (Dec. 15). See back-to-back dueling versions of A Charlie Brown Christmas from Cyrus Chestnut (Dec. 20) and the Adam Shulman Trio (Dec. 21), and The Marcus Shelby New Orchestra playing Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite (Dec. 21). Mads Tolling and Arturo Sandoval weigh in with two-night runs (Dec. 13–14 and 18–19, respectively), and George Cole and his Orchestra give their take on the classic album The Magic of Christmas by Nat King Cole (Dec. 18–21).
Green Music Center + Cal Performances: Soweto Gospel Choir — PEACE (Dec. 13–14) — On their North American tour, Soweto Gospel Choir returns to the Bay Area at the Green Music Center on Dec. 13 and Cal Performances on Dec. 14. The group makes a powerful impression with a wide-ranging repertory and spirited performing style. Not to be missed.
A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Adam Shulman Trio (Dec. 14) — Bay Area-based pianist Adam Shulman brings his take on the triple-platinum-selling Vince Guaraldi album to the Brannan Center in Calistoga a week before he performs at SFJAZZ. Tickets are just $30, $15 for children.
Alternative Holiday Traditions
Presidio Theatre: Peter Pan (Nov. 29 – Dec. 28) — Panto in the Presidio revives its whimsical, uniquely San Francisco twist on Peter Pan. This family-friendly production blends beloved characters, over-the-top musical parody, and British pantomime traditions. Featuring a live band, flying candy, and Pecker the singing rooster, the show is a festive treat for all ages.
Kitka: “Wintersongs: Kolo — A Seasonal Cycle of Song” (Dec. 5–21) — A beloved Bay Area tradition returns for eight performances around the region. This year’s program features songs from the women’s vocal ensemble’s long-awaited album, Kolo. The performance honors “the cosmic cycle of creation, growth, destruction and renewal; the eternal turning of seasons; and the shared rhythms of lives woven together.”
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir: “OIGC 40th Anniversary Holiday Concert” (Dec. 6) — Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir celebrates four decades of soul-stirring music and community at Oakland’s historic Paramount Theatre. The organization’s community and youth choirs will inspire hope in harmony this holiday season. VIP passes are available, and ASL interpreters will be present.
California Revels: “Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools” (Dec. 12–21) — After last year’s sold-out performance, California Revels brings back its Midwinter Revels concert. Celebrate the winter solstice by time traveling to a medieval era, where kings become fools and fools become kings, and chaos ensues! An ASL interpreter will be present on Dec. 13.
Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night (Dec. 13) — The immersive nomadic event returns to San Francisco! Hosted by Josh Greene, participants meet at the Mission Dolores Park tennis courts, then rejoice through the city streets. Participants carry boom boxes to create a unique, multilayered musical experience.
The Christmas Jug Band (Dec. 14) — The folk-skiffle-swing band — full of highjinks — is bringing its musical wackiness to you this holiday season! At the Freight in Berkeley, expect holiday standards mixed with original, tongue-in-cheek odes to the season, including “Santa Lost a Ho” and “Daddy’s Drinkin’ Up Our Christmas.” Performing this year are Greg Dewey, Tim Eschliman, Paul Rogers, Snakebite Jacobs, Candy Girard, Delaney Bramlett, and Blake Richardson.
Klezmatics: “Happier Joyous Hanukkah” (Dec. 15) — Grammy Award-winning superstars the Klezmatics celebrate 40 years of music at SFJAZZ. They will perform music from their acclaimed 2006 album, Happy Joyous Hanukkah, and their 2024 follow-up, Happier Joyous Hanukkah, featuring lyrics by the late Woody Guthrie set to the group’s original compositions.
Tomáseen Foley’s “A Celtic Christmas” (Dec. 17) — Now in its 30th season of touring, “A Celtic Christmas” brings traditional Irish Christmas carols, dances, and stories to Berkeley’s The Freight. The performance will feature storyteller Tomáseen Foley, Grammy Award-winning Celtic guitarist William Coulter, acclaimed Irish fiddler, singer, and dancer Eimear Arkins, and uilleann pipe and Irish flute wizard Brian Bigley.
Golden Bough: “Christmas in a Celtic Land” (Dec. 20) — Enjoy 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. Be transported to another place and time at Old First Concerts.