Written by Justin Culetu
A popular holiday tradition among thousands of San Diegans is gathering at Old Globe’s Copley Plaza in Balboa Park to witness the lighting of the theatre’s Christmas tree and enjoy a live performance of Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and San Diego County being pushed back to the purple tier, the cherished event will not take place in its typical fashion this year. However, the Old Globe decided to keep the holiday spirit going by presenting a radio version of “The Grinch” on KPBS. They will also hold a virtual tree lighting ceremony on their Facebook page. The tree lighting was not certain due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the Old Globe and its employees were able to finish the tree just before purple tier limitations were put in place last Friday!
Lead Carpenter Jack Hernandez made it clear that this event is an important staple of the holiday season for San Diegans and finding out that the tradition will continue was a pleasant surprise.
With all the uncertainty and negativity that has been prevalent for the past nine months, the announcement of the Old Globe’s tree lighting celebration brought up the spirits of thousands of San Diegans and will help everyone take their mind off the stressors of the current times. Parents and their children are grateful that the event will be held this year and believe that it will help bring joy to the holiday season.
The presentation of Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will be held on KPBS radio several days throughout the holiday season.
Photo via The Old Globe on Youtube
