The holidays are all about traditions. San Diego has many of its own with musicals and plays coming back year after year and beloved by local audiences. Here\u2019s a roundup of 20 holiday-themed theater, opera, comedy and other stage events playing throughout San Diego County this fall, listed in alphabetical order.<\/p>\n
![\"Cast](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-amahl.jpg\")
Cast members of Genesis Opera Theatre\u2019s 2022 production of \u201cAmahl and the Night Visitors,\u201d a one-act opera about a poor boy\u2019s encounter with the wise kings of Bethlehem. (Genesis Opera Theatre)
\n\u2018Amahl and the Night Visitors\u2019<\/p>\n
Genesis Opera Theatre presents Gian-Carlo Menotti\u2019s 1951 one-act, English-language Christmas opera inspired by the story of a poor disabled boy who meets three wise kings on their way to meet the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The production is directed by Cynthia Leigh with musical direction by Abraham Fabella. 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20; 3 p.m. Dec. 21. Trinity Episcopal Church, 845 Chestnut St., Escondido. $30.95-$41.95. genesisoperatheatre.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018The Best Christmas Pageant Ever\u2019<\/p>\n Patio Playhouse Community Theatre presents this heartwarming holiday tale about how a community comes together for a holiday Christmas play. 1 and 6 p.m. today; 7 p.m. Friday; 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday. 201 E. Grand Ave., Suite 1D, Escondido. $17.82-$28.22. 760-746-6669, patioplayhouse.com<\/a><\/p>\n CAT Christmas Story<\/p>\n Community Actors Theatre presents its annual holiday children\u2019s program. Written and directed by Marvell Bryant and Kimberly Coburn, it\u2019s a drama featuring actors ages 7 to 15 learning how the spirit of Christmas season is about honesty, faith and teamwork.\u00a07 p.m. Dec. 11-13; 3 p.m. Dec. 14. 2957 54th St., San Diego. $10. 619-581-2634. communityactorstheatre.com<\/a><\/p>\n Cygnet Theatre will present its 10th anniversary production of Dickens\u2019 redemptive holiday tale, this time with Patrick McBride taking over the role of the miserly Victorian money-lender Ebenezer Scrooge, at the company new home theater, The Joan. Charles Dickens\u2019 holiday novella was adapted for the stage and directed by Cygnet artistic director Sean Murray, with lyrics by Murray and original music by Billy Thompson. It features sing-along Christmas carols, puppetry, humor, dancing and special effects.\u00a0 Runs Nov. 26 through Dec. 24. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Joseph Clayes III Theater, The Joan. $73. 619-337-1525. cygnettheatre.com<\/a><\/p>\n San Diego Musical Theatre brings back this holiday musical adaptation of the beloved 1983 film about Ralphie, a precocious boy in 1940 Indiana who dreams of getting a a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. This will be the second time the company will produce the popular show. Opens Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 28. 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. SDMT Stage, 4650 Mercury St., San Diego. $30-$75. 858-560-5740, sdmt.org<\/a><\/p>\n The Old Globe will present a concert presentation of this world premiere Spanish-language translation of its annual production of \u201cDr. Seuss\u2019s How the Grinch Stole Christmas\u201d musical. It\u2019s based on a 1957 children\u2019s book by the late La Jolla author Theodor \u201cDr. Seuss\u201d Geisel, the musical by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin.. This production features a translation and stage adaptation by Katya Mar\u00eda Ojeda Iturbide\u00a0and\u00a0Luis Gerardo Villegas and will feature Spanish-speaking actors and a full orchestra.\u00a0 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $28-$34. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org<\/a><\/p>\n Coronado Playhouse Holiday Cabaret<\/p>\n Coronado Playhouse presents its annual holiday concert featuring sing-along favorites, directed by Desha Crownover Suited for all ages. 7 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20. 2 p.m. Dec. 21. 1835 Strand Way, Coronado. $14-$24. 619-435-4856, coronadoplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Cygnet\u2019s A Magical Holiday Celebration!\u2019<\/p>\n Cygnet Theatre\u2019s education and outreach director Carlos Mendoza presents this holiday song-and-dance show for all ages at Cygnet Theatre\u2019s new home, The Joan. Inspired by the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, the high-energy show will feature performances of songs including \u201cAll I Want for Christmas is You,\u201d \u201cFeliz Navidad\u201d and \u201cRockin\u2019 Around the Christmas Tree.\u201d Runs Dec. 10 through 28. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Dottie Studio Theatre, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District, Liberty Station, San Diego. $83. 619-337-1525, cygnettheatre.org<\/a><\/p>\n Dickens Unscripted<\/p>\n North Coast Repertory Theatre hosts L.A.\u2019s Impro Theatre production of Charles Dickens\u2019 \u201cA Christmas Carol.\u201d A small cast of improvisational actors will perform all the parts in their twist on the classic with audience interaction. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2. North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Plaza, Solana Beach. $42.50-$47.50. northcoastrep.org<\/a><\/p>\n The Old Globe\u2019s 28th annual production of this holiday classic will once again star Andrew Polec, who returns for his fifth year in the title role, with a nearly all-new cast of principal actors as the grown-up citizens of Whoville. Based on a 1957 children\u2019s book by the late La Jolla author Theodor \u201cDr. Seuss\u201d Geisel, the musical by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin premiered in 1994 at a children\u2019s theater in Minneapolis. In 1998, it moved to the Old Globe, where artistic director Jack O\u2019Brien worked with Geisel\u2019s widow, Audrey Geisel, to add music from the famous 1966 animated TV version and a storybook-come-to-life scenic and costume design. It\u2019s been an annual tradition ever since. Now playing through Dec. 31. Showtimes vary, but mostly 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $51 and up. 619-234-5623. theoldglobe.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018A Drag Queen Christmas\u2019<\/p>\n Murray & Peter presents this 11th anniversary tour hosted by Nina West. Some of the rotating cast members takin gpart in this holiday spectacular are Lexi Love, Shea Coulee, Jewels Sparkles, Crystal Methyd, Suzie Toot, Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Lydia B. Kollins. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $49.50 and up. sandiegotheatres.org<\/a><\/p>\n The Old Globe brings back its fast-paced comedic take on Charles Dickens\u2019 \u201cA Christmas Carol,\u201d which was first presented at the Globe in 2019. Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, it\u2019s an adaptation of Charles Dickens\u2019 classic Victorian novella about miserly Ebenezer Scrooge\u2019s Christmas morning redemption, re-set in San Diego with music, comedy and all of the time-traveling ghosts and other characters for which the story is known. Previews, Friday through Nov. 24. Opens No. 25 and runs through Dec. 28. Show times vary but generally 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, San Diego. $70 and up. 619-234-5623, theoldglobe.org<\/a><\/p>\n Over the past 47 years, Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre\u2019s associate artistic director Kerry Meads has written dozens of original holiday plays with music under the collective title \u201cFestival of Christmas.\u201d This year\u2019s all-new script, \u201cLet it Be Christmas,\u201d will feature a cast of 11 Lamb\u2019s veteran performers presenting a mix of Christmas stories in the styles of Shakespeare, Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, as well as a mix of sacred, secular, classics and pop songs and music. Opens Dec. 3 and runs through Dec. 28.\u00a0 7 Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m.Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. $49-$98. 619-437-6000, lambsplayers.org<\/a><\/p>\n Ginger Minj, winner of \u201cRuPaul\u2019s Drag Race All Stars 10, is bringing her holiday show to La Jolla. The event will include campy holiday classic songs, costumes, humor and decor. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, La Jolla. $30-$80. artpower.ucsd.edu\/event\/ginger-minj-holidayspectacular\/<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Giving Season\u2019<\/p>\n Write Out Loud presents an afternoon of live readings of seasonal stories and poetry inspired by the light and joy of the holidays. 7 p.m. Dec. 15.The Dottie Studio Theater, The Joan, 2880 Roosevelt Road, Arts District Liberty Station, San Diego. $10-$25. 619-297-8953, writeoutloud.net<\/a><\/p>\n ArtPower at UC San Diego will present the drag parody \u201cThe Golden Gals Live! A Christmas Musical,\u201d featuring Ginger Minj from \u201cRuPaul\u2019s Drag Race.\u201d 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. Epstein Family Amphitheater, 9480 Innovation Lane, UCSD, La Jolla. $17.50-$80. artpower.ucsd.edu\/event\/the-golden-gals-christmas<\/a>.<\/p>\n Writers, actors, comedians and drag queens Jinkx and DeLa return with their holiday comedy show, featuring spectacle, comedy, storytelling, dance numbers and costumes. 7 p.m. Dec. 18. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $65.30 and up. sandiegotheatres.org<\/a><\/p>\n The eccentric filmmaker of \u201cHairspray\u201d and \u201cPink Flamingos\u201d returns to San Diego with his annual 90-minute solo show filled with Christmas memories, biting satire and comedy, followed by a post-show Q&A. Only bar seating is still available for sale. 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9. Lou Lou\u2019s Jungle Room, the Lafayette Hotel, 2225 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego $90. loulous.turntabletickets.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018La Pastorela: A Shepherd\u2019s Tale\u2019<\/p>\n Teatro M\u00e1scara M\u00e1gica will present Timothy Paul Evans\u2019 37th anniversary pastorela play about the shepherds\u2019 journey to Bethlehem on the first Christmas. The bilingual faith-based play will be performed mostly in English with Christmas carols sung in Spanish in two locations. 7 p.m. Dec. 3-6 at El Salon Cultural Center, 114 W. Hall Ave., San Ysidro. Also at 7 p.m. Dec. 18-23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 20-21 at Southwestern College Performing Arts Center, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. $10-$25. 619-987-5616, tickettailor.com\/events\/teatromscaramgica.<\/a><\/p>\n Broadway San Diego presents this touring cirque-style holiday show with acrobatics and feats of agility, holiday songs, dancing and more. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., downtown. $72 and up. sandiegotheatres.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Mistletoe Melodies\u2019 with Erica Marie!<\/p>\n San Diego musical theater performer Erica Marie Weisz presents her jazz-and-classics holiday cabaret show at two local theaters in December. 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15 at Scripps Ranch Theatre, Legler Benbough Theatre, Alliant International University,9783 Avenue of Nations, San Diego. $25. scrippsranchtheatre.org.<\/a>\u00a0Also at\u00a0 6 p.m. Dec. 18-20. White Family Stage, New Village Arts, 2787 State St., Carlsbad. $28-$33. 760-433-3245, newvillagearts.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Mrs. Claus\u2019 Holiday Hullaba-Two: Holly Jollywood\u2019<\/p>\n Patio Playhouse Community Theatre presents this new Christmas show with a cast of 40 young actors. When a producer plans to film a Netflix-style holiday special at the North Pole, the elves pack their bags for Hollywood. Runs Dec. 4 through 14. 7 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 201 E. Grand Ave., Suite 1D, Escondido. $12.62-$17.82. 760-746-6669, patioplayhouse.com<\/a><\/p>\n The now-grown-up star of the beloved 1990 Christmas movie \u201cHome Alone,\u201d Macauley Culkin, will be the featured guest at a 35th anniversary screening of the John Hughes film, followed by an onstage Q&A where he will take a deep dive into his experiences of making of the heartwarming comedy. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $60.20-$295. sandiegotheatres.org\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cStubby Pringle\u2019s Christmas\u201d<\/p>\n Trinity Theatre Company\u2019s Playwrights Saloon presents a reading of Jack Schaefer\u2019s cowboy Christmas musical play about a young\u00a0 wrangler with a big heart who makes an unforgettable Christmas Eve ride. 7 p.m. Dec. 9. Trinity Theatre, Mission Valley shopping center, 1640 Camino Del Rio North, Suite 129, San Diego. Pay what you can tickets start at $10. trinityttc.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The holidays are all about traditions. San Diego has many of its own with musicals and plays coming…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":55713,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[7,967,181,74,84,76,75,1058,420],"class_list":{"0":"post-55712","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-san-diego","8":"tag-california","9":"tag-entertainment","10":"tag-latest-headlines","11":"tag-san-diego","12":"tag-san-diego-county","13":"tag-san-diego-headlines","14":"tag-san-diego-news","15":"tag-theater","16":"tag-things-to-do"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55712","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55712"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55712\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-cygnet-carol-01.jpg\")
A scene from Cygnet Theatre\u2019s \u201cA Christmas Carol,\u201d which makes its debut at The Joan on Nov. 26. (Karli Cadel)
\n\u00a0\u2018A Christmas Carol\u2019<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-sdmt-christmasstory-01.jpg\")
The cast of San Diego Musical Theatre\u2019s \u201cA Christmas Story\u201d musical, from left, Shayan Naderi as Randy, Andrew Gorman as Ralphie, Adam Cooley as the Old Man and Meghan O\u2019Brien Lowery as Mother.\u201d (Julie Licari)
\n\u2018A Christmas Story\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Andrew](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-grinch-espanol-01.jpg\")
Andrew Polec as the Grinch in the Old Globe\u2019s 2024 production of \u201cDr. Seuss\u2019s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!\u201d musical. A new Spanish-language version of the musical will premiere in November in a concert-style staged reading at the Globe. (Rich Soublet II)
\n\u2018\u00a1C\u00f3mo el Grinch rob\u00f3 la Navidad!\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Andrew](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-grinch.jpg\")
Andrew Polec, center, returns for his fifth year in the title role of The Old Globe\u2019s \u201cDr. Seuss\u2019s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!\u201d musical. (Rich Soublet II)
\n\u2018Dr. Seuss\u2019s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Josh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-ebenezer.jpg\")
Josh Breckenridge as Bob Cratchit,left, Dan Rosales as Tiny Tim, and Jacque Wilke as Mrs. Cratchit in a scene from the 2023 staging of The Old Globe\u2019s \u201cEbenezer Scrooge\u2019s BIG San Diego Christmas Show.\u201d (Rich Soublet II)
\n\u2018Ebenezer Scrooge\u2019s BIG San Diego Christmas Show\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Lamb's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-festivalofchristmas-01.jpg\")
Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre in Coronado will bring back its long-running \u201cFestival of Christmas\u201d series of holiday musical plays with an all-new script on Dec. 3. (Lamb\u2019s Players Theatre)
\n\u2018Festival of Christmas: Let it Be Christmas\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Ginger](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-gingerminj.jpg\")
Ginger Minj, winner of \u201cRuPaul\u2019s Drag Race All Stars 10, brings her holiday show to La Jolla Dec. 5 and 6. (Magnus Hastings)
\nGinger Minj\u2019s Holiday Spectacular<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-goldengals.jpg\")
The drag parody \u201cThe Golden Gals Live! A Christmas Musical,\u201d featuring Ginger Minj from \u201cRuPaul\u2019s Drag Race,\u201d will be performed Dec. 5 and 6 at the Epstein Family Amphitheatre at UCSD in La Jolla. (CeeJay Russell)
\n\u2018The Golden Gals Live! A Christmas Musical\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Writers,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-jinkx2.jpg\")
Writers, actors, comedians and drag queens Jinkx and DeLa will present \u201cThe Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show\u201d on Dec. 18 at the Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego. (Mettie Ostrowski)
\n\u2018The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Filmmaker](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-holiday-johnwaters.jpg\")
Filmmaker John Waters brings his annual \u201cA John Waters Christmas\u201d solo comedy show to Lou Lou\u2019s Jungle Room at the Lafayette Hotel in San Diego on Dec. 8 and 9. (John Waters)
\n\u2018A John Waters Christmas\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Broadway](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-l-stage-magicalcirque-01.jpg\")
Broadway San Diego will persent the touring circus theater show \u201cA Magical Cirque Christmas\u201d on Dec. 28 at the Balboa Theatre. (A Magical Cirque Christmas)
\n\u2018A Magical Cirque Christmas\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Macauley](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/sut-z-movies-homealone.jpg\")
Macauley Culkin in the 1990 John Hughes film \u201cHome Alone.\u201d Culkin, now 45, will reminisce on the making of the film at a 35th anniversary screening Nov. 25 at the San Diego Civic Theatre. NBC
\n\u201cA Nostalgic Night with Macauley Culkin\u201d<\/p>\n