San Diego's holiday entertainment features performances across the city's cultural venues. From Nutcracker ballet at the Civic Theatre to symphony concerts at Copley Symphony Hall and festive shows at the Old Globe Theatre, America's Finest City offers spectacular seasonal performances. Enjoy professional theater, holiday concerts, and family-friendly productions throughout San Diego County.
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 2025
Location: San Diego
Dates: November 5 – December 31, 2025
Cost: $$
The Old Globe Theatre presents the beloved musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic holiday tale, celebrating its 28th year. This performance features iconic songs such as 'Santa for a Day' and 'Welcome, Christmas', bringing the whimsical world of Whoville to life with vibrant costumes and festive decorations. Special events include a concert presentation of ' omo el Grinch rob la Navidad!' on November 21 and 22, 2025, and a sensory-friendly performance on December 13, 2025.
Venue: The Old Globe Theatre
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101-1696
Phone: (619) 234-5623
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- The beloved musical adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic holiday tale returns for its 28th year.
- Features iconic songs including 'Santa for a Day' and 'Welcome, Christmas'.
- Experience the classic Dr. Seuss story brought to life with beloved songs like 'You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch'.
A Christmas Carol at Cygnet Theatre
Location: San Diego
Dates: November 26 – December 28, 2025
Cost: $$
Cygnet Theatre presents a fresh reimagining of the timeless holiday classic 'A Christmas Carol', featuring captivating storytelling and a unique twist that enhances the traditional narrative. Audiences will experience the familiar tale of redemption and holiday cheer brought to life in a visually stunning performance, making it a cherished holiday tradition. This production aims to create an engaging and magical atmosphere for all attendees.
Venue: Cygnet Theatre
Address: 2880 Roosevelt Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: 619-337-1525
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- A fresh, reimagined production of the timeless holiday classic, 'A Christmas Carol'.
- A captivating storytelling experience with festive magic and holiday cheer.
- The perfect way to celebrate the season and embrace the enduring spirit of the holidays.
Noel Noel at The Rady Shell
Location: San Diego
Dates: 2025-12-192025-12-202025-12-21
Noel Noel at The Rady Shell is the San Diego Symphony's holiday tradition featuring favorite songs, Christmas classics, sing-alongs, and holiday cheer. The concert includes performances by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Master Chorale, and San Diego Children's Choir.
Venue: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Address: 1200 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Favorite holiday songs and Christmas classics
- Sing-alongs and holiday cheer
- Performances by San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Master Chorale, and Children's Choir
Media:
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Location: Downtown San Diego
Dates: November 21 & 22, 2025
Cost: $52 - $146
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas is an annual holiday concert featuring Grammy Award winner Chip Davis and the Mannheim Steamroller ensemble performing classic Christmas music with dazzling multimedia effects at the San Diego Civic Theatre.
Venue: San Diego Civic Theatre
Address: 1100 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 570-1100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Live performance by Mannheim Steamroller
- Over 20 instruments played by 15 musicians
- Dazzling multimedia holiday effects
Media:
A Christmas Story - San Diego Musical Theatre
Location: San Diego
Dates: November 28 - December 28, 2025
A Christmas Story is a nostalgic musical based on the beloved film, following young Ralphie Parker as he schemes to receive the ultimate Christmas gift—an Official Red Ryder BB gun. The show features showstopping numbers, thrilling tap routines, and plenty of quirky and lovable characters. Filled with humor, heart, and Broadway spectacle, this production is perfect for the whole family.
Venue: SDMT Stage
Address: 4650 Mercury Street, San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: (858) 560-5740
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Showstopping musical numbers
- Thrilling tap routines
- Quirky and lovable characters
Media:
The Nutcracker - City Ballet of San Diego
Location: San Diego
Dates: December 20, 2025December 21, 2025December 22, 2025December 23, 2025
Cost: Tickets from $77 to $190
City Ballet of San Diego presents a magical production of The Nutcracker featuring memorable choreography by Elizabeth Wistrich and live music by the City Ballet Orchestra and Chorus. This festive show, set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score, offers a fresh and elegant take on the classic holiday ballet, suitable for all ages.
Venue: California Center for the Arts - Concert Hall
Address: 340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Voted San Diego's Best Nutcracker
- Live orchestral music by City Ballet Orchestra and Chorus
- Elegant choreography by Elizabeth Wistrich
Media:
A Drag Queen Christmas - Balboa Theatre
Location: San Diego
A Drag Queen Christmas is a lively holiday-themed drag variety show, featuring performances from top contestants from RuPaul's Drag Race. The event brings festive fun, dazzling costumes, and live singing to San Diego during the holiday season.
Venue: Balboa Theatre
Address: 868 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Phone: 619-615-4000
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Performances by RuPaul's Drag Race contestants
- Festive holiday drag numbers and comedy
- Lively audience participation and interactive fun
Media:
A Magical Cirque Christmas - Broadway San Diego
Location: San Diego
Dates: December 28, 2025
Cost: From $73
A Magical Cirque Christmas is a dazzling holiday variety show that captivates audiences of all ages with festive charm, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartwarming magic. This high-flying spectacle showcases extraordinary cirque performers performing gravity-defying acrobatics to a modern soundtrack of beloved Christmas classics.
Highlights:
- World’s most elite cirque performers
- Gravity-defying acrobatics and jaw-dropping feats of strength
- Performances set to a modern soundtrack of Christmas classics
Media:
Fiesta Navidad - Jacobs Music Center
Location: Downtown San Diego
Dates: November 16, 2025
Cost: $35 - $73
Kick off the holiday season with a burst of color, music and dance! Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos brings their Fiesta Navidad to life, joined by the dazzling Ballet Folclórico Chiquina Palafox in a joyful celebration of Mexican holiday traditions.
Venue: Jacobs Music Center
Address: 750 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 235-0804
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos
- Ballet Folclórico Chiquina Palafox performance
- Celebration of Mexican holiday traditions
Media:
Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna - Jacobs Music Center
Location: Downtown San Diego
Dates: November 21, 2025
Cost: $55 and up
The Vienna Boys Choir, an illustrious ensemble of young musicians with a six-century legacy, presents Christmas in Vienna featuring a heartwarming program of Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, and beloved carols. The concert showcases their angelic voices and timeless artistry in an extraordinary holiday celebration.
Venue: Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center
Address: 1245 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Featuring favorites like Salve Regina, Virga Jesse floruit, Ode to Joy, Wiegenlied, O Tannenbaum, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
- Performed by the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir with angelic voices and purity of tone
- A special Christmas program without the San Diego Symphony Orchestra
Media:
Meet the Brass: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas - Jacobs Music Center
Location: Downtown San Diego
The event was not found in the available search results, so no specific details are available about 'Meet the Brass: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas' at the Jacobs Music Center in San Diego for 2025. Please check the official San Diego Symphony website for updates or contact the venue directly for event confirmation.
Venue: Jacobs Music Center
Address: 750 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619.235.0804
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Historic, newly renovated concert hall with state-of-the-art acoustics
- Home of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra
- Accessible location just blocks from the Fifth Avenue Transit Center
Media:
Christmas with the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus - The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Location: Downtown San Diego
Dates: 2025-12-132025-12-14
Christmas with the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus is a festive holiday event featuring joyful performances by the chorus, celebrating diversity and community through music. The event is part of San Diego's vibrant Christmas season, held at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
Venue: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Address: 1200 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Holiday music performances by the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus
- A celebration of community, diversity, and inclusion through song
- Part of San Diego's favorite holiday tradition with vibrant musical storytelling
Media:
Christmas by Candlelight
Location: Balboa Park, San Diego
Dates: December 21, 2025
Cost: From $49.35
A festive concert featuring all your favorite Christmas carols performed by a talented string quartet in an evocative candlelit venue at the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Venue: San Diego Natural History Museum
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- 12 Days of Christmas
- Carol of the Bells
- Silent Night
Media:
Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show
Location: Balboa Park, San Diego
Dates: December 5 - December 28, 2025
Cost: Tickets from $30
A lively and heartwarming theatrical adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic holiday tale, performed at The Old Globe's Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, featuring music, humor, and festive cheer.
Venue: The Old Globe (Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre)
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 234-5623
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Classic Dickens story
- Live musical performances
- Family-friendly holiday entertainment
Media:
Christmas with the San Diego Children’s Choir
Location: San Diego area
Dates: 2025-12-06
The San Diego Children’s Choir presents festive holiday concerts featuring over 300 talented young singers performing beloved classics and cultural favorites. This cherished tradition offers joyful performances perfect for the holiday season.
Venue: First United Methodist Church Mission Valley
Address: 2111 Camino del Rio S., San Diego, CA 92108
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Performances by Preparatory, Youth Chorale, Premier, Chamber, Apprentice, and Intermediate Choirs
- Beloved classics and cultural favorites including 'My Favorite Things' and '12 Days of Christmas'
- Two showtimes to accommodate families and friends
Media:
Holiday Brass at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion - Balboa Park
Location: Balboa Park
Dates: December 5-6, 2025
Cost: Free
A festive event featuring live brass music performances at the iconic Spreckels Organ Pavilion, beautifully decorated with white lights and a living Christmas tree backdrop, offering traditional Christmas songs in a unique outdoor setting.
Highlights:
- Live brass music performances
- Beautifully lit Spreckels Organ Pavilion
- Traditional Christmas carols and songs
Media:
Christmas at the Cathedral - St. Paul’s Cathedral, Bankers Hill
Location: Bankers Hill
Dates: December 24-25, 2025
Cost: Free (donations accepted)
A traditional Christmas celebration held at St. Paul’s Cathedral featuring festive services, choir performances, and community holiday events in a historic cathedral setting.
Venue: St. Paul’s Cathedral
Address: 2728 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 239-8900
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services
- Choral and organ music
- Historic cathedral ambiance
Media:
Holiday Sing-Along at the Maritime Museum - Maritime Museum of San Diego
Location: Downtown San Diego
Dates: December 6, 2025
Cost: Free with museum admission or suggested donation
A festive holiday sing-along event aboard historic ships at the Maritime Museum, featuring classic Christmas carols, live music, and family-friendly activities.
Venue: Maritime Museum of San Diego
Address: 1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 234-9153
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Holiday sing-along with live musicians
- Historic ship setting
- Family-friendly holiday activities
Media:
Old Globe Theatre Holiday Performances and Lights - Balboa Park, San Diego
Location: Balboa Park, San Diego
Dates: December 5-28, 2025
Cost: Ticket prices vary by performance
Seasonal holiday performances including 'The Nutcracker' and festive light displays at the Old Globe Theatre, a renowned cultural venue in Balboa Park.
Venue: Old Globe Theatre
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 234-5623
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Professional holiday theatrical performances
- Festive light displays in Balboa Park
- Historic theatre setting
Media:
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Holiday Performances and Lights - San Diego
Location: San Diego
Dates: 2025-12-102025-12-112025-12-122025-12-132025-12-142025-12-152025-12-162025-12-172025-12-182025-12-192025-12-202025-12-21
Cost: $27
Celebrate the holiday season with San Diego Civic Youth Ballet's beloved production of The Nutcracker, a festive tradition for audiences of all ages. Journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through a magical world of dancing sweets and enchanting characters.
Venue: Casa del Prado Theater
Address: 1800 Village Place, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-259-0220
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- 80th Anniversary Season of San Diego Civic Youth Ballet
- Full-length production of The Nutcracker with young dancers of all ages
- ADA seating available and special programs for students with disabilities
Media:
Golden State Ballet: The Nutcracker at San Diego Civic Theatre
Location: San Diego
Dates: December 13 and 20, 2025
Cost: $$
Golden State Ballet presents The Nutcracker at San Diego Civic Theatre featuring live music by the San Diego Symphony and acclaimed choreography. This classic production brings Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet to downtown San Diego.
Venue: San Diego Civic Theatre
Address: 1100 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-570-1100
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Live San Diego Symphony performance
- Classic Nutcracker choreography
- Downtown San Diego Civic Theatre
Media:
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet at Jacobs Music Center
Location: San Diego
Dates: December 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Cost: $$
The touring Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet features elaborate sets, costumes, and classical choreography at Jacobs Music Center. This production brings holiday magic to downtown San Diego with professional dancers.
Venue: Jacobs Music Center
Address: 750 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-235-0804
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Touring professional production
- Elaborate sets and costumes
- Jacobs Music Center venue
Ballet Institute of San Diego: The Nutcracker
Location: San Diego
Dates: December 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Cost: $
Ballet Institute of San Diego presents The Nutcracker at Baker-Baum Concert Hall offering a family-friendly performance in an intimate concert hall setting. This local production provides accessible classical ballet for families.
Venue: Baker-Baum Concert Hall, The Conrad
Address: San Diego, CA
Highlights:
- Family-friendly performance
- Intimate concert hall setting
- Affordable local production
San Diego Symphony Holiday Concerts
Location: San Diego
Cost: $$
San Diego Symphony presents holiday concerts at Rady Shell featuring festive music, seasonal favorites, and family sing-alongs. This waterfront venue offers symphonic celebration with bay views and holiday atmosphere.
Venue: Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
Address: 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-235-0804
Website: Visit Website
Highlights:
- Waterfront Rady Shell venue
- Festive symphonic music
- Bay views and holiday atmosphere
Resources
Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in San Diego.