This December, the California Theatre in San Jose comes alive with a trio of enchanting performances that promise to capture the holiday spirit. Symphony San Jose invites you to their spectacular lineup: the Holiday Spectacular, The San Jose Nutcracker, and My Very First Nutcracker. Each event offers a unique experience, from symphonic renditions of holiday classics to a ballet set in historic San Jose, and a delightful introduction to ballet for the youngest audiences. These performances are bound to create cherished memories perfect for the holiday season.

Experience Holiday Magic: Exclusive Performances in San Jose

This December, San Jose is transforming into a vibrant hub of festive celebrations. With the Symphony San Jose orchestrating a series of enchanting events, attendees can revel in the 'Holiday Spectacular' and the timeless magic of 'The San Jose Nutcracker.' Whether you're a lover of symphonies, ballet, or looking for family-friendly activities, these events are set to offer a season filled with warmth, joy, and artistic brilliance, all taking place at the iconic California Theatre.

Holiday Festivities: A Symphony of Celebrations in San Jose

As the holiday season approaches, San Jose blossoms into a cultural hub of festive celebrations. This December, the California Theatre invites you to relish in a symphonic wonderland with the Holiday Spectacular, featuring cherished holiday classics and vibrant dance. Meanwhile, the timeless Nutcracker tale enchants audiences with a unique San Jose twist, alongside a specially tailored version for young children. Symphony San Jose orchestrates these events, creating an inclusive and joyous atmosphere for all ages, promising memories that will linger long after the last curtain call.

A Symphony of Festive Splendor: Holiday Spectaculars and Nutcrackers in San Jose

Get ready to dive into a season of spectacular performances at the California Theatre with Symphony San Jose's Holiday Spectacular, The San Jose Nutcracker, and My Very First Nutcracker. These events promise to bring the warmth and joy of the holidays alive with music, dance, and family-friendly fun. Join renowned conductors Elena Sharkova and Thomas Shoebotham, along with talented musicians and dancers, as they take you on a journey through beloved holiday classics and unique adaptations of timeless tales.

Celebrate the Holidays with Symphony San Jose's Festive Lineup

My Very First Nutcracker is a special one-act presentation of The San Jose Nutcracker, ideal for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children.

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My Very First Nutcracker

California Theatre

Complete your family’s holiday traditions with The San Jose Nutcracker. This unique take on the classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker is set against the backdrop of 1905 San Jose, including its famous electric tower.

The San Jose Nutcracker

Celebrate “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at the majestic California Theatre with a spectacular symphonic celebration filled with the warmth and wonder of the season.

Join Symphony San Jose, the Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabile Youth Singers, New Ballet, and special guests and rejoice in beloved holiday classics, heartwarming carols, dazzling dance numbers, audience sing-alongs, and the ever-popular 12 Days of Silicon Valley.

Holiday Spectacular

### Event Description: My Very First Nutcracker

**Event:** My Very First Nutcracker  
**Dates:** Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. and Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 11 a.m.  
**Location:** California Theatre, San Jose, CA  
**Concert Length:** Approximately 55 minutes  

**About This Performance:**
"My Very First Nutcracker" is a special one-act presentation of The San Jose Nutcracker, designed specifically for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. This joyful holiday production features a festive holiday party where Uncle Nikola reveals his fascinating gifts. Children will be enchanted by the historic San Jose Electric Light Tower rising magically above the streets of San Jose and will cheer on the adorable mice and toy soldiers competing to win a magic crown.

**Artists:**
- **New Ballet:** Dalia Rawson, choreographer
- **Symphony San Jose:** Thomas Shoebotham, conductor

**Program:**
- **Composer:** Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- **Piece:** The Nutcracker

**Special Notes:**
- "My Very First Nutcracker" does not include the second act of The San Jose Nutcracker, where Clara meets the Sugarplum Fairy and journeys to the Valley of Heart’s Delight. For the complete two-act classical ballet with a live orchestra, please visit the main Nutcracker page.

**Tickets:**
- This event is not included in subscription packages.
- Purchase tickets to enjoy this magical holiday experience with your family.

Introduce your family to the magic of classical ballet with this delightful and accessible performance, perfect for young audiences.

### Event Description: The San Jose Nutcracker

**Event:** The San Jose Nutcracker  
**Dates and Times:**  
- Saturday, December 14, 2024: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 15, 2024: 2 p.m.
- Friday, December 20, 2024: 7 p.m.
- Saturday, December 21, 2024: 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 22, 2024: 2 p.m.
- Monday, December 23, 2024: 2 p.m.

**Location:** California Theatre, San Jose, CA  
**Concert Length:** Approximately 2 hours with intermission

**Artists:**  
- **New Ballet:** Dalia Rawson, choreographer  
- **Symphony San Jose:** Thomas Shoebotham, conductor  

**Program:**  
- **Composer:** Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky  
- **Piece:** The Nutcracker  

**About This Performance:**  
Complete your family’s holiday traditions with The San Jose Nutcracker. This unique take on the classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker is set against the backdrop of 1905 San Jose, featuring its famous electric tower. The production includes a company of swirling snowflakes and waltzing flowers, celebrating the heritage that has made Santa Clara Valley the center of innovation it is today. Symphony San Jose is proud to join New Ballet for the first time to bring Tchaikovsky’s immortal score to life.

**Special Features:**  
- **Landmarks and Scenic Elements:** The production features landmarks of the era, including a growing replica of the historic San Jose Light Tower and a skyline inspired by the city in 1905.
- **Costumes:** The first act’s costumes are inspired by period dolls from the History San Jose archives, while the second act reflects the valley in the last century, known as The Valley of Heart’s Delight.
- **Characters:** Swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and The Sugarplum Fairy will enchant audiences, making this holiday ballet a new favorite for the entire family.

**Pre-Concert Festivities:**  
Pre-concert festivities begin one hour prior to each performance. Enjoy festive holiday decorations in the elegant lobby, holiday music played on the theatre’s historical organ, and opportunities to interact with costumed characters. Attendees can be photographed in magical fairytale settings and enjoy treats and toys available for purchase. Concessions offer a variety of options, from sweet treats to celebratory beverages.

**Special Holiday Add-On:**  
Please note that this event is not included in subscription packages. Tickets can be purchased individually.

**Ticket Information:**  
- **Purchase Tickets:** [Link to buy tickets]
- **Subscribe and Save:** [Link to subscription options]

**Contact Information:**  
- **Phone Number:** 408-286-2600  
- **Ticket Office Hours:** Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Join us for a magical holiday experience with The San Jose Nutcracker, a performance that promises to be a cherished tradition for years to come.

### Holiday Spectacular Symphony San Jose

**Event Dates and Times:**
- **Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.**
- **Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.**

**Location:**
- **California Theatre, San Jose, CA**

**Concert Length:**
- **Approx. 1 hr 55 min. with intermission**

**Artists:**
- **Elena Sharkova, conductor**
- **Nathan Stark, bass-baritone**
- **Symphony San Jose**
- **Symphony San Jose Chorale**
- **Cantabile Youth Singers**
- **New Ballet**

**Program:**
- **J.S. Bach:** Jauchzet, frohlocket from Christmas Oratorio
- **M.Torme/R. Wells:** The Christmas Song
- **G.F. Handel:** See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes
- **Alan Silvestri:** Polar Express Suite
- **G.F. Handel:** That Trumpet Shall Sound from The Messiah
- **Albert Hague:** You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
- **Traditional:** 12 Days of Silicon Valley

**About This Performance:**
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the majestic California Theatre with Symphony San Jose, Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabile Youth Singers, New Ballet, and special guests. Rejoice in holiday classics including carols, audience sing-alongs, and the ever-popular "12 Days of Silicon Valley." Include friends and family and make this experience an unforgettable part of your holiday season.

**Pre-Concert Festivities:**
- **Santa's Here:** Join us one hour before the concert for a jolly good time with Santa Claus. Capture the holiday spirit and create lasting memories as you take pictures and share your Christmas wishes with Santa.
- **Beware of the Grinch:** Keep a lookout for the mischievous Grinch who may be lurking around, trying to steal some Christmas cheer. Stay alert for any signs of the Grinch’s sneaky antics.
- **Gingerbread Cookie Decorating:** Unleash your inner pastry artist and decorate your very own gingerbread man with royal icing. This pre-concert festivity will start one hour before the concert and is open to everyone. Note: These cookies are not gluten-free and contain dairy, eggs, and molasses.

**Special Holiday Add-On:**
- Add this event to your "Create Your Own Subscription" for additional savings.

**Tickets:**
- **Purchase Tickets**: [Link to purchase tickets]
- **Subscribe and Save**: [Link to subscription options]

Join us for a magical wonderland at our Holiday Spectacular Concert and make sweet and delicious memories with us!

This journey through your favorite carols and holiday music includes Sleigh Ride, selections from The Nutcracker, John Williams’ Home Alone Suite, The Twelve Days of Silicon Valley, and the always-popular audience sing-a-long.

New Ballet

14 - 22 Dec, 2025

My Very First Nutcracker

13 - 23 Dec, 2025

The San Jose Nutcracker

Articles & News

New Ballet