Activities & Days Out / 24 July, 2026 / Christina Walter
It might seem a little early to be thinking about booking Christmas shows and pantos, but nope. It’s that time already! (Oh, no, it’s not… Oh, yes, it is!)
We’ve rounded up the best family pantomimes and theatre this year, so book while seats are available! We definitely don’t want you to miss out – oh, no, we don’t!
Best Christmas shows and pantos to book now
When it comes to the best Christmas shows, you can’t get more traditionally festive than The Nutcracker. Over 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live.
For four weeks only, join comedian, TV and musical theatre star Brian Conley as Woking Theatre is transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen!
Brian will be joined on-stage by his daughter, Lucy Conley, who stars as Goldilocks along with a spectacular cast including renowned dame David Robbins as Dame Betty Barnum, panto villain Gary Milner as The Evil Ringmaster, magician Phil Hitchcock as the Magical Mysterioso, and sensational roller-skating duo Gina & Lester.
Come to Islington, where the streets are paved with gold…
Dick Whittington’s adventure begins when he journeys to London town to find fame and fortune, with his trusty cat in tow. But with rats running riot, the big city doesn’t quite match up to his dreams… Can our young hero save Islington from the Rat King’s clutches, and restore London to its former glory? And will he find love along the way?
Back for its third year, North London’s favourite panto is sure to bring festive cheer for all the family. With show-stopping musical numbers, toe-tapping tunes, and a whole lotta laughs, this is a theatrical delight you won’t want to miss.
And there’s more! We couldn’t do the innuendo-filled Dick Whittington without bringing back our hit Adults Only shows, complete with drag and West End guest stars! With previous guest stars including John Owen Jones, Kate Butch, Steven Webb, and Christina Bianco, this is your chance to see your faves live on stage.
limb into a world of magic and mischief this festive season, as we welcome back “panto royalty” (The Times) Clive Rowe to the Hackney Empire stage for Jack and the Beanstalk.
Join happy-go-lucky Jack on an epic adventure after he sells his family’s beloved cow for a handful of magic beans, setting off a chain of events that leads high into the clouds. As Jack climbs up the beanstalk, he discovers an enchanted land, a powerful giant and a host of surprises, but can he outsmart the giant and save the day?
Directed by and starring Olivier Award-winner Clive Rowe, this joyful tale brings together all the best bits of a Hackney Empire pantomime: giant laughs, toe-tapping songs, dazzling dance numbers, extravagant costumes and plenty of chances for everyone to join in the fun.
Whether this is your first pantomime or a yearly tradition, Jack and the Beanstalk is a magical treat for adventurers of all ages.
Get cosy, gather round the tree and listen to Mole’s tale – of how four friends saved not only the Wild Wood, but Christmas itself.
Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole live a life of laughter and camaraderie, swept up in the joys of life by the river. But as the seasons pass their friendships are put to the test by the scheming Chief Weasel and his villainous plans. Will Toad’s reckless behaviour catch up with him? Can shy Mole summon the courage to save Toad Hall in time for Christmas? One thing’s for sure – there’s nothing stronger than friendship, family and standing by the ones we love.
This colourful, joyous Christmas extravaganza has laughter, music and song for all the family! A festive adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s timeless classic written by Rob Evans and starring a professional cast alongside our celebrated Rose Youth Theatre.
Cinderella, The London Palladium
You shall go to the most magical ball in the land this Christmas as the world-famous London Palladium invites you to the dazzling rags-to-riches fairytale Cinderella.
Comedy legends Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders reunite on the West End stage for the first time in 17 years as the wickedly hilarious Ugly Sisters, with incomparable panto sensation Julian Clary, wand in hand, as the glittering Fairy Godfather.
Palladium panto favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge are back by popular demand, joined by acclaimed TV and theatre star Dex Lee as Prince Charming, with musical theatre’s Hope Dawe stepping into the glass slippers as Cinderella.
The Snowman, Peacock Theatre London
This winter family favourite is the timeless tale of a boy and a snowman who comes to life. Back in its 27th year, The Snowman is a magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson.
The Snowman is directed by Bill Alexander and features music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including the song ‘Walking in the Air,’ spectacular design by Ruari Murchison, magical lighting by Tim Mitchell, and amazing choreography by Robert North, all of which is accompanied by a live orchestra.
Stick Man Live, The Leicester Square Theatre
Perfect for preschoolers, touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions’ delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man is back on stage!
Peter Pan, The New Wimbledon Theatre
Award-winning actress and TV star Jessie Wallace takes the helm as Captain Hook, alongside pop icon and JLS legend Aston Merrygold as Peter Pan. Joining them is television presenter, author, actor and singer Tom Read Wilson as the Magical Merman, and much-loved magician and comic Pete Firman as Smee.
Peter Pan (Pantomime)
Expect stunning sets and costumes, magical special effects and barrel-loads of laughter, as Peter Pan brings your whole family along for a pantomime spectacular filled with wonder.
String your bows and join us for some festive fun in the Forest of Havering, as Robin Hood hits the bullseye in a brand-new, laugh-out-loud panto adventure!
With his Merry Band beside him and the brilliant, brave Maid Marian leading the charge, our cheeky outlaw is ready to outwit the greedy Sheriff, with daring tricks, silly mishaps and plenty of audience mischief along the way!
Perfect for the whole family, this action-packed adventure is bursting with catchy songs, dazzling sets and costumes, and side-splitting panto fun. You’ll find heroes to cheer, villains to boo, and more surprises than you can shake an arrow at!
There’s only one way to find out… Oh yes there is!
So, gather your Merry Band of family and friends and book your tickets today!
Greenwich Theatre presents ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ – It’s the Panto you’ve BEAN waiting for! Jack and his Mother – Dame Dotty Trott – have fallen on hard times, they’ve even been forced to sell their beloved cow Pat! With a sprinkle of magic and a little unexpected help from an unconventional fairy, Jack climbs a beanstalk to Cloudland in an attempt to gain his fortune… however, there’s one giant problem that stands in his way! Don’t miss this GIANT pantomime adventure! It’s sure to be fee-fi-fo-FUN!
Brought to you by the team behind our award-winning pantos! Winner of Best Script and Best Pantomime at the UK Pantomime Awards 2025!
Written by and starring award-winning writer Anthony Spargo, musical direction from ‘uncle’ Steve Markwick and directed by James Haddrell.
Cinderella, Fairfield Ashcroft Theatre
Get ready for the ultimate festive treat as Cinderella bursts onto the Fairfield Halls stage in a glittering pantomime spectacular from UK Productions Ltd – packed with dazzling magic, laugh-out-loud comedy, and West End-scale glamour.
This is no ordinary pantomime. Expect breathtaking new sets, jaw-dropping costumes dripping with sparkle, sensational choreography, and show-stopping performances that will leave the whole family spellbound.
Produced by UK Productions Ltd., the acclaimed team behind many of the UK’s most spectacular pantomimes, this production is written by award-winning writer Jon Monie. Cinderella combines all the traditions of panto – romance, villains, heroes, and heart – with a dazzling modern staging that pushes the boundaries of family Christmas entertainment. From boo-worthy baddies to belly laughs and moments of pure enchantment, it’s the perfect festive escape for audiences of all ages.
You are invited to get into the festive spirit as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London’s annual Hogwarts in the Snow feature returns!
Starting at the Great Hall, bedecked in the gold decorations from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, all the way through to Hogwarts castle model, fan-favourite sets throughout the Studio Tour will be displayed in their festive finery. Learn the secrets behind ice that never melts and fire that doesn’t burn and see a blanket of filmmaking snow covering the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley and the magnificent Hogwarts castle model.
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