Great Christmas shows for kids happening across the UK in 2024 — from pantos and Disney to Julia Donaldson favourites
THERE’S no better way to get into the festive spirit and spend time with the whole family than going to see a Christmas show.
From pantomimes starring well-known TV personalities to Christmas films screened with live music, we’ve put together a list of this year’s performances bringing holiday cheer up and down the country.
London
This family show is full of jokes, Christmas jingles, and features the man in the red suit himself, Father Christmas.
The story goes, that at every house, Father Christmas eats and drinks tasty treats that have been left out for him. But when he reaches number 10, he realises he’s forgotten to do something rather important – he really needs a wee.
Venue: Arts Theatre, 7-24th December.
An adaption of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man. Stick Man goes for a morning jog but it soon becomes quite the misadventure.
A funny show featuring puppetry and live music.
Venue: Bloomsbury Theatre, 4th December-5th January.
The West End’s longest running pantomime, Potted Panto offers up seven classic pantomimes in 80 minutes.
From Aladdin to Dick Whittington, the show promises unmissable fun, whether you’re six or 106.
Venue: Wilton’s Music Hall, 4th December-4th January.
Expect a West End spectacle with stunning sets, costumes, rip-roaring comedy and incredible special effects.
Starring Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and London Palladium Panto royalty Julian Clary as Robin Hood.
Venue: The London Palladium, 7th December-12th January.
A reimagined telling of the fairy tale classic by seasoned panto scribe Trish Cooke.
Music and lyrics are by Robert Hyman, directed by Omar F. Oka.
Venue: Theatre Royal Stratford East, 23rd November to 4th January.
Dame Maureen Lipman stars as Mrs Potty alongside Pete Firman as Silly Billy in this classic pantomime adventure.
Featuring spectacular special effects, beautiful costumes and scenery, there’s also generous discounts for groups, concessions, and special rates for school available for selected performances.
Venue: Richmond Theatre, 7th December-5th January.
Manchester
Based on the 2003 film, the show tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole, and his mission to find his birth father.
Faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list, and with a step-brother that doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Venue: Palace Theatre Manchester, 12th-17th November.
Once upon a time, in a Pantoland far away, a beautiful Princess is cursed by the evil Carabosse to perish on her 21st birthday by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel. Thanks to Beauty’s fairy, she only falls into a deep sleep that can be broken by her one true love.
Starring BBC Strictly Come Dancing‘s Karen Hauer as Carabosse, CBBC’s Chris Johnson as The Castle Clown, and X Factor’s Sean Smith as Prince.
Venue: Middleton Arena, 26th November-30th December.
Snowstorm Firebird Spectacular Ice Show
A captivating Winter show that combines the elegance of ice skating with exciting circus performances.
The show follows Irina on her epic quest to restore the wings of the mystical Firebirds stolen by the evil sorcerer.
Venue: Trafford Centre, 6th December-5th January.
Based on the 1947 film, a major New York department store is on the brink of collapse and their upcoming Christmas sale has to be a success. When their Santa quits at the last minute they’re left with a kindhearted stranger who is convinced he’s the real deal to save the day. But when he is arrested, the fate of Christmas is in the hands of a child called Susan.
The show features songs including It’s Beginning to look a Lot Like Christmas.
Venue: HOME, 6th-31st December.
Comedy superstar Jason Manford returns for a third year of panto at the Opera House, this time as Prince Charming.
Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients, the show features laugh-out loud comedy, beautiful costumes, and plenty of boos and hisses.
Venue: Opera House Manchester, 14th December-5th January.
Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves.
Alongside the showing of the film, John Williams’ score will be performed live by the International Film Orchestra.
Venue: The Bridgewater Hall, 29th November.
Birmingham
Birmingham’s own Alison Hammond is returning to Birmingham Hippodrome’s panto this year, leading the cast as The Magical Mermaid.
Audiences can expect to see all their Neverland favourites, including Tinker Bell, Wendy, John and Michael Darling.
Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, 21st December-2nd February.
Stoke-on-Trent favourite Jonathan Wilkes will be celebrating 20 years since his first Regent Theatre panto this year, as he leads the case as Dick Whittington.
Enjoy the story of Dick Whittington and his trusty car as he seeks fame, fortune and happiness journeying to become Lord Mayor.
Venue: Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, 13th December-5th January.
The show is described as the perfect first musical for ages 3+.
It tells the story of a cosy village nestled in the snowy mountains, and the Schnootnoot Winter Festival is fast approaching. A character called Astrid is busy practising for her school band. Everyone wants to keep in time, but Astrid just wants to march to the beat of her own drum. Meanwhile, The Jingleclaw awakes, a mischievous monster who can’t stand festive cheer and music.
Venue: Birmingham Hippodrome, 12th December-4th January.
Liverpool
A magical sequel to the cherished classic, Alice in Wonderland. Alice has always told her children stories of her adventures in a faraway world, but they don’t believe her. Even Alice, has begun to doubt whether she’d really lived that daydream.
Until, one Christmas Eve, caught up in the chaos of last-minute shopping, a flash of white fur lures Alice back into an all too familiar story.
Venue: Shakespeare North Playhouse, 22nd November-5th January.
The Magical Adventures of Peter Pan
The re-telling the story of Peter Pan as we know it, the magical pantomime features songs from a live band, dazzling dance routines, and amazing 3D effects.
The show promises an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.
Venue: M&S Bank Arena, 17th-29th December.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Rapunzel
The classic fairytale is brought to life with lots of singing, dancing, and live music in this stage performance.
Packed with plenty of silliness and heaps of sparkle, it’s guaranteed to have you busting some dance moves, no matter what your age.
Venue: Everyman & Playhouse, 16th November-18th January.
In the kingdom of ‘Southportopia’ far, far away, a beautiful princess awaits her true love’s kiss to awaken her from a deep slumber. But, the wicked fairy Carabosse has cast a spell, and only the bravest heroes can break it.
The show stars Blue Peter presenter, magician and TikTok sensation Joel M.
Venue: The Atkinson, 6th-31st December.
Glasgow
Peter Pan and The Incredible Stinkerbell
A funny twist on the classic story of Peter Pan. With a blast of magic from the mighty Stinkerbell, Peter Pan whisks West End Wendy away from the safety of her Byres Road residence to a place full of treachery, deceit and chippies that never close. Welcome to the rambunctious Riverland!
Peter and Wendy must face vengeful crocodiles, chippies that dare to serve salt ‘n’ sauce, and come face to face in battle to the death against the evil Captain Hook and his side kick Chai Tea.
Venue: Tron Theatre, 22nd November-5th January.
Snow White and The Seven Dwarves
The pantomime showcases the timeless tale of Snow White and her encounter with the seven dwarves.
Audiences can expect a delightful combination of comedy, music, and dance.
Venue: Goodyear Social Club, 23rd-24th November.
Life in Cludgie on the Cobbles is quiet and peaceful – Belle passes her days helping her mother, Professor Porridge and their neighbours Dame Dolly Drumchapel and her son, Hector.
But up in Cludgie Castle, things aren’t so tranquil, as the arrogant Prince Lorenzo has had a curse places on him and must find true love before the final petal falls from a magic rose.
Venue: Pavilion Theatre, 28th November-12th January.
Leeds
Jack And The Beanstalk The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto
A very different format to the traditional Christmas pantomime, audience participation and corny gags are mixed with classic rock anthems and chart-toppers.
The show isn’t recommended for children under 4, but if you do want to bring younger children, ear defenders are advised.
Venue: City Varieties Music, 29th November-12th January.
The Lost Present A Christmas Adventure
It’s Christmas Eve, and, having tumbled to Earth through the night sky, Elva sets out on a journey to find her best friend – a little girl she hasn’t even met yet.
Written especially for children and brought to life using handmade puppets, the show has original music and audiences can meet and greet Elva after the show.
Venue: Carriageworks Theatre, 14th-31st December.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Audiences can step through the wardrobe into the kingdom of Narnia with a stage show of C.S. Lewis’ classic novel.
With magical storytelling, bewitching stagecraft and incredible puppets, it guarantees to delight all ages.
Venue: Leeds Play House, 18th November-25th January.
Newcastle
Experience a winter circus-like world with clouds, giant snowballs, special effects and an indoor blizzard.
The ensemble cast of clowns use water, cobwebs, bubbles and dry ice to recreate a world of wonder – see a bed become a boat, a web of cotton envelop the audience, and a single piece of paper ignite a storm.
Venue: Sunderland Empire, 3rd-7th December.
A Christmas concert with everyone’s favourite songs to bring the magic of the season to life.
Sing along to All I Want for Christmas, Last Christmas, jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas and many more.
Venue: Tyne Theatre & Opera House, 21st November.
Newcastle’s pantomime superstar Danny Adams, and Theatre Royal favourite Clive Webb, Chris Hayward and Joe McElderry are part of the cast of this theatrical extravaganza.
Danny plays Danny Crabstix, best friend to Ariel, the bravest mermaid in King Triton’s kingdom, who must fight off the evil Sea Witch after she steals her voice in return for the ability to live amongst the humans, way above the ocean.
Venue: Theatre Royal, 26th November-12th January.
Sheffield
Starring Catherine Tyldesley as the Wicked Queen, the show promises light-out-loud thrills, stunning costumes, lavish sets, fabulous music and everyone’s favourite jokes.
Gladiator’s Viper Quang Luong and Sheffield’s favourite Dame, Damian Williams also join the cast.
Venue: Lyceum, 6th December-5th January.
Through her open window Wendy Darling gazes out at the night sky dreaming of blue lagoons, magical moons, and the stories that she can tell. But tonight, there is magic in the air.
This is a reimagined story of Peter Pan, as told by Wendy, for children 3+ and their families to enjoy.
Venue: Playhouse, 11th-31st December.
The popular West End and Broadway show will be playing in Sheffield over the Christmas period.
Flower shop assistant Seymour acquires a mysterious new plant, he named it ‘Audrey II’ after his crush and co-worker. But as it grows and grows, it offers Seymour the kind of success he could only ever dream of – as long as he keeps feeding it.
Venue: Crucible, 7th December-18th January.
Belfast
Beauty & the Beast – Family Pantomime
The classic tale of Beauty and the Beast with panto stars Jo Johnston as Belle, Keith Lynch as the Beast, and Brendan Mageean as a Dazzling Dame.
Be prepared to make some noise, sing, shout, boo and cheer as you meet the cast of colourful characters.
Venue: Waterfront Hall, 22nd November-5th January.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan sees the return of Belfast panto favourites May McFettridge as Mrs Smee, Paddy Jenkins as Starkey, Adam C Booth as Smee, Jolene O’Hara as Captain Hook and Aisling Sharkey as Wendy.
They will be joined by Belfast local Jordan Walker as Peter Pan and Georgia Brierley-Smith as Tink.
Venue: Grand Opera House, 30th November-12th January.
The Adventure of Red Riding Hood
An action-packed journey through the enchanted forest with a feisty heroine, Red Riding Hood, and her fairytale friends. But in a race to visit Granny Hood with a festive hamper of goodies, could it be a case of mistaken identity for media star Red Riding Hood, the jealous Goldilocks, or the Big (or not so) Bad Wolf?
The show is packed with original songs, larger than life characters, and lots of opportunities to join in the fun.
Venue: The Mac, 27th November-1st January.
Nottingham
TV fashionista Gok Wan will lead the cast of Peter Pan as The Magical Merman along with TV personality and actress Denise Welch as Captain Hook, and children’s TV favourite Paul Chuckle as Starkey.
Expect amazing special effects and barrel-loads of laughter.
Venue: Theatre Royal, 7th December – 12th January.
A magical live screening and live orchestral performance of Raymond Briggs’ classic story The Snowman, accompanied by English Pro Musica.
Alongside the iconic animated film, the concert will include festive music and audience participation.
Venue: Theatre Royal, 22nd December.
Bristol
Cameron Mackingtosh and Disney‘s production of the classic multi award-winning musical Mary poppins opens its UK and Ireland tour by flying into the Bristol Hippodrome.
Australian stars Stefanie Jones and jack Chambers reprise their roles as marry Poppins and Bert, having received nightly standing ovations for their performances in the recent Australian production.
Venue: Bristol Hippodrome, 4th-30th November.
A slightly different story to the one we know. The Little Mermaid loves swimming, dancing and spending time with her friends. While she might be different to other sea creature, they’re family and the waters are their home.
So when the sea starts to get warmer – the kelp wilting and the coral fading – she realises she has to act. She vows to protect their home and it seems a caring young man trying to restore the reef is just the person to help.
Venue: Bristol Old Vic, 5th December-11th January.
Little Red (& other winter tales)
A re-telling of the classic tale Little Red Riding Hood, The Red Shoes and The Little Match girl, this show shares a story of absent parents, dance-offs and finding the heart of Christmas.
Expect music, adventure, and lots of overcoming the monsters.
Venue: Bristol Old Vic, 6th December-12th January.
Goldilocks and The Three Bears
TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley heads this festive extravaganza, packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, and hair-raising stunts.
Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin.
Venue: Bristol Hippodrome, 7th December-5th January.
Cardiff
Cardiff’s family panto stars presenter Gethin Jones as Prince Charming and broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans as Dandini.
Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her very wicked sisters and meets her Prince Charming.
Venue: New Theatre, 7th December-5th January.
A musical adaption of Hans Christian Andersen’s family adventure.
Join Gerda on a dangerous and whimsical quest to save her best friend Kai before he is trapped forever in the Snow Queen’s palace.
Venue: Spiegeltheatre in Sophia Gardens, 12th-31st December.
2024 Pantomime Awards winners
Best Pantomime: Crossroads Pantomimes’ Jack and the Beanstalk at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Best Principal Lead: Alexandra Mardell for Goldilocks and the Three Bears at Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Best Comic: Matt Slack for Jack and the Beanstalk at Birmingham Hippodrome.
Best Costume Design: Dawn Allsopp for Snow White at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
Best Sisters: Iain Lauchlan and Andy Hockley for Cinderella at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.
Achievement in Innovation: Theatre Chipping Norton’s Cinderella, which relocated the story to Latin America.
Contribution to Pantomime History, Tradition, and Heritage: Michael J Batchelor, a designer and pantomime dame.
Outstanding Achievement: Twins FX for their special effects.