THEATRE
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Through Dec. 31. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a wonderful, whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book of the same name. Back for its 14th year, the family favorite features the songs “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day” and the delightful carol “Fah Who Doraze,” 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. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.23.GLOBE. www.oldglobe.org
Some Lovers
Through Dec. 31. Tony Award winner Steven Sater, of Spring Awakening fame, joins forces with music legend Burt Bacharach for a world premiere musical inspired by the classic O. Henry tale “The Gift of the Magi.” On Christmas Eve, estranged lovers Molly and Ben are haunted by visions from long ago. Over the course of one unforgettable night, past and present collide, and the ghosts of their former selves help them find forgiveness and fall in love again. This modern love story contains strong language. White Theatre at the Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park, 619.23.GLOBE. www.oldglobe.org
Festival of Christmas
Dec. 2-30. Come celebrate the tradition that’s different every year. Lamb’s Players annual Festival of Christmas is an unforgettable and a heart-warming story with holiday music that embraces the truly important themes of the season. Now in it’s 34th year, the Festival of Christmas is a bit different each performance. Discover the tradition thousands of Southern California families know and love. Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Ave, Coronado. (619) 437-6000. www.lambsplayers.org
FESTIVALS
San Diego Holiday Art Festival
Dec. 2-4. Looking for an alternative to shopping for holiday gifts at the mall? Check out the Holiday Art Festival and shop the holiday collections of more than 200 local vendors, artists and craftsmen. Watch the artists at work, including glassblowing demonstrations. The festival is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., 858.792.4235. www.holidayartfestival.com
Little Italy Christmas Village
Dec. 3. Kick off the holiday season with Little Italy’s annual Christmas Village event. Enjoy this traditional Christmas celebration with a classic tree lighting, local leadership recognition, complimentary cider and cookies, an array of Little Italy merchants selling handmade and artisan gifts, a special visitor from the North Pole, and snow. This 12th annual event is free to the public. Christmas village opens at 4:00 p.m. and the tree lighting ceremony will take place around 6:30 p.m. Piazza Natale on the corner of W. Date and India Streets. www.littleitalysd.com/events/little-italy-tree-lighting
December Nights
December 2-3. Gather together with friends and family to spread holiday joy and kick-off the most wonderful time of the year. Participating Balboa Park museums will open their doors free of charge from 5-9 p.m. each night. Watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food, and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer with special events like the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages, the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California and unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village. Friday 5-10 p.m., and Saturday noon-10 p.m. Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego. www.balboapark.org/decembernights
Holiday of Lights
Through Jan. 1. Enjoy the magic of hundreds of holiday scenes, formed in thousands of twinkling lights all from the comfort of your own car. See the amazing wonderland as you drive slowly around the Del Mar Racetrack. Every Friday through Dec. 16, you can also take a holiday hayride and enjoy the lights from an open-air haywagon. Because of safety concerns, motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles are not permitted to tour Holiday of Lights. Prices start at $14 per car. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., 858-755-1161. www.holidayoflights.com
DANCE
Riverdance
Dec. 2-4. Experience the dance phenomenon as the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe lands in San Diego. This two-hour show is filled with incredible performances that will leave you awestruck. Tickets start at $20. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Avenue, San Diego. 619.570.1100. www.sandiegotheatres.org
MUSIC
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Presents Yule Tube
Dec. 3-4. Ring in the holiday cheer with everything that’s great about the holidays. Hear the beautiful, traditional music of the season and new takes on holiday tunes from today’s hottest artists performed live by your favorite collection of Santa’s helpers. This lively production includes dancers and a few surprises, making it a holiday must-see it’s another holiday hit! Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. 877.296.7664. www.sdgmc.org
PARADES
Coronado Holiday Parade
Dec. 2. You know you’re in Coronado when Santa arrives by ferry! A festive parade follows Santa’s arrival and merchants will keep their doors open late for shopping. Santa will light the central 75-foot star pine Christmas tree as the community band plays holiday music. The evening will finish with a festive firework display over Glorietta Bay. Santa arrives at the Coronado Ferry landing at 3:20 p.m. www.coronadovisitorcenter.com/CVC/AnnualEvents.html