What better way to celebrate the season than watch the classic musical, “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” The whimsical show based on the classic Dr. Seuss book is back at the Old Globe in Balboa Park.
The musical, in its 19th year, features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas (Fah Who Doraze).” The Grinch is directed by James Vásquez with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin.
On top of the show, the Old Globe Theatre has once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash.
The musical runs through Saturday, Dec. 26.
Here are some other events happening this weekend:
Tea with Santa
Cozy up at the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego for some afternoon tea. The hotel, which hosts its tea from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, is decorated for the season of giving. Children can also enjoy treats and tea with Santa himself. The cost is $30 to $45.
A Christmas Concert
Get into the spirit with the North Coast Symphony. The symphony will be hosting its “Dashing Through the Snow” concert at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Encinitas Community Center. The concert features special holiday selections including Tintinabulations, A Christmas Festival, The Bells of Christmas, Fantasia on Greensleeves, and much more. Attendees are invited to bring a picnic meal. Tickets are $8 per person or $25 per family.
Garden of Lights
The San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Through Dec. 30, the garden is hosting its annual Garden of Lights. Visitors can expect horse-drawn carriages, holiday crafts, art, live music and delicious food. On top of that, the entire garden is filled with 100,000 sparking lights. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Carols by Candlelight
Carols by Candlelight returns this season with performers Brandy Clark, Collin Raye, Noah Guthrie, Eve Selis, Anna Vaus, and Poway Mayor Steve Vaus. The show, which takes place 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the California Center for the Arts, supports the Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, a facility dedicated to caring for children. Tickets start at $18.
Running with Santa
Take a jog with Santa this Saturday during the San Diego Santa Run. The festive run encourages participants to don their Santa outfits as they jog through Pacific Beach. Runners can either take the 5K route or a one mile run. Registration for the family-friendly event starts at $25.
Christmas on Maple
Christmas on Maple returns to Escondido on Saturday. The fifth annual event features more than 50 vendors, food and family-friendly activities. The event also features the 66th annual Jaycees Christmas Parade. Festivities kick off at 9:30 a.m.
Legally Blonde, the Musical
Relive the comedy “Legally Blonde” in musical form this weekend. The School of Creative and Performing Arts is putting on a live show telling the story of the optimistic and fun-loving Elle Woods as she attends Harvard Law School. But, she quickly struggles with fitting in. The show runs 7 p.m. Saturday.
Ice Skating
Enjoy San Diego County’s good weather while ice skating this weekend. The seasonal, outdoor ice skating rinks at Liberty Station and Hotel del Coronado are open for business. Fantasy on Ice at Liberty Station benefits the Peckham Center for Cancer and the Rady Children’s Hospital. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Hotel del Coronado‘s ice skating rink by the water is open daily starting at 10 a.m.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Head down to the San Diego Bay on Sunday evening for the 45th annual Parade of Lights. The parade, which will celebrate the San Diego Zoo’s 100th anniversary this year, features 80 decorated boats, and runs from Shelter Island to Harbor Island to Seaport Village. The parade begins at 5 p.m. and is free for viewing.
Have an event for the Weekend Guide? Email details and photos to hoaq@timesofsandiego.com.
