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Best Shows in December 2024

Hamilton at Orpheum Theatre

Hamilton

A true cultural phenomenon, Lin-Manuel Miranda's Pulitzer Prize-winning Hamilton is changing the face of the modern musical. An exhilarating historical epic, that is equal parts Sondheim and Notorious B.I.G., this record-breaking Broadway musical traces the life and times of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's most important (and colorful) historical figures.

Kimberly Akimbo at Curran Theatre

Kimberly Akimbo

This shining musical from Jeanine Tersoi and Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire is going on a national tour across North America. Launching in the fall of 2024, this tour gives wider audiences a chance to enjoy the heart and hilarity of this poignant new musical. Mark your calendars, do not miss this hit show!

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Golden Gate Theatre

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Ornaments come to life when Cirque Dream: Holidaze's costumed characters perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season with spectacle, imagination and whimsical dreams. Marvel at gingerbread men flipping through the air, toy soldiers skillfully marching on thin wires, snowmen daringly balancing, icemen sculpting powerfully, penguins spinning, puppets caroling and reindeer soaring high above a landscape of holiday wonderment.

A John Waters Christmas at Great American Music Hall

A John Waters Christmas

John Waters loves Christmas, and he wants you to know. The legendary cult-filmmaker takes to the stage with his traditional one-man monologue, extolling the virtues of everyone's favorite holiday, from offering advice on Christmas films and music to asking the important questions you've always wanted to be answered by the people's pervert, such as 'Is Santa erotic?'

Sarah Brightman at Ruth Finley Person Theater

Sarah Brightman

The unearthly talent of Sarah Brightman is on show once more as the iconic performer is back with her Christmas tradition. Brightman has decided to bring festive joy on tour with A Christmas Symphony production. A gloriously unique journey through some of the seasons' best and most-loved songs, let Brightman infuse you with the festive spirit this year in this ultimate holiday event!

Beetlejuice at Golden Gate Theatre

Beetlejuice

Get ready to experience the afterlife like never before as Beetlejuice invites you to step into a world where the supernatural meets the hilarious. Based on Tim Burton's iconic film, Beetlejuice brings his chaos and madness to stage where you'll witness larger-than-life sandworms, ghostly apparitions and jaw-dropping transformations. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the original film, or a newcomer to the Beetlejuice universe, prepare for a theatrical journey that's bound to leave you screaming... with laughter!

San Francisco Symphony: Handel's Messiah at Davies Symphony Hall

San Francisco Symphony: Handel's Messiah

Celebrate the holidays with one of music's most beloved traditions, with Jonathan Cohen conducting the San Francisco Symphony in a performance of Handel's Messiah. A cherished holiday custom since its premiere in 1742, this splendid oratorio features some of the most popular refrains in Western music; from "Comfort ye, my people" to the famous "Hallelujah" chorus.

Shrek - The Musical at Golden Gate Theatre

Shrek - The Musical

Join Shrek, Fiona and Donkey in this magical musical theatre version of the Oscar-winning Dreamworks animation. Following the same story beats as the movie, this Tony-winning show features original songs from Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), and a book by Pulitzer winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole).

San Francisco Ballet - The Nutcracker at War Memorial Opera House

San Francisco Ballet - The Nutcracker

San Francisco Ballet's sparkling production of Nutcracker has introduced audiences of all ages to the magnificent world of ballet. This holiday season, experience the beauty and athleticism of SF Ballet's international cast of world-class dancers in Nutcracker, a San Francisco tradition since 1944. Accompanied by a sensational live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's timeless score.

San Francisco Symphony - Deck The Hall at Davies Symphony Hall

San Francisco Symphony - Deck The Hall

Returning for 2024, the San Francisco Symphony's annual holiday extravaganza has more than enough festive fun to banish even the biggest Scrooge! Featuring a program of holiday favorites new and old and a delightful cast including musicians, dancers, and special guests, Deck The Hall is one unmissable San Francisco holiday tradition!

A Whynot Chrismas Carol at Toni Rembe Theatre

A Whynot Chrismas Carol

A charmingly funny adaptation of Dickens' festive classic A Christmas Carol, comes to the American Conservatory Theatre! In this witty reimagining, the tale takes place in a play-within-a-play, with a theater troupe in a small town preparing for their own festive production of the story. But with differing ideas on how best to tackle such an undertaking, replete with choreographic mishaps and failing props, will the aspirations of the troupe result in a successful show?

San Francisco Opera - Carmen at War Memorial Opera House

San Francisco Opera - Carmen

Untameable and driven by passion, Carmen scorches every heart in her path in Georges Bizet's explosive opera, returning to San Francisco Opera in a new production this season.One of the world's most famous divas, Carmen scandalized audiences on its premiere with its break from convention as the unrepentant seductress pits lover against admirer, enjoying the attentions her good looks attract. By turns comedic and dramatic, it whirls with the emotion of Bizet's score, reaching a stormy finale as our heroine meets her fate. Fantastic for fans of strong women who are unafraid of breaking the rules, Carmen is an instantly captivating and utterly memorial experience!

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