by Kristen Nevarez Schweizer
November 21, 2025
San Diego likes to flex our fair-weather holiday season with palm-tree light displays, picnic performances of carols under the stars, and bay-side parades. Since there are more productions of The Nutcracker than there are Trader Joe’s parking spots after 5 p.m, I created a guide of the city’s highest caliber Christmas shows.
Noel Noel — San Diego Symphony at The Rady Shell
Dec 19–21, 2025
Christmas classics and community choruses under the skyline. Festive, cinematic, and perfect for that one friend who insists on singing harmonies. Freebie tip: arrive early to claim a coveted spot on the grass outside for a free concert!
The Nutcracker — San Diego Civic Theatre
Dec 12–21, 2025
The ultimate holiday ballet: giant sets, iconic score, and the annual check-in on how old you are based on whether you relate more to Clara or to the parents at the party. Avoid the parking hassle by taking the trolley, which lets off nearby.
Holiday Cabaret 2025 — Coronado Playhouse
Dec 19–21, 2025
Cozy, community-stage cabaret with sing-along energy and hometown-holiday warmth. Hot cocoa vibes, literal stage. You can make an evening out of it by adding oceanside ice skating at the Hotel Del in the same neighborhood.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas — Civic Theatre
Nov 21 & 22, 2025
A nostalgia time-capsule of synth-pop symphonic holiday music. Like a mall soundtrack but emotionally profound. Consider using apps like SpotHero to book a guaranteed parking space near the theatre in advance.
Emmanuel Christmas — Nathan Pacheco + San Diego Saints Choir
Dec 13, 2025
A faith-centered, classically arranged Christmas concert with powerhouse vocals. Bring your church friends and your classical-music friends. It’s an affordable alternative to a Civic concert, while still giving you a soloist who can hit the high note of Mary, Did You Know?
The Holiday In Concert — San Diego Symphony
Dec 12, 2025
My personal favorite Christmas Rom-Com movie The Holiday screened with a live orchestra. Peak cozy romance energy meets actual musicians who practiced. MAY I REPEAT: the grass around the space is open, so you can see and hear this event for free if you are willing to arrive early and bring your own lawn chair.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
Dec 28, 2025
Acrobatics, comedy, and holiday music for people who like spectacle more than narrative (deep respect). Also, this one has a matinee performance which is a little cheaper and easier to park during!
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! — The Old Globe
Nov 5–Dec 31, 2025
A San Diego holiday staple. Whimsical, family-friendly, and a refreshing break from seasonal cynicism. It’s Andrew Polec’s fifth year starring as The Grinch, and he’s better than ever! The famous Who Tree in the plaza outside the theater is the perfect Christmas Card background.
