The Holidays Take Center Stage
As fall turns to winter, we’re setting our sights on holiday fun – San Diego-style. San Diego's arts and culture groups offer dozens of holiday-themed activities and events that celebrate all San Diego has to offer during November and December.
Theater
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
When: Nov. 5 - Dec. 31, 2025
Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
A Christmas Carol
When: Nov. 26 - Dec. 28, 2025
Cygnet Theatre continues its beloved, long-running tradition of staging the timeless holiday classic about Ebenezer Scrooge and the meaning of Christmas, with sumptuous visuals and plenty of music of the season.
Lamb's Festival of Christmas
When: Dec. 3-28, 2025
The renowned Coronado theater troupe celebrates the holidays with a festive, music-filled production featuring songs of the season and a brand-new script from longtime company principal Kerry Meads.
Ebenezer Scrooge's BIG San Diego Christmas Show
When: Nov. 21 - Dec. 28, 2025
The Old Globe stages a reprise of its holiday comedy hit, based on Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" but steeped in San Diego legends and lore.
A Christmas Carol
When: Dec. 12-20, 2025
A festive tradition of the Julian stage. You'll be drawn into Dickens' supernatural Victorian world of Christmas ghosts, redemption and love.
Music and Dance
Noel Noel at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
When: Dec. 19-21, 2025
Experience the San Diego Symphony's holiday tradition, "Noel Noel," at the stunning Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on San Diego's Embarcadero. Featuring such musical favorites as "I'll be Home for Christmas, "Silent Night" and "Sleigh Ride," the evening will be full of Christmas classics, singalongs, holiday cheer and jolly spirit.
Coronado Playhouse Holiday Cabaret
When: Dec. 19-21, 2025
Join the Coronado Playhouse as the theater celebrates the holidays with songs that will warm your heart, including old favorites and fun singalongs.
City Ballet's The Nutcracker
When: Dec. 20-23, 2025
A magical theatrical experience for the family, as City Ballet, one of San Diego's premier ballet companies presents the holiday classic at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
Special Events
Jingle Terrace Nights
When: Dec. 5-21, 2025
The City of Vista and the Moonlight Amphitheatre's Jingle Terrace Nights features holiday light shows and activities for all ages. Admission and all activities are free!
Winter Wonderland Festival
When: Dec. 6-7, 2025
Join the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, for a weekend of winter magic at the annual Winter Wonderland, where the North Pole is brought to the heart of Escondido for this special holiday event.