SAN DIEGO, CA — The Old Globe Theatre, one of the nation’s most celebrated regional theaters, has announced the return of two of San Diego’s most beloved holiday traditions. This year, audiences will once again experience the magic of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and the hilarious parody Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show. Together, these productions promise to transform Balboa Park into a festive hub of joy, laughter, and timeless holiday spirit.
Running from November 5 through December 31, 2025, The Grinch marks its 28th annual production, continuing a legacy that has become synonymous with the holidays in San Diego. Headlining once more is award-winning actor Andrew Polec, whose dynamic performance as the iconic green mischief-maker has captivated audiences for five consecutive years. The production officially opens on Sunday, November 9, with the full cast and creative team to be announced in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show—a witty, localized twist on Dickens’s classic tale—will return to the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre from November 21 through December 28, 2025, with opening night on Tuesday, November 25. The production brings humor, heart, and a uniquely San Diego flair to one of literature’s most enduring holiday stories.
A Holiday Tradition Reimagined for All Audiences
Adding to the excitement, The Old Globe will debut a groundbreaking event: a Spanish-language concert presentation of ¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad! on November 21 and 22, 2025. Performed with orchestra, music stands, and visual staging, this one-of-a-kind adaptation will welcome Spanish-speaking audiences to join the holiday celebration, expanding the Globe’s cultural reach while honoring Dr. Seuss’s universal message of kindness and togetherness.
“The holidays are a time of festivity, family, and generosity, and this year the Globe is bringing a bounty of all of these to San Diego,” said Barry Edelstein, Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director of The Old Globe. “The cornerstone of our programming, The Grinch, returns for its 28th year with the brilliant Andrew Polec at the center of it all. For the first time, we are thrilled to present a Spanish-language concert version, opening our doors to even more families. Alongside the comic genius of Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show and our annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, this season offers something extraordinary for everyone.”
Ticket Sales and Priority Access
Tickets are expected to be in high demand. Subscriber and donor pre-sale access for both productions will begin on September 3 at noon. Tickets for the general public will be available starting September 17 online at TheOldGlobe.org, followed by phone and in-person sales on September 20 at The Old Globe’s box office in Balboa Park. Tickets for ¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad! will go on sale September 24, 2025.
The Legacy of The Grinch
Since its debut, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! has become a cultural cornerstone in Southern California. Featuring lyrics by Timothy Mason, music by Mel Marvin, and choreography by John DeLuca, the whimsical production captures the heart of Dr. Seuss’s beloved story. Audiences can expect to hear classics like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze)”, alongside enchanting stage transformations that turn the Globe’s Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage into the snow-covered town of Who-ville.
Supported by the vision of legendary director Jack O’Brien and crafted with contributions from Dr. Seuss Enterprises, this production has not only delighted San Diego audiences but has also influenced holiday theatre programming nationwide.
Scrooge With a San Diego Twist
Returning for its sixth season, Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show blends Dickensian tradition with local humor. Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, the play keeps the classic structure of A Christmas Carol—complete with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future—but layers in comedy, music, and references that resonate uniquely with San Diego audiences. The result is a performance that entertains multi-generational families while reigniting the timeless theme of redemption and generosity.
A Community Celebration
In addition to its stage productions, The Old Globe will once again host its 20th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. on Copley Plaza. Free and open to the public, this beloved tradition officially launches the holiday season in Balboa Park, creating a memorable evening for families and visitors alike.
Commitment to Arts and Culture
For The Old Globe, the holiday season represents more than entertainment—it reflects its mission to connect with the community through inclusive programming and cultural engagement. The introduction of ¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad! highlights the theatre’s dedication to accessibility and representation, while its annual productions draw more than 250,000 attendees every year, reinforcing its role as San Diego’s flagship cultural institution.
The theatre’s programs receive significant support from sponsors including George C. Guerra, Jerri-Ann and Gary Jacobs, Viasat, The Donna Van Eekeren Foundation, and Show Imaging, alongside funding from the City of San Diego and the Theodor and Audrey Geisel Fund.
The Old Globe: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1935 and recipient of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, The Old Globe has produced over 90 years of theatrical excellence. From Shakespearean classics to groundbreaking premieres—including The Full Monty, Bright Star, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder—the Globe has served as a launchpad for productions that later enjoyed Broadway acclaim. Its impact extends far beyond the stage, with nationally recognized arts engagement programs and the Old Globe/University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program shaping the next generation of performers and storytellers.
As The Old Globe prepares to welcome audiences for another holiday season, the message is clear: this year’s programming is bigger, bolder, and more inclusive than ever. With the mischievous charm of The Grinch, the comedic reinvention of Scrooge, and the historic debut of a Spanish-language concert presentation, San Diego’s holiday season is poised to be unforgettable.
Tickets and additional information are available at TheOldGlobe.org.