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Best Family Shows This Winter

in San Diego

Mannheim Steamroller at Center Theater

Mannheim Steamroller

With the release of Mannheim Steamroller's first holiday album 1984 came the kind of fame that made the act a veritable Christmas-time tradition. With founder and composer Chip Davis at the helm, the all-American music troupe continues to tour extensively, bringing Yuletide cheer to audiences throughout the US with a unique Neo-Classical take on popular carols and songs. It's no wonder that the Mannheim Steamroller is the top-selling Holiday Act of all time!

Dog Man - The Musical at The Magnolia

Dog Man - The Musical

A weird and wonderful world awaits audiences in Dog Man - The Musical, the riotously funny new production based on the best-selling children's cartoon series by surrealist genius Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants, Dumb Bunnies). Praised for being a family show that makes adults laugh as much as the kids, discover just what it is audiences love about this cult classic!

Wicked at San Diego Civic Theatre

Wicked

Forget all that you know about The Wizard of Oz and be transported once again to the magical land of Oz! This time, however, the action takes place way before the arrival of Dorothy and her pooch Toto. THIS is the story of two magically inclined women, one blonde, and one green of skin - and their coming-of-age as the forces of good and (perceived) 'wicked'. Discover this incredible musical phenomenon, based on the critically acclaimed novel by Gregory Maguire, which explores the foundation of the Oz legend, of what made Glinda and Elphaba become the icons of good and bad, and whether all is what it appears to be in later stories.

City Ballet of San Diego - The Nutcracker at Concert Hall

City Ballet of San Diego - The Nutcracker

Let the music of Tchaikovsky guide you through City Ballet of San Diego's Nutcracker, for which they'll be joined by City Ballet Orchestra and Chorus. Voted San Diego's Best Nutcracker, this elegant production, choreographed by Elizabeth Wistrich, keeps the story as fresh and light as ever, and is sure to be a treat for all ages.

Dec 20 - 23

Concert Hall

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Elf in Concert at Copley Symphony Hall

Elf in Concert

Join your local orchestra for this glorious live-to-film concert of the beloved Christmas movie, bringing to life Buddy's story in a presentation that'll fill the whole family with holiday cheer! Elf: The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan who accidentally crawls into Santa's sack of gifts and is taken to the North Pole. Buddy is raised unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. The heartwarming musical follows Buddy on his quest for his real family, as well as bringing much-needed Christmas spirit to the city of New York.

Back To The Future - The Musical at San Diego Civic Theatre

Back To The Future - The Musical

Great Scott! Back To The Future is on tour and coming to YOU! The hit 80's franchise is the latest movie sensation to receive a Broadway musical adaptation. The production follows Marty McFly and kooky scientist Doc Brown as they travel through space and time, finding themselves in a series of mishaps. Will these two-time travelers ever find their way back home?

The Illusionists - Magic of the Holidays at San Diego Civic Theatre

The Illusionists - Magic of the Holidays

Christmas is truly the most magical time of the year, and the supernaturally gifted performers of The Illusionists are taking to the road once more this holiday season to prove just that! The Box Office record-breaking outfit of magicians presents a special family-friendly show packed to the rafters with mind-bending illusions, stunning feats of close-up magic and jaw-dropping escapes.

Monster Jam at SnapDragon Stadium

Monster Jam

Going strong since the early 1990s, this bone-crunching, fuel-injected motor show gathers together the best drivers and monster trucks in the world to face off in the hopes of making it to the finals in Las Vegas. Expect to see amazing tricks, incredible stunts, and stunning pyrotechnics when this full-throttle show blazes into your town!

Jan 4 - 12, 2025

SnapDragon Stadium

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Disney On Ice - Magic In The Stars at Pechanga Arena

Disney On Ice - Magic In The Stars

They say that a dream is a wish your heart makes, and a dream this show really is. Disney on Ice - Magic in the Stars will be coming to an ice rink near you to put on a heck of a show! A whole host of Disney characters will skate the night away, telling their stories and singing their songs to wow you and your little ones. You'll encounter personas from a whole roster of Disney movies including Frozen, Moana, and Toy Story, and who knows, you might even hear about Bruno. Watch the performers twirl, dance, and leap as they entertain you with hit songs from their moviesDon't miss this enchanting night for all the family!

Jan 23 - 26, 2025

Pechanga Arena

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Penn & Teller at Events Center At Harrahs Resort SoCal

Penn & Teller

Penn and Teller's brand of awe-inspiring illusions mixed with buddy-comedy shtick has kept the duo at the very top of the magic profession for the past 45 years. Their trademark is the updating of worn-out or archaic routines, such as bullet catching or their recent adaptation of the classic bag escape trick (their version involved a lot of helium).

Jurassic Quest at Del Mar Fairgrounds

Jurassic Quest

Families must get down to Jurassic Quest and have an awesome time delving into pre-historic times. Kids will jump at the chance to adventure into a world when dinosaurs of all types existed. This is the only event in the country that features dinosaurs that are the actual size that they were centuries ago and allows little ones to get up close and personal with these fascinating ancient creatures!

Jan 17 - 20, 2025

Del Mar Fairgrounds

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Paw Patrol at San Diego Civic Theatre

Paw Patrol

Forget Thunderbirds! Every child knows that if you're in need of rescue, you call Paw Patrol. The hugely successful Nickelodeon show follows the adventures of a group of brave canines, led by German Shepard Chase and tech-savvy 10-year-old Ryder, who make it their mission to help anyone in need. In 2016 Paw Patrol headed out on its first ever live action stage tour - and now the fun continues year after year! Expect to see all your favorite characters brought to life with the help of great costumes, video projections and upbeat music taken from the programme.

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