Old Globe Theatre: Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Beloved holiday musical based on the Dr. Seuss classic. A San Diego tradition for more than 25 years.
See website for times
$35–$125
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San Diego Concert Venues
The Old Globe is San Diego's Tony Award-winning regional theater — three stages in the middle of Balboa Park, a summer Shakespeare festival under the stars, and a track record of sending shows to Broadway (more than 20 productions, including Jersey Boys-era transfers). It's the cultural anchor of the park, and a show plus a picnic is one of the best evenings in the city.
Last updated
Quick answer: All Balboa Park parking is free — the Organ Pavilion lot is closest, Inspiration Point lot plus free tram is the reliable overflow. Summer Shakespeare (outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre) is the signature experience: bring a jacket and buy the cushion rental. Tickets $30–$110; under-30 discounts and rush seats cut that dramatically.
1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
1 upcoming event we're tracking. Times and lineups can change — always confirm with the venue before you go.
Beloved holiday musical based on the Dr. Seuss classic. A San Diego tradition for more than 25 years.
See website for times
$35–$125
Confirmed dates at other rooms while The Old Globe's calendar fills in.
Free everywhere in Balboa Park — the only catch is demand on sunny weekends. The Organ Pavilion lot is a 3-minute walk from the theater and the best target. When it's full, Inspiration Point (off Park Blvd) plus the free tram always works. Evening shows rarely have parking problems.
What parking costs
Free
Transit & rideshare
MTS Route 7 on Park Blvd and the Rapid 215 to Park & University are the closest stops — a 10-minute walk into the park. The park is dark at night; stick to the lit paths along El Prado.
Main stage (Old Globe Theatre): center rows E–L — the house is intimate and the thrust configuration means there's no bad center seat.
Sheryl & Harvey White Theatre: it's in the round with 250 seats — everything is close; sit opposite the main entrance for the default 'front.'
Festival Theatre (outdoor): center sections rows C–H. Bring the rental cushion and a jacket regardless of the forecast.
Avoid far-side seats at the White only if you mind watching actors' backs part of the time — it's in the round by design.
Bag policy
Standard theater policy — bags may be checked at the door, no outside food in the indoor theaters. For the outdoor Festival stage, bring blankets and jackets freely; low-backed chairs and picnics have specific area rules.
Food & drink inside
The Globe has pre-show and intermission bars, plus the outdoor pub-style Lady Carolyn's Pub on the plaza — arrive an hour early and have a drink in the sculpture garden. Full restaurant option: The Prado is a 5-minute walk through the park.
All within a short walk or drive of The Old Globe.
The Prado at Balboa Park
The park's landmark restaurant — reserve for pre-theater dinner.
Lady Carolyn's Pub
On the Globe's own plaza. Drinks and light bites steps from your seat.
Panama 66
Beer garden by the Museum of Art, 8-minute walk.
Picnic in the park
The classic move for summer Shakespeare — claim a lawn spot early.
What this room books: World-premiere plays, Shakespeare, musicals (many bound for Broadway), holiday productions.
The summer Shakespeare festival (June–September, outdoor) is the thing to do — buy early for weekend dates.
Under 30? The Globe's discount programs get you in for a fraction of list price. Rush tickets go on sale day-of at the box office.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas runs every November–December and sells out — book in October.
Season subscriptions are the deal if you'd see 3+ shows; single tickets to premieres spike on weekends.
Evening in Balboa Park + show is the full experience. The park's museums close at 5, but the gardens and El Prado are lit and lovely at night.
The Globe runs a year-round season across three stages: world-premiere plays and musicals on the main stage, intimate work in the round at the White Theatre, and the summer Shakespeare festival outdoors. The Grinch anchors the holiday season.
All Balboa Park parking is free. The Organ Pavilion lot is a 3-minute walk and the best option; Inspiration Point plus the free park tram is the reliable overflow. Evening performances rarely have parking issues.
Single tickets typically run $30–$110 depending on the show, seat, and date. Under-30 discounts, rush tickets (day-of at the box office), and season subscriptions bring the cost down significantly.
For the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre (summer Shakespeare), bring a jacket or blanket — Balboa Park gets cold after sunset even in August, and the venue rents seat cushions. Dress is otherwise casual-to-smart; nobody checks.
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Published by the Sandi Spots Editorial team at Sleep Coast LLC. Guides combine local perspective and source research. Check the individual guide for firsthand observations and follow official links to confirm current details.