San Antonio Christmas Guide › San Antonio Christmas Shows 2026
When Dec 4 – Dec 13, 2026 (select dates)
Where Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205
Ballet San Antonio's The Nutcracker is the full-length holiday classic at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, co-choreographed by Haley Henderson Smith and Easton Smith. The Orchestra San Antonio plays Tchaikovsky's score live under conductor Leonardo Pineda, which is reason enough to dress up a little.
The company's professional dancers share the stage with a cast of 100 local children, students from the School of Ballet San Antonio, and community guest performers as Mother Ginger, and the Land of Sweets comes to life through dance and storytelling. There's also a sensory-friendly Act II performance with adjusted lighting and sound (tickets are free) and a 50-minute, school-friendly Student Matinee.
The full ballet runs about 1 hour and 55 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, and every patron needs a ticket, whatever their age. TASTE Fine Dining serves a seasonal buffet before select performances, and TASTE Burgers & Beer needs no reservation. General parking in the Tobin Center Parking Garage is $20 ($17 prepaid). Leave backpacks at home.
Questions
How long is the show?
About 1 hour and 55 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. The Student Matinee is a 50-minute version of Act II.
Do young children need a ticket?
Yes. Every patron needs a ticket to enter, whatever their age, including the smallest Claras in your group.
Where can you park?
The Tobin Center Parking Garage is $20 for general parking, $17 prepaid, $30 reserved, and $35 to $40 for valet. Drop-off and rideshare are on Auditorium Circle, to the left of the front steps.
What can't you bring in?
Backpacks, bags larger than 12 x 12 x 12 inches, outside food or drinks, professional cameras, glow sticks, flashlights, and posters are all prohibited. Everyone is searched on entry.