San Diego, December 22, 2025
In 2025, San Diego’s theater landscape flourished with spectacular performances, including holiday classics like ‘A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan.’ The Old Globe’s comedic twist on a Dickens favorite and San Diego Musical Theatre’s rendition of ‘A Christmas Story’ delighted audiences. Acclaim also came for the Coronado School of the Arts’ ‘Cabaret,’ while community events like December Nights and the Balboa Theatre Grant Fund showcased the city’s commitment to arts and culture.
San Diego’s 2025 Theater Highlights: A Year of Vibrant Performances and Milestones
San Diego’s theater scene in 2025 was marked by a series of remarkable productions, significant milestones, and community engagement, reflecting the city’s rich cultural landscape.
Major Productions and Performances
Cygnet Theatre’s “A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan”
From December 10 to 28, Cygnet Theatre presented “A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan,” a festive spectacle featuring live renditions of holiday classics like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Feliz Navidad.” Directed by Carlos Mendoza, the show was held at the Dottie Studio Theater in Liberty Station.
The Old Globe’s “Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show”
The Old Globe’s annual holiday production, “Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show,” ran from November 25 to December 28. This comedic reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic, set in San Diego, was directed by Gordon Greenberg and featured James Joseph O’Neil as Scrooge.
San Diego Musical Theatre’s “A Christmas Story”
San Diego Musical Theatre brought the beloved holiday tale “A Christmas Story” to the stage from November 28 to December 28. The production, based on the 1983 film, was directed by Eli Wood and featured a cast of local talent.
Notable Awards and Recognitions
CoSA’s “Cabaret” Recognized by Broadway San Diego
The Coronado School of the Arts’ production of “Cabaret” was named one of the top five musicals of the season by Broadway San Diego. Additionally, cast members Bruno Dominguez and Katie Moreno received accolades for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards
At the 30th San Diego Film Critics Society Awards on December 15, 2025, the film “Sinners” led with four wins, including Best Picture. The awards highlighted the city’s vibrant film and theater community.
Community Engagement and Support
December Nights at Balboa Park
In its 48th year, December Nights transformed Balboa Park into a festive wonderland on December 5 and 6. The event featured holiday decorations, music, cultural entertainment, and food offerings, attracting an estimated 350,000 visitors.
Balboa Theatre Grant Fund
San Diego Theatres awarded $40,500 through the Balboa Theatre Grant Fund to seven local nonprofit arts organizations. This initiative aimed to support events at the Historic Balboa Theatre between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 concludes, San Diego’s theater community reflects on a year of artistic excellence and community involvement. The city’s diverse productions and events have not only entertained but also strengthened the cultural fabric of the region, setting a promising stage for future endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is “A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan”?
- It is a festive production by Cygnet Theatre, featuring live renditions of holiday classics, directed by Carlos Mendoza, held at the Dottie Studio Theater in Liberty Station from December 10 to 28, 2025.
- When did “Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show” run?
- The Old Globe’s annual holiday production ran from November 25 to December 28, 2025, offering a comedic reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic, set in San Diego.
- Which production was recognized by Broadway San Diego?
- The Coronado School of the Arts’ production of “Cabaret” was named one of the top five musicals of the season by Broadway San Diego, with cast members Bruno Dominguez and Katie Moreno receiving accolades for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
- What is the Balboa Theatre Grant Fund?
- Established by San Diego Theatres, the Balboa Theatre Grant Fund awarded $40,500 to seven local nonprofit arts organizations to support events at the Historic Balboa Theatre between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, fostering community engagement and cultural enrichment.
| Event | Description | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan | Festive production by Cygnet Theatre featuring live renditions of holiday classics, directed by Carlos Mendoza. | December 10–28, 2025 | Dottie Studio Theater, Liberty Station |
| Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show | Comedic reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic, set in San Diego, directed by Gordon Greenberg. | November 25–December 28, 2025 | The Old Globe Theatre |
| San Diego Musical Theatre’s A Christmas Story | Stage adaptation of the beloved holiday tale, directed by Eli Wood. | November 28–December 28, 2025 | SDMT Stage, Kearny Mesa |
| CoSA’s Cabaret Recognized by Broadway San Diego | Production named one of the top five musicals of the season, with cast members receiving accolades for Best Actor and Best Actress. | May 2025 | Coronado School of the Arts |
| San Diego Film Critics Society Awards | Film ‘Sinners’ led with four wins, including Best Picture, highlighting the city’s vibrant film and theater community. | December 15, 2025 | San Diego, CA |
| December Nights at Balboa Park | Annual holiday event featuring decorations, music, cultural entertainment, and food offerings, attracting an estimated 350,000 visitors. | December 5–6, 2025 | Balboa Park |
| Balboa Theatre Grant Fund | San Diego Theatres awarded $40,500 to seven local nonprofit arts organizations to support events at the Historic Balboa Theatre between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. | July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 | Historic Balboa Theatre |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
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