The Grinch at The Old Globe 2026

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! runs November 4 through December 31, 2026 at The Old Globe in Balboa Park. It’s the 29th year of San Diego’s favorite holiday show: a real, fully produced musical that’s 80 minutes long with no intermission, built for kids and good enough for their parents. New this year, there’s a full Spanish-language production too.

Why go

This isn’t a school play. The Old Globe has been staging its own Grinch musical every Christmas since 1998, and it shows. The stage turns into a snowy Whoville, the Grinch gets a real villain’s entrance, and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” hits exactly the way you want it to. Fun fact for the car ride over: a young Vanessa Hudgens played Cindy Lou Who in the first two seasons.

It also belongs here. Ted Geisel lived in La Jolla, and seeing his Grinch in Balboa Park every December feels less like a touring show and more like a hometown tradition.

At 80 minutes with no intermission, it’s the rare Christmas show that ends before the kids do.

New for 2026: The Grinch in Spanish

¡Cómo el Grinch robó la Navidad! gets its first full production this year, running November 20 – December 27 in the Globe’s smaller Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre. Last year it was a two-night concert reading. This year it’s the real thing, fully staged in Spanish. It’s a great pick for bilingual families, Spanish-speaking grandparents, or kids learning the language who already know the story by heart.

Free: the Grinch tree and the tree lighting

You don’t need a ticket to get some Grinch. The giant tree on the Globe’s Copley Plaza is free to visit and one of the best holiday photo spots in the park. The free Globe Christmas Tree Lighting is Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 6 PM, opening night, and a great way to kick off the season whether you see the show or not.

Grinch FAQ

When is The Grinch in 2026?
November 4 through December 31, 2026, opening Sunday, Nov. 8. The theater is closed Mondays and some holidays.

How long is the show?
One hour and 20 minutes, with no intermission.

What’s the minimum age?
Three and up. The exception is the 10:30 AM All-Ages performances, where kids under 3 are welcome.

Can my baby sit on my lap?
Only at the 10:30 AM All-Ages shows. Kids under 3 can sit on a parent’s lap for free, but they still need a free lap ticket, and those are only available by phone at (619) 234-5623, not online. At all other shows, everyone needs their own ticket and their own seat.

Can older kids sit on their own?
No. Kids 12 and under must be seated with an adult.

Is the Grinch scary?
For some little ones, a bit. He’s big, furry, loud, and has long green fingers kids tend to call claws. If your child spooks easily, sit a few rows back instead of down front, and show them a photo of the stage Grinch beforehand so there are no surprises.

What about bathroom breaks?
There’s no intermission, so make everyone go right before you sit down, even the ones who swear they don’t need to. If you’re bringing a toddler, grab aisle seats for an easy exit.

Is there a sensory-friendly performance?
Yes. Every December, the Globe holds a sensory-friendly performance for kids on the autism spectrum and families with other special needs. Last year it was a Saturday morning in mid-December, with tickets sold by phone or in person only. The 2026 date hasn’t been announced; check the Globe’s sensory-friendly page.

Is it the same as the movie?
No. It’s the Globe’s own musical, with original songs plus the classics from the 1966 cartoon, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas.” Max the dog narrates.

My kids have outgrown Whoville. Anything else at the Globe?
Yes. The Globe also runs Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show, a comedic send-up of A Christmas Carol and a good next step for older kids.

Should I avoid December Nights weekend?
If you can. On Friday and Saturday, December 4–5, December Nights brings 350,000 people to Balboa Park, and parking gets rough. If your tickets fall on those days, leave very early or take the event shuttle. Or lean into it and make it a double feature.

Tips

Book early and buy direct. Weekend shows and anything close to Christmas go first. Buy through the Old Globe to avoid resale markups.

Pick your show time for your crew. The 10:30 AM All-Ages shows are the most kid-packed and the most forgiving. Evening shows skew a little older and quieter.

Arrive early. Give yourself time to park, take a photo at the tree and get seated without sprinting. The Globe has its own pub and concessions if you’re eating before the show.

Ask about a booster. If your little one can’t see over the grown-up in front, ask an usher about a booster seat.

Make a day of it

You’re already in Balboa Park. Hit the Natural History Museum or the Fleet Science Center before a matinee, or grab lunch at Panama 66 or The Prado, both a short walk from the theater. The Zoo is right up the road, and Jungle Bells keeps it festive into the evening. On any non-December Nights evening, a walk through the lit-up park afterward is one of the better date nights in town.

Bottom line

The Grinch is San Diego’s signature holiday show, and it earns the ticket price for any family with kids 3 and up. It’s polished, funny, and short enough that nobody melts down. If tickets don’t fit this year, the free Grinch tree on the plaza is still worth the trip.

More ideas: family Christmas activities, holiday shows in San Diego, and Christmas in Balboa Park.