Christmas is about to feel a whole lot more mischievous in Balboa Park! The Old Globe is unwrapping its 2026 holiday season with the 29th annual production of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, running November 4 through December 31 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage. Once again the theatre will be transformed into a snow-covered Who-ville, right down to the last can of Who-hash, with beloved songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and the joyful “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze).”
This year brings something extra special: for the first time ever, the world premiere of the fully produced Spanish-language version, ¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad!, plays for four performances only, November 19 through 22. The same magic, adapted by Katya María Ojeda Iturbide and Luis Gerardo Villegas — perfect for Spanish-speaking families to enjoy together.
The holiday fun doesn’t stop there. Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show takes the classic Christmas Carol story and drops it into sunny San Diego with a hilarious local twist, November 20 through December 27. And on Sunday, November 8 at 6:00 p.m., the 21st Annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony lights up Copley Plaza, which becomes a full Who-ville wonderland with holiday treats at Lady Carolyn’s Pub and an expanded gift shop.
Bring the whole family and make a night of it — arrive early, stroll the park, and let the Whos remind you what the season is really about.
Photo: The Old Globe
