There’s an extra touch of magic in the air this year as in-person holiday events are back in full force. From family classics to more outré outings, here are just a few of the season’s events we’re excited about.

Holiday Arts

A Christmas Carol: Through Dec 24, Toni Rembe Theater. ACT stays true to the traditional production of the Dickens classic while adding a playful edge and rich music.

Smuin’s Fiercely Festive The Christmas Ballet: Through Dec 24, Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA. Smuin delivers sublime classical ballet set to carols and showstopping contemporary works danced to pop music favorites.

Nutcracker: Through Dec 27, SFBallet. All the characters you know, and love are back for another thrilling performance of San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker. Enjoy exquisite dancing, stunning sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live by the Grammy award-winning San Francisco Orchestra.

Disney’s Frozen: Through Dec 30, Orpheum Theatre. This BroadwaySF production features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Dec 16, 7:30 pm and Dec 17, 2 pm, Davies Symphony Hall. The San Francisco Symphony plays the score live to this 2000 adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s tale starring Jim Carrey in the titular role.

Dance-Along Nutcracker: Dec 17, 3 pm & 7 pm; Dec 18, 11 am & 3 pm, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Part comedy musical, part dance-it-yourself ballet, and part symphonic concert, the Dance-Along Nutcracker features the holiday fun and tradition for children of all ages, live and in person for the first time since 2019.

Elf in Concert: Dec 21, 7:30 pm and Dec 22, 2 pm, Davies Symphony Hall. Relive this hilarious holiday classic starring Will Ferrell as a man who was raised as an elf at the North Pole, while the San Francisco Symphony places the score live.

Holiday Spectacular: Home for the Holidays: Dec 24, 5, 7, & 9 pm, Castro Theatre. The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus brings back their joyous annual tradition after a 3-year hiatus.

NYE Events

Thrive City Winter Wonderland Kwanzaa and Noon Year’s Eve: 10 am-1 pm, Chase Center. Ring in the new year early with the music of Fela Kuti from The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a countdown drop at 11:59 a.m., arts & craft stations, treats, and more at Winter Wonderland presented by Fanatics.

Shannon and the Clams: Doors 8 pm, show 9 pm, The Chapel. This Oakland indie garage punk quartet is known for a vintage sound that incorporates elements of doo-wop, classic R&B, garage psych, and surf — and will feature friend of the business Noelle Fiore on backup vocals.

2023 SF New Year’s Eve Under the Fireworks Cruise: Departs 9 pm, San Francisco Spirit, Pier 3. Ring in the New Year in style, 2 levels of music, open bar, mix & mingle food menu, amazing firework skyline & under the bridge views in SF.

BTS + Blackpink K-Pop NYE Celebration: 9 pm-2:30 am, DNA Lounge. Dance and sing-along to all the best BTS and Blackpink songs as well other K-Pop hits.

MOANY San Francisco New Year’s Eve 2023: 9 pm-2 am, Regency Ballroom. At the Mother of All New Years party, enjoy curated beats cut with a twist of the unexpected in thrilling performances and state-of-the-art audio and visual experience.

NYE 2023! Presented by Oasis X Princess: 9:30 pm-?, Oasis SF. Ring in the new year with Oasis and experience dancing, drag and live shows all night long. All in the styles and era of Moulin Rouge.

Rocky Horror Picture Show: 11:30 pm, Balboa Theater. Relieve your antici…pation waiting for the new year with this cult classic, featuring a live shadow cast for the ultimate interactive experience.