Dec. 3

ACT’s ‘A Christmas Carol’

Through Dec. 27
American Conservatory Theater begins its annual run of the holiday classic based on Charles Dickens’ famous story.

(415) 749-2228
www.act-sf.org 

Dec. 5
Fantasy of Lights

Union Street kicks off the holiday season of lights with festivities featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, jugglers, a monkey, balloon artists and merchant open houses.

(800) 310-6563
www.UnionStreetSF.com

Dec. 6
Ragazzi

The boys chorus’ annual holiday concert, “An Old Family Christmas” will fill Old First Church in San Francisco.

(415) 474-1608
www.oldfirstconcerts.org

Dec. 8
San Francisco Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’

Through Dec. 27
The troupe’s presentation of the holiday classic is considered by many the biggest and the best.

(415) 865-2000
www.sfballet.org

Dec. 9
Smuin Ballet

The company presents “The Christmas Ballet 2009” at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts through Dec. 13, then moves to Yerba Buena Center in
San Francisco from
Dec. 16-27.

(415) 556-5000, ext. 5
www.smuinballet.org

Dec. 12
Klezmania!

Old First Concerts presents the show, featuring a contemporary take on klezmer music including Hanukkah songs, Yiddish folk songs and original klezmer songs.

(415) 474-1608
www.oldfirstconcerts.org

Dec. 13
Silver Bells Arts & Crafts Faire

Find holiday gifts from a selection of jewelry, apparel, bags, frames, magnets, ornaments, artwork, candles, cards, ceramics and more; the sale is at St. Mary's Cathedral, 1111 Gough St.

(415) 931-2294
www.kimochi-inc.org

Dec. 14
Monster Ball 2009

Lady Gaga, with Kid Cudi and Semi Precious Weapons, is on the bill at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

www.goldenvoice.com

Dec. 16
Colors of Christmas

San Francisco Symphony presents Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, Jennifer Holliday and Maxi Priest at the annual pops vocal holiday concert in Davies Symphony Hall.

(415) 864-6000
www.sfsymphony.org

Dec. 19
Chanticleer Christmas

The internationally renowned a cappella singing ensemble presents its holiday concert at St. Ignatius Church in The City.

(415) 392-4400
www.Chanticleer.org

Dec. 20
Brian Setzer Orchestra

The band plays its seventh annual “Christmas Rocks! Extravaganza” at the Warfield.

www.goldenvoice.com

Dec. 22
San Francisco Girls Chorus 

“Let Heaven and Earth Sing: A Holiday Concert and Sing-Along” is the title of the acclaimed choral group’s annual performance in Davies Symphony Hall.

(415) 392-4400
www.cityoxoffice.com

Dec. 25
‘Sherlock Holmes’

Robert Downey Jr. plays the title character and Jude Law is his partner Watson in Guy Ritchie’s film based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s famed detective. 

Dec. 28
Railroad Earth

The popular bluegrass-rock band plays the Fillmore, with openers Hot Buttered Rum.

www.livenation.com

Dec. 29
Ledisi

The versatile Verve recording artist — who first seriously pursued her career in Oakland — opens a five-night engagement at Yoshi’s in San Francisco.

(415) 655-5600
www.yoshis.com

Dec. 31
Beach Blanket Babylon

The 10:15 p.m. enhanced holiday edition of The City’s iconic show ends at the stroke of midnight, followed by dancing until 1:30 a.m.

(415) 421-4222
www.beachblanketbabylon.com