Old Globe - 2026 Season Calendar

While not officially part of The Old Globe's 2026 season calendar, the venues' annual holiday productions are can't miss traditions for many San Diego residents.

I know for our founder Todd and his family, these shows have become a holiday tradition they look forward to every year!

Posing in Front of the Christmas Tree at How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe

Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Early November – Late December 2026 | Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre | Annual Holiday Performance

Going to see How the Grinch Stole Christmas, ideally as early in the season as possible, has become a must for Todd's family. At this point, his entire family can pretty much recite half the lines! It's a show, whether you're an adult or kid, that will instantly put you in the Christmas spirit.

The annual production, 2026 being its 29th year, always transforms the stage into a Who-ville winter holiday wonderland. Alongside a very talented group of actors that clearly put their all into every performance, Andrew Polec as the Grinch is a talent you just have to see for yourself.

At 1:20 minutes with no intermission, the show is perfect for families. Just know that kids under 3 are usually only permitted to attend the 10:30am performances.

Main Outside Lobby Area at Dr Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas & Ebenezer Scrooge at the Old Globe

Ebeneezer Scrooge's BIG San Diego Christmas Show

Mid November – Late December, 2026 | Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre | Annual Holiday Performance

The San Diego spin they give 'Ebenezer Scrooge's BIG San Diego Christmas Show' never fails to get a laugh. It is a very unique performance that will make sure you know you're in San Diego!

The show reimagines Dickens' Scrooge story, but this time with a hilarious twist, and a San Diego setting. The lead character Bob Cratchit finds Christmas joy through crazy adventures, lively music, and some really touching moments.

Performed in the Old Globe's smallest theater, the actors play multiple roles, making for an incredibly intimate and impressive feel. Personally, I love any performance on this stage and this show is always one of my favorites of the year.

The 1:15 performance, heading into its sixth year in 2026, is ideal for families. Just know that kids must be 5 years old to attend.

Now that you know all about the exciting season of performances, below is the information you'll need to get tickets. I've also included tips on how best to get to the theaters, where to park and what it will cost, ADA information, and where we recommend staying near the theaters!

How Can I Purchase Tickets to a Performance?

Tickets can be purchased online on The Old Globe's website, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623), or in person at the Box Office in Balboa Park.

How Much are Tickets for a Show at The Old Globe?

This is a tough question to answer because it depends on a few factors. I will say however that our team at Go Visit San Diego has found some unbelievable tickets for less than you might imagine. For example, our founder Todd recently took his wife to see 'Kim's Convenience' and said he got the tickets for about $30 each, and that was the full price rate!

Your ticket price will vary based on what show you want to see and at what time, where would you like to sit, if you bought a season package, and if you're attending as part of a group or possibly as a teen, under 30, or a military family member?

Your best bet is to check the ticket options online or with the box office to get an idea of what you can expect to pay.

Season Packages

The Old Globe has several season packages that will ensure you get tickets to the shows you want to see, and on the dates you desire, all before single tickets go on sale to the general public.

You can choose from 2, 4, 5, 8, or 10 play packages, depending on what you want to see. Check with The Old Globe for the details about each package deal and to explore their season package options.

I have to say as a local that loves The Old Globe, these season packages are a really good deal and one you won't want to pass up if you love going to the theater!

Does The Old Globe Offer Discount Ticket Options?

Yes! Groups of 10 or more may qualify for group discount rates. Discounts are also sometimes available for teachers and senior citizens.

The Old Globe has discount programs for teens (Tix4Teens), guests under 30, and military members and their families under the Blue Star Theatres program.

Currently, I see discount tickets for 'Kim's Convenience' and 'The Hombres, but more may be made available later in the season. While they don't always offer the best seats in the theater, I find that these discounted tickets are priced so fairly that it's totally worth taking them up on the offer!

Getting to Balboa Park

The Old Globe is located just north of El Prado on Old Globe Way in Balboa Park, between the San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Us.

You can get to Balboa Park from most major freeways via Park Boulevard or the Cabrillo Bridge off of 6th and Laurel Avenue.

FREE Balboa Park Trams

Free tram service is available from 8:00am until 8:00pm daily from Tram Central at the Inspiration Point Parking Lot (east of Park Blvd. at Presidents Way) to a drop-off station at the Plaza de Panama.

Trams, all equipped with ADA-accessible ramps, leave about every 10 to 12 minutes and follow a loop route around the park.

Public Transportation Options

You can take the MTS Bus which has stops from Route 120, Route 7, and the Rapid 215 at the east and west ends of Balboa Park. Once at those stops, you can easily walk to The Old Globe.

These routes connect with the Surfliner Amtrak and COASTER trains at the Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego. They also connect with the Blue, Orange, and Green San Diego Trolley lines, an awesome way I personally can highly recommend when you want to get around the city.

If you want to ride your bike, your best bike racks are located by Alcazar Garden and Plaza de Panama.

Parking at Balboa Park

Parking Information

Parking is available near the theaters in designated lots, along the streets with meters, and with the valet. We also have information for you about ADA parking options.

Parking for Visitors & San Diego Residents?

Parking rules and fees in all of Balboa Park changed in early 2026, and then again in March of 2026. As of the summer of 2026, we know there may be more changes coming! We actually wrote an article with all the details about parking in Balboa Park, so check that out for everything you need to know!

In brief for parking near The Old Globe, there are paid parking lots throughout the park from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily, with enforcement now ending at 6:00pm park wide. Rates vary based on three levels, with separate pricing for non-residents of the City of San Diego and verified San Diego residents. Non-resident pricing is:

• Level 1 Lots - $10 for up to 4 hours; $16 full day
  Space Theatre (Fleet Science Center) · Casa de Balboa · Alcazar · Organ Pavilion · South Carousel
• Level 2 Lots - $10 full day
  Pepper Grove · Upper Inspiration Point · Marston Point · Federal · Palisades ·Bea Evenson
• Level 3 Lots – First three hours free; $10 full day
  Lower Inspiration Point

San Diego residents can park for free in Levels 2 & 3 parking lots and in Level 1 lots, for $5 for up to four hours, with a full day price of $8.

Is Street Parking Available?

Yes! There are hourly street meters available on Balboa Drive, El Prado, Juniper Road · Presidents Way, Quince Drive, Zoo Drive, Village Place, 6th Avenue (Elm to Upas), and Park Boulevard offered at a rate of $2.50 per hour and a $10 per day maximum rate.

There's a 4-hour limit for the meters located on 6th Avenue and Park Boulevard with enforcement on those streets until 8:00pm. All other metered parking will be monitored until 6:00pm daily. Meters take credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and coins or you can download the 'Park Smarter App' to pay from your phone.

Is There ADA Parking at the Old Globe Theatre?

There is no ADA parking on site at The Old Globe. Patrons with ADA needs or walking difficulties can be dropped off in the 10-minute zone located next to the plaza.

Is There Valet Parking?

Valet parking is available in the San Diego Zoo's parking structure, with shuttle service between the valet drop-off point and The Old Globe's Copley Plaza for those that need it.

Pre-purchased valet parking is offered for $25 until 3:00pm on the day of your performance. Open for evening performances only and subject to availability, you can also drive up and pay for a valet space for $27 up to two hours before your show!

Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown

Is There a Recommended Hotel Near The Old Globe?

Our founder Todd, suggests that his out-of-town family and even local friends looking for a staycation near The Old Globe should stay at the Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown.

While there aren't any hotels directly in Balboa Park, the Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown is located just a short 1.2 miles away. The hotel offers stunning bay and city views from the room's floor-to-ceiling windows. It also features a full-service 'sea to table' dining experience at its Watercolors restaurant and bar, and a 28,000-square-foot fitness facility.