• Image of the words 2025 Gift Guide with an Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater male dancer in mid leap on a black background and a red bow in the upper left corner

The quest for the perfect gift is over!

This holiday season, skip the predictable and instead give the thrill, joy, and inspiration of the live performing arts. Below find the perfect gift ideas for the arts lover in your life.

For the Outer Space Lover

Mark Morris Dance Group
MOON
Jan 23–25

Sure, you could give Neil deGrasse Tyson’s latest creation to the Moon-obsessed person in your life…or you could give something truly otherworldly, in the form of dance.

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For the Broadway Lover

An Evening with Kelli O’Hara
Jan 31, 8pm

Have a friend that quotes musicals in daily conversation? Kelli O’Hara brings all the Broadway sparkle they could wish for.

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For the Poetry Lover

Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano
Time for Three
Emily – No Prisoner Be
Feb 7, 8pm

If they can quote Emily Dickinson by heart, this one’s for them. Gift the experience of hearing her deeply touching poetry come alive through an intimate new song cycle.

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For the Jazz Lover

Cécile McLorin Salvant
Feb 5, 7:30pm

They know the classics, love a modern twist, and can’t get enough of creativity in all its forms. Cécile McLorin Salvant will sweep them away—too bad CDs aren’t really a thing anymore or her new album Oh Snap would be a nice alternative.

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For Families

Drum Tao
The Best
Mar 21–22

Fairyland and the Oakland Zoo, move over! Drum Tao’s drumming, choreography, and stage spectacle will have the whole family on the edge of their seats.

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For your Holiday Host

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Apr 7–12

This legendary dance company pushes the bounds of what the human body can do and what the human spirit can achieve… Sort of like a holiday host! Skip the go-to bottle of wine and give the gift of joy and amazement instead.

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How to gift your tickets

Both your order confirmation (sent immediately after your purchase) and the digital tickets (sent 4 days before the performance) will be emailed to the email address you have registered to your account. To ensure your giftee receives the tickets, simply forward them from your email when they arrive in your inbox 4 days before the performance. If you want a token to hand off at the holidays, you may download and print (or email) this PDF as a ticket placeholder!

Learn more about digital ticketing >

Prefer to give a gift certificate?

Cal Performances Gift Certificates are available in any denomination, are good for Cal Performances Fine Arts events, and never expire! Order by 5pm on Tuesday, December 23 for delivery by the holidays.