A mischievous guest is taking over the ovens this December! Discover how “The Grinch Serves Christmas” transforms Buonasera Del Mar and Bongiorno’s Solana Beach into the ultimate holiday pizza party—complete with photo ops, festive tunes, and slices served by the green grump himself.
For two weekends this month, the spirit of Christmas—and a certain green, grouchy character—will descend on two beloved North County pizzerias. “The Grinch Serves Christmas” pop-up transforms Buonasera Del Mar and Bongiorno’s Solana Beach into festive holiday destinations where authentic New York-style pizza meets seasonal whimsy.
This playful celebration runs December 13-14 at Buonasera Del Mar and December 20-21 at Bongiorno’s Solana Beach, offering families an unexpected twist on traditional holiday dining. The Grinch himself will greet guests, serve slices, pose for photos, and deliver that signature blend of mischief and heart that has made Dr. Seuss’s character a December staple for generations.
“We love being part of this community,” says Dan Shwartzblat, owner of Buonasera Del Mar. “This event is about bringing people together and celebrating the season—seeing families connect, kids laughing, and everyone slowing down to share a meal and a moment. That’s what it’s all about for us.”
The sentiment reflects a broader movement across San Diego County, where restaurants and bars have embraced immersive holiday pop-ups as community gathering points. From tiki-themed Sippin’ Santa bars to pirate-inspired Yo Ho Ho-liday Taverns, seasonal transformations have become a signature part of the region’s December landscape. “The Grinch Serves Christmas” joins this festive lineup with a family-friendly twist that trades cocktails for pepperoni slices and makes the experience accessible to all ages.
Each pizzeria will be transformed with twinkling lights, garlands, and holiday decorations that create a cozy, festive atmosphere. Themed holiday music and Christmas movie moments will play throughout the day, setting the scene for photo opportunities with the Grinch. Families can watch as the character serves signature pizzas—from classic cheese to the adventurous chorizo with jalapeño—straight from the oven.
The events run all day during their respective weekends, allowing flexibility for families with different schedules. There is no admission fee, making it an accessible option for holiday outings that do not require advance tickets or reservations. Both restaurants will promote sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content on social media as the Grinch “prepares to take over the ovens.”
The pop-up arrives during peak holiday season in Del Mar and Solana Beach, when the coastal communities host a series of festive events. The Del Mar Fairgrounds will feature the Coastal Christmas Holiday Light Spectacular from December 12-26, complete with a holiday light trail, Frosty’s Fun Zone, and an eco-friendly ice skating rink. Families visiting the light spectacular can easily add a Grinch pizza experience to their itinerary, creating a full day of seasonal activities.
The timing also capitalizes on school winter breaks and the influx of visitors to the Torrey Pines area, where hiking trails offer spectacular coastal views before hikers descend on Buonasera for post-trail refueling. The combination of outdoor recreation, beach access, and now a holiday-themed dining experience positions both pizzerias as strategic stops for families exploring North County.
Choosing to celebrate at Buonasera or Bongiorno’s during the pop-up weekends supports businesses that anchor North County’s culinary landscape year-round. These are not corporate chains rolling out a national marketing campaign—they are locally owned pizzerias that employ neighbors, source ingredients thoughtfully, and contribute to the fabric of their communities.
The holiday season often pulls spending toward big-box retailers and national brands, but events like “The Grinch Serves Christmas” offer an alternative: celebrate locally, support small businesses, and build memories in places that give back to their neighborhoods. The pizza will be exceptional—crispy crust, quality toppings, the kind of slice that demands folding—but the experience will be distinctly North County.
Buonasera Del Mar hosts the Grinch on December 13-14 at 2212 Carmel Valley Road, Suite 1, in Del Mar. The location offers both indoor seating and a popular outdoor beer and wine garden, ideal for enjoying the mild December weather. Parking is available on-site, and the restaurant sits just minutes from Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Bongiorno’s Solana Beach takes over on December 20-21 at 524 Stevens Avenue, Suite 10, in Solana Beach. The casual pizzeria features a relaxed dining room and patio seating, with easy access from the surrounding neighborhoods. Both locations are open all day during the pop-up weekends, allowing families to drop in when it suits their schedule.
Follow @buonaseradelmar and @bongiornossolanabeach on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes previews, and real-time Grinch sightings as the events approach. For menu details and operating hours, visit buonaserapizza.com and bongiornospizza.net.
“The Grinch Serves Christmas” pop-up delivers exactly what the holiday season should offer: joy without pretense, community without formality, and pizza served by a character whose heart grows three sizes by the end of the story. Whether you are a Del Mar regular who has made Buonasera part of your weekly routine or a Solana Beach resident who considers Bongiorno’s your neighborhood spot, these two weekends offer something new wrapped in something familiar.
Bring the kids, bring your camera, and bring your appetite. The Grinch is waiting, and so is some of North County’s best pizza.
