Holiday Events

Holiday Performances

Through Dec. 26Irving Berlin's White Christmas: Full of dancing, laughter, and some of the greatest songs ever written, White Christmaspromises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the entire family.
Call for show times. $30-$85, Curran Theater, 445 Geary (at Mason), 551-2000.

Nov. 26-Dec. 19Black Nativity: Perennial holiday production features the extraordinary talent of Robin Hodge-Williams and the Bay Area's inspiring gospel artists. A soulful rendition of Christmas with extraordinary voices, exciting dance, and glorious music.
Call for show times. $27-$30, Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, 620 Sutter St. (at Mason), 474-8800.

Nov. 26-Dec. 19

Let it Snow! An Improvised Holiday Musical: The Un-Scripted Theater Company presents this improvised musical, filled with songs that promise to chase away the winter doldrums and put you in the holiday spirit.
Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. $10-$15, Shelton Theatre, 533 Sutter St. (at Powell), 869-5384.

Nov. 26-Dec. 12The Velveteen Rabbit: With charming music, colorful costumes, and larger-than-life characters, The Velveteen Rabbit is about the powerful relationship between a boy and his toy rabbit, and the enduring power of love.
Matinee performances; call for times. $15-$38, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, 700 Howard (at 3rd St.), 978-2787.

Nov. 27-Jan.9"Carols in the Caves": David Auerbach performs his Christmas caves concerts using ancient instruments in Sonoma and Napa wineries.
Call (707) 224-4222 or visit www.cavemusic.net for locations and schedule.

Nov. 27-Dec. 24A Christmas Carol:Dickens' classic returns to the Geary Theater to warm your heart. Reintroduce yourself and those you love to the season's most enduring story of hope, triumph, and transformation.
Call for show times. $15-$68, American Conservatory Theater, 405 Geary Street (at Mason), 749-2ACT.

Starting Nov. 28Beach Blanket BabylonSeasonal Extravaganza: The nation's longest running musical revue welcomes this joyful holiday season with special performances featuring a chorus line of tap dancing Christmas trees, special parodies of traditional Christmas carols, and a gigantic Yuletide hat.
Sundays 1 and 4 p.m. $25-$75, Club Fugazi, 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (at Green), 421-4222.

Dec. 2-19Santaland Diaries and Season's Greetings: David Sedaris' brilliant evocation of Christmas as seen through the eyes of a Macy's elf, along with Season's Greetings, a tale of a housewife whose Christmas traditions are slowly being altered against her will.
Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $20, Shelton Theater, Basement, 533 Sutter (at Powell), 820-1565.

Dec. 4-5Dance-Along Nutcracker: Join the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band for a wacky Nutcracker. You can rent a tutu and join in the fun
Saturday 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. $14-$21, Yerba Buena Center, 701 Mission St., 978-2787.

Dec. 5Deck the Hall: Treat your children to this festive holiday party, featuring a magical presentation of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with puppets and narration. The post-show party includes entertainment, arts-and-crafts activities, refreshments, and a free gift.
11 a.m. and 3 p.m. $29, Davies Symphony Hall, Grove & Van Ness, 864-6000.

Dec. 10The San Francisco Guitar Ensemble Holiday Concert: This festive program will include solo, duo, and ensemble performances of holiday-inspired music including Vivaldi's "Concerto in D," Holst's "St. Paul Suite," and Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite."
8 p.m. $9-$15, Old First Church, 1725 Sacramento St. (at Van Ness), 474-1608.

Dec. 10-19

The Christmas Revels: A theatrical celebration of the Winter Solstice that crosses religious and ethnic boundaries, appealing to young and old alike. Revels blends music, dance, ritual and drama, presented by a cadre of superb professional performers, designers, and directors.
Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. $17-$35, Scottish Rite Theater, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, (510) 452-9334.

Dec. 10-26It Could Have Been a Wonderful Life: Fred Raker's hilarious send-up of all things show biz, featuring failed stand-up comedian Phil Resnick and his guardian angel, in the guise of Jack Benny.
Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. $18-$20, Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason, Suite 601 (at Geary), 989-0023.

Dec. 11

Peter and the Wolf: Delight your children with this charming musical tale that has enthralled generations. Christmas carols and a traditional sing-along make this perfect for music lovers of all ages.
1 p.m. and 4 p.m. $10-$43, Davies Symphony Hall, Grove & Van Ness, 864-6000.

Dec. 11 and 19

Chanticleer Christmas: The 12-man a cappella ensemble will perform their traditional mix of medieval and Renaissance music, spirituals, and traditional carols.
8 p.m. $25-$42, St. Ignatius Church, 650 Parker St. (at McAllister), 252-8589.

Dec. 11-20

The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys: Come celebrate and sing along with the Grace Cathedral Choir, accompanied by full orchestra and the world-famous Aeolian-Skinner organ. The program will include sacred Christmas masterpieces, light classical Yuletide songs, and sing-along carols.
Call for show times. $15-$30, Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. (at Taylor), 749-6350.

Dec. 12

Piedmont Choirs Candlelight Concert: Continuing their tradition of presenting a Candlelight Concert at Old First, the sparkling Piedmont Choirs sing a nontraditional program to celebrate the season.
5 p.m. $9-$15, Old First Church, 1725 Sacramento St. (at Van Ness), 474-1608.

Dec. 14-16

Colors of Christmas: Six superstar performers unite for one unforgettable Christmas show! This Grammy-winning lineup captures the uplifting spirit of the season with traditional holiday classics and solo spotlights of chart-topping pop hits.
8 p.m. $15-$75, Davies Symphony Hall, Grove & Van Ness, 864-6000.