Holiday Events in Downtown San Diego at the Civic Theatre & Balboa Theatre
The holidays are just around the corner, and both Civic and Balboa Theatre will play host to some of the best holiday shows in San Diego! From Thanksgiving through December, audiences can find a range of festive performances perfect for every age and interest. Highlights include returning favorites like The Nutcracker, festive jazz concerts, and even a silent movie night—a unique holiday experience complete with live organ accompaniment. Whether you're gathering with friends, planning a fun date night in downtown, or creating new family traditions, these festive events are an ideal way to celebrate the season.
Dance
Golden State Ballet's The Nutcracker - December 13-22 at San Diego Civic Theatre
The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition around the world, and 2024 marks the fourth year that Golden State Ballet will bring the story to life on the Civic Theatre stage. Talented dancers from both the Company and the Golden State Ballet Academy will perform to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, performed live by the San Diego Symphony. This event has become a popular family event in San Diego, with many children receiving their first exposure to ballet through the production. Watch the trailer below!
Golden State Ballet, San Diego's premiere professional ballet company and the largest in Southern California, has rapidly become a beacon of artistic excellence since its founding in 2021. Gaining both national and international recognition, Golden State Ballet captivates audiences with its dynamic dancers and world-class repertoire, offering productions that are both relevant and inspiring.
Jazz
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Wild & Swingin' Holiday Party - November 30 at Balboa Theatre - presented by San Diego Theatres
We're in for a swingin' good time with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy! This jazz ensemble has sold out shows across the world, played Superbowl XXXIII, and sold millions of records, all with the goal of celebrating and revitalizing jazz and swing music. Merry-makers and holiday revelers can expect to hear classic holiday songs in Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's signature style, like Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, and Winter Wonderland. The band has always made writing original music a priority, and the holidays are no exception. Rockabilly Christmas, Last Night (I Went Out With Santa Claus), Christmas Time in Tinsel Town, and the beautiful and reflective It Feels Like Christmas Time, are the band’s take on the holidays. Tickets are going fast for this one, so save your seat here.
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour - December 19 at Balboa Theatre - presented by Omega Concerts
Saxophonist Dave Koz returns to San Diego with the 27th iteration of his spirited holiday show! This year, he brings guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, saxophonist Vincent Ingala, guitarist Adam Hawley and vocalist Rebecca Jade to the party, creating a whole ensemble to perform holiday favorites and standouts from their respective catalogues.
Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy - December 27 at Balboa Theatre - presented by Brickman Concerts
Multi-talented performer Jim Brickman has created Comfort & Joy to embrace the joy and warmth of the season and remind audiences of the importance of love, togetherness, and gratitude. Brickman's compositions and melodies have touched millions of fans around the world, and in his live shows, he seeks to connect with his fans on an emotional level and create a unique experience.
Music
Jake Shimabukuro: Holidays in Hawaii - December 8 at Balboa Theatre - presented by San Diego Theatres
Say "Mele Kalikimaka" with ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro this December! Jake is a world renowned "ambassador of aloha," combining the traditional instrument with modern music to create this own style. We guarantee you've never heard anyone "shred" on the ukulele until you've seen Jake!
Prepare to be enchanted as he strums his way through a dynamic set list that combines his favorite songs with a vibrant collection of holiday classics, from “We Three Kings” and “O Holy Night” to “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” As a special treat, Jake will also showcase selections from his new album “Grateful,” which is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed duets album, made in collaboration with artists like Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Buffet, and more.
Bassist Jackson Waldhoff and singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young will join Jake onstage to round out the sounds of the season.
Jingle: The Big Band Spectacular - December 14 & 15 at Balboa Theatre - presented by San Diego Gay Men's Chorus
San Diego Gay Men's Chorus returns for its beloved annual holiday concert, Jingle! This year, it's full of big band arrangements of your favorite holiday songs, sung by SDGMC's 120 voices filling the Balboa Theatre. From bossa nova and Dixieland to jazz fusion, this will be a joyful celebration of the season, full of jazzy surprises, dance routines and, of course, the chance for the audience to sing along.
Las Posadas: A Traditional Mexican Christmas Celebration - December 20 at Balboa Theatre - presented by the Mariachi Scholarship Foundation
A San Diego tradition, Mariachi Champaña Nevin’s delightful and inspiring Mexican Christmas concert returns! The evening's program will include performances from Symphonic Mariachi Champaña Nevin, Mónica Ábrego, San Diego Binational Symphony Orchestra, Youth Mariachis, and Ballet Folklóricos, all directed by Jeff Nevin. Nevin is the founder of the Mariachi Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to students attending mariachi and ballet folklórico schools in the South Bay.
Las Posadas — a traditional Mexican retelling of Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem — is sure to be a heartwarming event for the whole family.
Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony - December 8 at San Diego Civic Theatre - presented by Goldenvoice
The GRAMMY® Award nominee and Phantom of the Opera star Sarah Brightman will create an unforgettable holiday spectacle on the San Diego Civic Theatre stage! She will be accompanied by an orchestra, choir, and special guests as she performs holiday classics and greatest hits.
Lea Salonga | Sounding Joy - December 11 at Balboa Theatre - presented by Amplified Entertainment
Broadway lovers are invited to ring in the holidays with Tony Award winner Lea Salonga in her brand new show for all ages! Best known for her leading roles in Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Once On This Island, and Allegiance, this global artist was bestowed the honor of “Disney Legend” for her signature singing roles in Aladdin and Mulan.
In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra - December 16 at Balboa Theatre - presented by D.D.A Productions
The legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra features nearly 20 musicians and singers performing the songs everyone remembers and the ones we all look forward to at the happiest time of the year. Expect to hear holiday standards along with tunes that Glenn Miller Orchestra has long made famous, like Chattanooga-Choo Choo, Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood and Pennsylvania 6-5000.
More
Silent Movie Mondays: A Roaring 20's Holiday - December 9 at Balboa Theatre - presented by San Diego Theatres
After the rapturous community response to The Phantom of the Opera (1925) in October, we cannot wait for the second Silent Movie Monday! All Silent Movie Mondays feature renowned films accompanied by our historic Wonder Morton Theatre Organ, but this one has a merry twist.
First, the films: In Cops (1922), a young man played by megastar Buster Keaton repeatedly falls foul of the city's police department, despite his best intentions. He spends the film trying to woo his beloved while on the run, with a trail of hijinks in his wake. Big Business (1929) is a Christmas film starring the famous comedy duo Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. The two play Christmas tree salesmen who engage in a comedic, if destructive, back-and-forth with a local homeowner who refuses to purchase a tree.
However, this event is much more than just the movie. There will be pre-film entertainment from the San Diego Children's Choir, and between the films, Santa himself will appear to lead a festive organ sing-along! Have you ever heard Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on a pipe organ?
Additionally, you can give back to our community through our HomeStart toy drive. San Diego Theatres has donated toys and gifts to HomeStart for almost 30 years, and this year, we want to get our patrons involved! Bring an unwrapped toy or gift for children ages 1-16 to share the joy of the holidays with other San Diego families.
A Drag Queen Christmas - December 6 at San Diego Civic Theatre - presented by Murray & Peter
The longest-running drag tour in America returns to San Diego, featuring Winners, Fan Favorites, Legends, and Miss Congeniality, plus queens from Season 16 and All Stars 9. The tour is hosted by drag queen, actor, musician, and activist Nina West, and the cast includes Crystal Methyd, Jimbo, Roxxxy Andrews (and she's here to make it clear), Plane Jane, Angeria, and more!
Please note: This event is for guests ages 18+, photo ID required. Cast subject to change.
The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays - December 26-27 at San Diego Civic Theatre - presented by Broadway San Diego
Everyone calls the holidays "magical" - but at this show, they literally will be! The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays is set to blow your mind with its mix of astonishing illusions and jaw-dropping acts, designed to delight audience members of all ages. This is the final holiday show at San Diego Civic Theatre, and what a way to close out the season!
With something for everyone—from dance and jazz to nostalgic silent films and holiday music—our stages are set to bring you moments that matter this holiday season. We can't wait to celebrate with you, so secure your seats today and get ready to make memories!
