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 songstress Vanessa Williams and drag queen Peaches Christ. The holiday cheer starts now.
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Nov 30, Dec 1, 6 at 8pm
Everyone’s favorite animated holiday film comes to life when the San Francisco Symphony performs Danny Elfman’s delightfully quirky score live while Jack Skellington and the gang plot to take over Christmas on the big screen.
Holiday Soul with Vanessa Williams
Dec 7, 8 at 7:30pm
America’s first black Miss America turned vocalist and actress Vanessa Williams performs soul, jazz and Christmas classics with The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. Famed for her chart-topping hit, “Save the Best for Last," Williams brings a soulful Christmas performance to the Symphony.
Dec 9 at 2pm
Prokofiev's symphonic fairy tale for children has been narrated by everyone from Eleanor Roosevelt to Sting. This year, Richard Dreyfuss narrates the story in which individual instruments play the part of the story’s characters.
Photograph: Courtesy SF Symphony
Dec 9 at 7:30pm
Mariachi Sol de Mexico returns to Davies Symphony Hall for a festive musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions. The he ensemble will sing holiday favorites from both Mexico and America during this international celebration will have the whole family dancing.
Dec 11, 12 at 7:30pm
If watching this heartwarming film is one of your Christmas customs, you’ll love this special symphony performance in which a full orchestra performs Craig Armstrong’s evocative score during the movie.
Dec 14, 15 at 8pm
Experience the glorious majesty of Handel’s Messiah performed by the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus and world-class soloists. Featuring the famous “Hallelujah” Chorus, the magnificent power of 100 voices in harmony makes this celebrated masterpiece an unmissable holiday favorite and one of the best-loved musical works of all time.
Dec 16 at 7:30pm
The San Francisco Symphony brass section heralds the season with a winning mix of classical and popular holiday favorites.
Dec 19, 20, 21 at 7:30pm
This classic Christmas comedy will be screened with John Williams’ exuberant score performed live by the San Francisco Symphony and carols sung live by three children’s choruses.
Photograph: Courtesy SF Symphony
Dec 31 at 8pm
Ring in 2019 with famed drag sensation Peaches Christ and the SF Symphony. The star-studded show includes delectable vocalists and drag queens galore.