Holiday Concerts & Shows in San Francisco This December

Daniel C
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December in San Francisco turns stages across the city into hubs of sound and light. From classical orchestras and jazz nights to drag and rock shows, there’s something for every kind of holiday music fan. Grab a drink, grab a seat, and let the city’s live shows carry you through the season.

Holiday Concerts & Shows in San Francisco This December

San Francisco Symphony: Holiday Favorites

The San Francisco Symphony lines up a mix of family-friendly and traditional concerts this month. Events like Deck the Hall, Holiday Brass, and Home Alone with live orchestra hit all the right notes for the season.

The Nutcracker by San Francisco Ballet

Since 1944, The Nutcracker has been part of San Francisco’s December tradition. With detailed sets, graceful choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s score, it hasn’t lost its shine after all these years.

  • Location: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave
  • Dates: Dec 5 – 28, 2025
  • Website: sfballet.org

Holiday Jazz at SFJAZZ Center

SFJAZZ keeps things cool with a month of live shows inspired by holiday classics. Expect favorites like Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas and creative jazz takes on winter tunes.

  • Location: SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St
  • Dates: Dec 1 – 31, 2025
  • Website: sfjazz.org

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Photo via fever

Enjoy the holiday season with a festive sing-a-long, featuring all your favorite carols played by a talented string quartet in an evocative candlelit venue. This concert is a wonderful yuletide experience.

San Francisco Boys Chorus Holiday Concert

The San Francisco Boys Chorus presents its annual holiday concert, a performance perfect for the season. The concert will feature holiday classics.

Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas

The Grammy-winning vocal group Chanticleer brings rich harmonies to their annual holiday concerts. Their blend of Renaissance pieces and classic carols creates an evening that feels thoughtful and moving.

SF Gay Men’s Chorus: Holiday Spectacular

A long-running Bay Area favorite, the SF Gay Men’s Chorus fills concert halls with humor, heart, and a mix of traditional and modern holiday music. Expect bold arrangements, theatrical flair, and a joyful crowd.

  • Dates: Dec 12 – 24, 2025
  • Website: sfgmc.org

Carols & Concerts at Grace Cathedral

Carols & Concerts at Grace Cathedral, Holiday Concerts & Shows
Photo via Grace Cathedral

Grace Cathedral hosts several events, from the family-friendly Sing You a Merry Christmas to Soulful Joy featuring gospel and jazz artists. The candlelight and acoustics make these concerts a peaceful seasonal reset.

A Charlie Brown Christmas with the SF Symphony

Live actors, dancers, and the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s songs come together at Davies Symphony Hall for A Charlie Brown Christmas. It’s a great option for families or anyone who grew up with the Peanuts crew.

Local Indie Holiday Shows

Smaller venues keep things casual with indie and folk artists doing their own takes on the holidays. Check out sets at The Chapel, Café du Nord, and Amado’s for a mix of acoustic covers, winter originals, and festive jams.

  • Venues: The Chapel, Café du Nord, Amado’s, Slim’s
  • Dates: Throughout December 2025
  • Websites: Check individual venue listings for schedules

San Francisco knows how to make the holidays sound good. From symphonies to small bars, you’ll find everything from big production shows to spontaneous sets that keep the season alive through sound. Put your phone on silent, hit “pause” on gift shopping, and let December play out in live music.

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Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m a big coffee enthusiast who loves traveling and discovering new places. When I’m not on the road, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and planning our next adventure.

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