Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker — San Francisco Ballet, War Memorial Opera House

Relaxed performance: house lights kept on low, some loud and startling moments modified, talking and moving allowed, free entry and exit, designated quiet spaces, fidgets and noise-reducing headphones welcome, social story and visual checklist to prepare; assistive listening devices and wheelchair seating. For help choosing seats contact tickets@sfballet.org or 415-865-2000 (Mon–Fri 10 AM–4 PM). Run with Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area.

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About this adventure

San Francisco Ballet sets aside one full-length performance of Helgi Tomasson's Nutcracker, with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's score, as a sensory-friendly show on Sunday, December 27, 2026. It is designed with the Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area for children and adults with autism, sensory sensitivities or other physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities, together with their families and caregivers, though anyone may attend. Doors open at 10 AM and the ballet runs from 11 AM to about 1 PM with one intermission. House lights stay on low, some loud or startling moments are softened, talking and moving around are fine, and audience members can come and go during the show. Quiet spaces, family restrooms on every level, assistive listening devices and wheelchair seating are available, and the company publishes a social story and visual checklist so children can preview the outing.