Sensory Friendly Nutcracker
holiday magic for all
Join us for SF Ballet’s Sensory Friendly Performance of Nutcracker! This full-length performance provides a relaxed environment for children and adults of varying physical and cognitive abilities to experience this magical holiday tradition in a safe and comfortable atmosphere.
Sensory Friendly Performances are designed to create a welcoming performing arts experience for people with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, and their families, friends, and caretakers. In collaboration with our community partners from Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area, SF Ballet has made special accommodations to the performance and theater-going experience to make neurodiverse audiences feel welcome to enjoy Nutcracker in a fun, accepting environment.
© Video by RJ Muna
An arrow to the future
Eugene Onegin is a richly layered and deeply human exploration of love, regret, and the heart’s fragility.
Details
Experience the complete Nutcracker ballet, with choreography by Helgi Tomasson performed by San Francisco Ballet, and music by Pyotr IIyich Tchaikovsky performed by the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra.
Dates and Location
December 28, 2025, 11:00 am
War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
Runtime
Doors open at 10:00 AM
Performance starts at 11:00 AM and ends at approximately 1:00 PM
The performance running time is approximately 2 hours with one intermission
What makes this performance sensory friendly?
- Audience members are invited to come to the performance and be themselves! Expectations for audience etiquette at this performance will be relaxed; talking or vocalizing is accepted, and patrons can move freely in their seats and the aisles during the performance, within appropriate safety parameters.
- House lights will remain on at a low level throughout the entirety of the performance.
- Some loud sounds and startling moments are modified for this performance.
- Fidget objects, noise-reducing headphones, and other sensory tools or devices are allowed inside the theater during the performance. Audience members can also feel free to bring their own comfort items with them into the theater.
- Entering and exiting the theater is allowed throughout the performance. Designated quiet spaces will be available for audience members who may need to take a break from the performance.
- Every level will have restrooms designated as gender-neutral family restrooms for accessibility.
- Audience members will have access to social stories and resource materials to help prepare for the Nutcracker experience before the performance.
- Assistive listening devices will be available for patrons with hearing impairment.
- Wheelchair-accessible seating options are located in the Orchestra, Dress Circle, and Box levels.
more information
For additional assistance with selecting seats to best accommodate the accessibility needs of your party, please contact Ticketing Services at tickets@sfballet.org or 415-865-2000. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, from 10 AM – 4 PM.
*Although the Sensory Friendly performance is adapted specifically to accommodate individuals with special needs and/or sensory sensitivities, the general public is welcome to attend. All patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the adjustments of the Sensory Friendly Performance in order to help create a welcoming and accommodating environment for all audience members.
More sensory friendly fun
To experience other sensory friendly performances in San Francisco this holiday season, discover American Conservatory Theater’s Christmas Carol or visit Inclusive Arts.
Discover more
SENSORY FRIENDLY DANCE-ALONGS
These relaxed and inclusive dance workshops are designed for participants with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities, and other physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities.
Details
More sensory friendly fun
To experience other sensory friendly performances in San Francisco this holiday season, discover American Conservatory Theater’s Christmas Carol or visit Inclusive Arts.