Illustration of two toy nutcrackers and a snowman on a small stage with red curtains and tiny trees, watched by an audience (Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
Christmas Shows

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Audiences watch the classic Dr. Seuss tale come to life as the stage transforms into a snow-covered Who-ville, complete with cans of Who-hash. The family musical features classic holiday numbers such as “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze).” The performance runs for one hour and 20 minutes with no intermission.

Nov 4 – Dec 31, 2026 3+

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Free lap tickets may be requested for children under three at 10:30 a.m. performances only, subject to the stated seating conditions.

Hours

10:30 a.m. All-Ages performances; ASL-interpreted performances Friday, November 13 and Friday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.; sensory-friendly performance Saturday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m.; open-caption performance Saturday, November 28 at 2:00 p.m.

Neighborhood

Balboa Park

Accessibility

ASL-interpreted, open-caption and sensory-friendly performances are scheduled on select dates.

Location

Old Globe Theatre · 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Whimsical and festive

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Bring children under three only to the morning All-Ages performances, and call Ticket Services ahead to request their free lap ticket.
  • Buy a ticket for every person at afternoon and evening shows, since each attendee needs a ticket for their own seat to get in.
  • Plan on one hour and 20 minutes with no intermission, so handle restroom breaks before the show starts.
  • Choose the sensory-friendly performance on December 12, or the ASL-interpreted or open-caption dates, if your group needs those accommodations.
  • Book the Sunday, November 8 performance and stay for the free Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Copley Plaza that evening.

Special Events & Promotions

  • ASL-interpreted performances on Friday, November 13 and Friday, December 11.
  • Open-caption performance on Saturday, November 28.
  • Sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, December 12.
  • Spanish-language production ¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad! for four performances only, November 19–22.
  • Free Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Copley Plaza on Sunday, November 8.

Links & Contact

Run by The Old Globe

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages is the show for?

It's for ages 3 and up. Children under three are admitted only to the morning All-Ages performances. Kids 12 and under must come with an adult and sit with them.

Can my baby sit on my lap?

Only at the morning All-Ages performances. A child under three can get a free lap ticket if they sit on a parent's or guardian's lap. Request lap tickets from the Ticket Services Department. Every audience member, including babies, needs a ticket.

How long is the show?

It runs one hour and 20 minutes with no intermission.

Are there accessible performances?

Yes. ASL-interpreted performances are on Friday, November 13 and Friday, December 11. The open-caption performance is on Saturday, November 28, and the sensory-friendly performance is on Saturday, December 12.

Is there a Spanish-language version?

Yes. A fully produced Spanish-language production, ¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad!, plays four performances only, November 19–22.

Browse Christmas in San Diego

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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