The San Francisco Symphony really gets into the holiday spirit. This year, they're celebrating with a jam-packed schedule of festive events featuring world renowned singers, aerial dancers and notable San Francisco personalities like author Armistead Maupin and drag queen Peaches Christ. The holiday cheer starts now.
Seal with The San Francisco Symphony
Kick off the holiday season with legendary singer Seal, who will perform some of the tracks off his new album Standards, which is an homage to jazz and swing icons of the music industry. Sing along to his unique interpretations of Luck Be A Girl and It Was a Very Good Year by Frank Sinatra, I’m Beginning to see the Light by Ella Fitzgerald and I Put A Spell on You by Nina Simone.
Nov 30 at 7:30pm; Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave (sfsymphony.org). $25–$95.
Cirque de La Symphonie
During Cirque de La Symphonie, gravity-defying acrobats will perform death-defying moves while the orchestra plays classics from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, Vivaldi and Bizet, as well a modern hits like the soundtrack from Frozen—perfect for kids and adults!
Dec 6–7 at 7:30pm, Davies Symphony Hall (sfsymphony.org). $35–$89.
Photograph: Courtesy SF Symphony
Holiday Gaiety : A San Francisco Symphony Christmas Special
The Symphony is rolling out the red carpet for A-list San Franciscans like Armistead Maupin, Peaches Christ and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during this holiday extravaganza. Peaches will co-emcee with conductor Edwin Outwater while Maupin will read two tales to the tunes of Fantasia on Greensleeves, a traditional English folk song, and Silent Night by Gruber. From the drag community, Bob The Drag Queen will perform the Peanut Butter Brigade (March) from The Nutcracker and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will make their Symphony debut with a festive rendition of Jingle Bells.
Dec 8 at 7:30pm, Davies Symphony Hall (sfsymphony.org). $15–$79.
A Merry-Achi Christmas
The world-renowned musical group Mariachi Sol de Mexico, led by Jose Hernandez, will bring their upbeat blend of Mexican and American holiday favorites to Davies. The stage will be full of musicians playing the guitarra, violin, guitarron and trumpet, all dressed up in traditional mariachi costumes.
Dec 10 at 8pm, Davies Symphony Hall (sfsymphony.org). $16–$90.
Holiday Soul with The San Francisco Symphony
This pure gospel performance from singers Paula West, Cece Winans and Edwin Hawkins, accompanied by the Oakland Interfaith Gospel, is sure to lift your spirits this December.
Dec 12-13 at 8pm, Davies Symphony Hall (sfsymphony.org). $25–$85.
Home Alone with the San Francisco Symphony
As part of the Symphony's excellent film series, Christmas classic Home Alone will be projected on the big screen while the SFS performs the score live.
Dec 16 at 7pm, Dec 17 at 2pm, Dec 20 at 7:30pm, Davies Symphony Hall (sfsymphony.org). $69–$175.
Photograph: Courtesy SF Symphony
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live
The beloved holiday tradition is back for seven performances this December. Actors, dancers and singers will bring the beloved Peanuts to life along with classic songs like White Christmas, Holiday Bells and I’ve Got Love To Keep me Warm. Good luck getting Vince Guaraldi's iconic theme song out of your head. The decked-out lobby of Davies will also feature kid-friendly refreshments and Peanuts-themed activities.
Dec 21–24 at 2pm and 7:30pm, Davies Symphony Hall (sfsymphony.org). $30–$80.
New Year’s Eve with Seth MacFarlane and the San Francisco Symphony
Ring in 2018 with Oscar and Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, actor, producer and director Seth MacFarlane. Known for his baritone skills as well as for his TV roles, MacFarlane will delight guests with his jazz and Broadway-inspired performance.
Dec 31 at 8pm, Davies Symphony Hall (sfsymphony.org). $89–$264.