Holiday Theatrical Happenings 2024
By Berto Fernández
There are very few places in the United States that can proudly call themselves perfect Holiday destinations. San Diego is on that short list of cities that offer beautiful weather year-round, stunning coasts, award winning cuisine, and endless activities for everyone to enjoy.
Our vibrant Theatre scene brings diverse entertainment to the table with some fantastic productions that are sure to please Theatre lovers of any age. The Word has selected ten shows or concerts to enjoy and feel the spirit of the season.
1) Your Local Theatre Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again – La Jolla Playhouse
November 19, 2024 – December 15, 2024
Playwright Anna Ouyang Moench, known for her screenwriting in award winning tv shows like Severance and Beef,brings us a hilarious take on a Holiday show that is a self-proclaimed love story to actors. Featuring the journey of a fresh out of Juilliard young actor performing in a regional production of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Eddie continues being cast in the show year after year but his experience changes as he ages through the male roles in the play.
2) How The Grinch Stole Christmas! – Old Globe Theatre
November 6, 2024 – December 31,2024
https://www.theoldglobe.org/Grinch2024
The San Diego tradition comes back for its 27th year of magic! Follow the infamous Grinch and his plot to take the ever-so-jolly Whos down a peg and finally steal Christmas. This Musical Theatre spectacular will steal hearts of all audiences, from the tall to the small.
3) Winter Wonderettes- San Diego Musical Theatre
November 29, 2024 – December 29, 2024
This campy and cheerful show is a Holiday adaptation of the popular Roger Bean musical The Marvelous Wonderettes, which follows a four member 60’s girl group, and their adventures. In this seasonal version, the girls find themselves singing at a Holiday Party, and they discover that Santa is missing. They of course use their vocals, wit, and creativity to save the party. The jukebox musical features Holiday classics like “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland”.
4) R•E•S•P•E•C•T•F•U•L•L•Y Christmas – Lamb’s Players
November 26, 2024- December 29, 2024
https://www.lambsplayers.org/christmas-2024
The widely popular Christmas revue show returns to Lamb’s for a second year after a sold out run in 2023. Join the cast of 14 singers, actors, and musicians, as they celebrate Christmas through classic songs and carols. I would suggest driving over the bridge to Coronado, enjoying an early dinner at one of the many restaurants on the island, and then head over to the show for a fabulous time.
5) December Nights – Balboa Park
December 6 & 7, 2024
https://www.sandiego.gov/december-nights
December Nights at Balboa Park has become an institution, and the mark of the beginning of the Holiday season, for many San Diegans. This is the city’s largest free holiday festival, which features lights, concerts, local vendors, and varied food and drink stations for the whole family to enjoy. I would suggest using a share ride service to avoid traffic and very limited parking in the area.
6) A Christmas Carol – Cygnet Theatre
November 29, 2024 – December 24, 2024
The Charles Dickens classic has been produced by numerous theatres time after time, but Cygnet’s version has a deeply powerful darkness to it, making it one of my favorites. This will be the last time the company will present the beloved show in their current space in Old Town, as they transition to inaugurate their new state of the art facility in Liberty Station. Don’t miss it!
7) San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus’ Jingle – Balboa Theatre
December 14 & 15, 2024
Jingle has become a tradition in the San Diego community, and this year, the dazzling Holiday show will take on Big Band. The two-day concert will feature arrangements inspired by Jazz and Bossa Nova legendary artists like Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. As always, the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus will delight audiences with stunning choral sounds, dynamic dance numbers, and fabulous costumes.
8) Jingle Terrace Live 2024: SoCal Holiday Splash! – Moonlight Amphitheatre
December 6, 2024 – December 21, 2024
https://www.moonlightstage.com/events-tickets/jingle-terrace-live
If you are in the mood to see some Christmas lights, listen to some cheerful music while enjoying some hot chocolate and comfort food with friends and family, look no further. The City of Vista hosts this family friendly yearly free event at the historic Moonlight Amphitheatre. This is a great option if you want to take some fantastically festive photos and videos to share on your socials.
9) Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play – New Village Arts
November 22, 2024 – December 24, 2024
https://newvillagearts.org/miracle-34-street
This musical adaptation of the beloved classic Miracle on 34th Street makes its way to New Village Arts this Holiday Season. The plot follows Doris Parker, who works at popular department store Macy’s, and her desperate search for a new store Santa. Through jolly carols, fun characters, and the magical belief from her six-year-old daughter, Doris discovers the true reason for the season.
10) La Pastorela – Teatro Máscara Mágica December 11, 2024 – December 21, 2024
https://www.teatromascaramagica.org
Another Theatrical Holiday tradition returns to San Diego with this series of traditional Mexican Christmas stories adapted for the stage. Usually, these stories blend the traditional Nativity story with cultural references about current happenings in the Mexican and Latine culture. Teatro Máscara Mágica produces the event at the Salón Cultural Center in San Ysidro, which promises to touch families and bring them together for the season.