Out of Town / New York

What’s happening in the next few weeks:

* The San Francisco Ballet, in 1944 the first company to premiere the “Nutcracker” in the United States, continues the tradition, above, with performances Dec. 9 through 28. $7 to $110. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness at Grove, (415) 865-2000 or (415) 776-1999.

* Just in time for the holidays, “The Physics of Toys” is an interactive exhibit that demonstrates the science behind toys. Nov. 29 to Jan. 3. Exploratorium, Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St. at Marina Boulevard, (415) 563-7337.

* The San Francisco Symphony presents Handel’s “Messiah” Dec. 20 and 21 at Davies Symphony Hall. $11 to $73. Dec. 31, also at Davies Hall, the Symphony hosts a New Year’s Eve “Night in Old Vienna” with waltzes, bonbons, operettas, dancing and champagne. $70 to $110. (415) 864-6000.

* “Rhapsodies in Black: Art of the Harlem Renaissance” opens Jan. 17 at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th Avenue and Clement Street, (415) 750-3600. Ends March 15.

* The San Francisco Opera closes out its first season in the restored War Memorial Opera House with Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” with performances Saturday, Nov. 25, 28 and 29 and Dec. 2, 5 and 7. War Memorial Opera House, (415) 861-4008.

* The American Conservatory Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 3-28. 415 Geary St., (415) 749-2ACT.