The Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is celebrating 79 years! It was established as a puppet theater in 1947. We are located in Balboa Park, San Diego, California.
The Puppet Theater, originally called the Hollywood Building, then the Palisades Building, was one of the buildings constructed for the California Pacific International Exposition of 1935-36. The Exposition was organized to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal. The theater still runs weekly live performances for thousands of guests each year with various forms of puppetry, and showcases performers from all over.
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No Shows November 13-15
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Whale Tails!
November 21-22
Ocean animals learn how to make friends and recycle in this fun show. See an underwater version of "The Tortoise and the Hare"!
Educational and fun for all ages!
This show is $5 General Admission, $4 Senior and Military w/ID, and under two years free
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The Magic of Christmas Show!
November 27th, 2 pm Show ONLY!!
November 28 - 29
11am and 2pm ONLY!
TICKET PRICES FOR THESE SHOWS ARE $10 GENERAL ADMISSION AND $7 SENIOR/MILITARY, UNDER 2 YEARS FREE!
Kick Off the Holidays with the Perfect Family Comedy Event!
Celebrate the season at the Marie Hitchcock Balboa Park Puppet Theater with a magical premiere event the whole family will love.
Magical ventriloquist and master marionettist Steve Taylor brings his Christmas-themed comedy spectacular, The Magic of Christmas Show, to the Marie Hitchcock Balboa Park Puppet Theater on Friday November 27 at 2 pm only, plus November 28 and 29, 2026, with performances at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM each day.
This festive 45-minute show blends live magic, ventriloquism, and delightful marionettes to spark the wonder and excitement of the yuletide season. Bring the entire family and laugh until your cheeks hurt as Steve and his lively cast of puppet characters stumble through holiday “misadventures” while ringing in the happiest time of the year.
Audiences will enjoy Rudy O’Riley, the quick-witted ventriloquist dummy, hilariously “fracturing” The Night Before Christmas, along with a comical Cast of Christmas Characters Parade featuring Steve’s magical marionettes — a juggling Santa, a water-squirting Rudolph, a floating Frosty, and three ballet-dancing Nutcrackers!
Throughout the show, Steve’s signature, eye-popping holiday magic weaves seamlessly into the fun, complete with playful audience participation. And if the crowd truly "believes", there just might be a little “White Christmas” floating in the air inside the theater.
Join us for this joyful Christmas carnival filled with pranks, puppets, and prestidigitation — and treat your family to a “wow-fully” entertaining holiday tradition!
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