Smuin’s joyful holiday tradition returns to spread yuletide cheer at theatres around the Bay with its signature showcase of classical and contemporary dances set to delightfully festive tunes. Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet, performing November 19 through December 24 in Walnut Creek, Mountain View, Carmel, and San Francisco, celebrates the holidays with two acts highlighting the best of both worlds: beautiful classical ballet set to beloved carols, and red-hot contemporary numbers set to pop favorites.

Its 2022 edition will feature dances ranging from ballet, tap, and jazz, to swing and more, plus the unwrapping of two world premieres. Smuin’s yuletide spectacular was declared “sheer joy…the finest toast to the season” by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet premiered in 1995 and has long been a festive tradition for Bay Area dance lovers across the Bay Area. Along with a return to Michael Smuin’s original pieces, the company will unwrap new surprises from Smuin’s former Choreographer-in-Residence, Amy Seiwert, as well as Smuin alum Nicole Haskins. The first act, Classical Christmas, will unveil a new pas deux by Haskins set to a piece of music created from a prayer for Ukraine, in addition to traditional favorites such as Michael Smuin’s “Bach Magnificat,” “Wassail,” and “Licht bensh’n”. The Cool Christmas second act will feature the world premiere of an ensemble ballet by Seiwert as well as a spirited medley of contemporary festive numbers, such as Michael Smuin’s sultry DANCE SERIES 1 2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2. “Christmas in New Orleans,” the spirited tap dance “Bells of Dublin,” the folk dance inspired “La Calandria,” and dancing conifers in “Droopy Little Christmas Tree.” And fans can rest easy, Smuin’s iconic “Santa Baby” featuring the “world’s longest feather boa” will be back.

Smuin’s The Christmas Ballet will tour the Bay Area, beginning with shows in Walnut Creek (November 19-20), continuing in Mountain View (December 1-4), Carmel (Dec 9- 10), and wrapping up with San Francisco (December 14-24). Tickets ($25-$99) are available visiting www.smuinballet.org.