TheaterSunday in the Park with George
Through 12/30
At the Ashby Stage, Berkeley’s Shotgun Players are presenting a Stephen Sondheim masterpiece that follows the life and career of painter Georges Seurat. Post-show dialogues are held after Thursday and Sunday performances. shotgunplayers.org.
HolidayWalnut Creek on Ice
Through 1/19
Make enchanting holiday memories at Walnut Creek’s seasonal ice rink at Civic Park. Skaters can book a 90-minute session, with times available on the official Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays. walnutcreekonice.com.
MusicAn Evening with Phantom Legend Franc D’Ambrosio
12/5
The Phantom of the Opera is among the most popular productions in Broadway history. Franc D’Ambrosio—who claims the title of the World’s Longest-Running Phantom—will appear at the Bankhead Theater for a Livermore Valley Opera benefit concert. livermorevalleyopera.com.
MusicAn Evening with John Legend: Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour
12/9
Musician John Legend is stopping by Paramount Theatre in Oakland while on tour commemorating two decades of his record Get Lifted. Legend brings to life a selection of his hits alongside his full band and potentially special guests. paramount​oakland.org.Â
TheaterA Christmas Carol
12/10–12/21
Return to Charles Dickens’s iconic Christmas novella about old miser Ebenezer Scrooge and his three ghostly visitors who teach him the true spirit of the season. Center Rep’s play at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek will be a West Coast premiere in conjunction with Axis Dance Company. centerrep.org.
DanceGraham Lustig’s The Nutcracker
12/20–12/21
Bring the whole family to the Oakland Ballet, Oakland Symphony, and Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir’s rendition of The Nutcracker at the Paramount Theatre. The story of Marie and the Nutcracker Prince traversing the Land of Sweets and confronting the Rat King is a longtime favorite among all age groups. oakland​ballet.org.
MusicPrimus
12/30–12/31
Primus will take the stage for two shows at the Fox Theater in Oakland to herald the arrival of 2026. Founded in El Sobrante, Primus now features drummer John Hoffman in addition to longtime members Larry LaLonde and Les Claypool. thefoxoakland.com.
Kids can welcome the new year at Chabot Space and Science Center.
Courtesy of Chabot Space and Science Center
Holiday25th Anniversary Balloon Drop
12/31
Oakland’s Chabot Space and Science Center provides a family-friendly way to honor the new year—without a midnight bedtime. Participate in vibrant balloon drops throughout the day timed to the arrival of the new year at locations across the globe. chabotspace.org.
ComedyAn Evening with David Sedaris
1/3–1/11
Start 2026 with a laugh at Berkeley Rep thanks to humorist David Sedaris. Attendees will sneak a peek at select essays from his forthcoming book (out Spring 2026), have the chance to ask questions during Q and A periods, and be able to get their Sedaris books signed. berkeley​rep.org.