THE countdown to Christmas is well and truly on.
With the holiday fast approaching, the calendar is stacked with fun shows guaranteed to spread festive cheer.
The Sun has handpicked an exciting range of productions across the country that are aimed specially at a younger audience.
And with everything from enchanting puppet shows to cheeky pantos on offer across England‘s major cities, families planning their next trip to the theatre are spoilt for choice.
London
Based on the hit holiday film, this musical adaptation brings the tale of main character Buddy – a human raised by elves – to the West End.
Read more on Christmas 2025
Follow Buddy as he journeys from the North Pole to New York City, and enjoy a soundtrack that has seen it crowned the “ultimate Christmas show”.
Aldwych Theatre: October 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (ages 4+)
Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas
CBeebies star Maddie Moate has earned an Olivier Award nomination for Best Family Show with this science-y performance.
Most read in Best of British
Maddie – along with elves Tinker and Goggles – makes a bit of a mess of Santa’s workshop with her fun experiments, so can the audience help her fix it up?
Garrick Theatre: December 12, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (ages 4+)
The Nutcracker: English National Ballet
It doesn’t get much more Christmassy than getting lost in the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
English National Ballet returns with a truly magical production of over 100 dancers that will amaze child audiences and leave them dreaming of tutus and the Land of Sweets.
London Coliseum: December 11, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (ages 5+)
Cinderella, the Ugly Sisters and her Fairy Godmother are back on stage for the ultimate seasonal pantomime.
From outlandish costumes to show tunes and plenty of audience participation, get ready for a theatre extravaganza that all the family can enjoy.
Hackney Empire: November 22 – December 31, 2025 (all ages)
This feel-good show tells the story of a little girl, her Pappie and a snowflake who are all searching for something.
Benji Davies’ picture book is transformed into an imaginative production complete with puppetry that will leave little ones charmed.
Polka Theatre: November 29, 2025 – January 25, 2026 (all ages)
Back for its 28th year, it’s safe to say that this dance-filled spectacle has become a winter favourite.
Hear the orchestra play the famous song Walking in the Air while The Snowman and his friends whisk you off to a dreamy wonderland.
Peacock Theatre: November 22, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (all ages)
Join Jack on his climb up the beanstalk for an evening of slapstick humour and catchy numbers.
Reimagined as a milkman, Jack prepares to confront the giant with a can of squirty cream.
King’s Head Theatre: November 23, 2025 – January 6, 2026 (all ages)
Manchester
The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert
Watching the Muppet version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a holiday staple for many families.
You can turn the magic up a notch at this concert and film viewing, where a live orchestra accompanies Kermit, Gonzo, Rizzo and Scrooge on the big screen.
The Bridgewater Hall: November 22, 2025
Robin Hood: The Magical Panto Adventure
The Merry Men live up to their name in this action-packed panto starring Jason Manford.
Expect mischief as the timeless story takes on a festive, musical theatre twist.
Opera House Manchester: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026
This fairytale is brought to life by an all-local Mancunian cast.
Grumpy Rumpelstiltskin fills the theatre with holiday cheer and all the trimmings of a great pantomime, getting five-star reviews.
Contact Theatre: December 11 – 31, 2025 (all ages)
Birmingham
The Owl Who Came for Christmas
When Rosie the Owl finds herself in a family’s Christmas tree, her new hosts must help her find her way back home.
The audience can get involved in this charming production as performers and puppeteers tell Rosie’s story.
Midlands Arts Centre: December 1 – 28, 2025 (ages 3+)
The Nutcracker: Birmingham Royal Ballet
You don’t need to go to London to see world-class ballerinas, and Birmingham Royal Ballet’s “wow-factor” Christmas production boasts everything from snowfall to swordfights.
Audio described, signed and relaxed performances are available, meaning children with additional needs can also be enchanted in a way that’s comfortable for them.
Birmingham Hippodrome: November 21 – December 13, 2025
Hettie Hedgehog and Sydney Squirrel take centre stage in the latest show by My First Musical – then wolves step on the scene.
Spend an evening howling with laughter while Hettie and Sydney try to make new friends on their wintry adventure.
Birmingham Hippodrome: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (ages 3+)
Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas
London’s most iconic detective does some seasonal sleuthing in this comedy whodunnit with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
It’s best for those aged 10 and upwards, but kids as young as five are welcome.
Birmingham Rep: November 14, 2025 – January 18, 2026 (ages 10+)
Liverpool
Little Bear with the Christmas Lights
Despite her Christmas prep almost being complete, Little Bear is missing the perfect twinkly lights.
Little ones can accompany her on an interactive, sensory adventure to find the perfect lights – but watch out for snowballs!
Shakespeare North Playhouse: December 18, 2025 – December 24, 2025
Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas
One brave boy is on a mission to save Christmas from Santa himself, and he’ll be encountering Victorian villains and Medieval monks along the way.
There are only two performances of this show, so secure a ticket while you can.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall: December 18, 2025 (ages 4+)
If you prefer a play to a panto, this new production brings the spellbinding fairytale to life in a new way.
Adapted with a local twist, Prince Flarf must search the Kingdom of Prescotisia to find the owner of the glass slipper.
Shakespeare North Playhouse: November 21, 2025 – January 10, 2026 (all ages)
Leeds
Stick Man gets into a bit of a pickle when he goes out for a morning jog in the snow.
Freckle Productions’ award-winning show features music, dancing and puppetry by its trio of actors as Stick Man tries to get back to his family tree.
Leeds Playhouse: December 6, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (ages 3+)
Aladdin: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto
Celebrated as “the pinnacle of panto”, this festive production sees Aladdin return on his flying carpet.
Plus, all its rock ‘n’ roll numbers are performed live on stage by a cast of multi-talented actor-musicians.
City Varieties Music Hall: November 28, 2025 – January 11, 2026 (ages 4+)
The Storyteller once held so much magic, but now, they seem to have lost their sparkle – can two little elves complete a mission from Father Christmas to help them get it back?
This show has a ‘Pay What You Can’ pricing system, so it can even be enjoyed on a tight budget.
Leeds Central Library: December 6 – 31, 2025 (ages 4+)
Written specially for younger kids, this chaotic Christmassy tale is all about Christopher Nibble the guinea pig.
Father Christmas gets lost after his Santa Nav breaks, and it’s all up to Christopher and his family to try and save the holiday.
Carriageworks Theatre: December 14 – 31, 2025 (ages 2+)
Newcastle
The Big Family Christmas Show!
A family comedy show that’s appropriate but funny for all ages is back by popular demand, complete with sketches, songs and stand-up.
There’s only one performance of this “must-do event”, so grab a ticket early to avoid disappointment.
The Stand Comedy Club: December 21, 2025 (ages 5+)
Nestled within Newcastle’s Christmas Village but with sheltered seating, the Rockin’ Reindeer stage is where you’ll find a range of mini shows bringing iconic Christmas characters to life.
Pick between The Grinch, Santa’s Superstars, The Ice Kingdom and Tinsel Tots.
Old Eldon Square: November 15 – December 24, 2025
Where Do All The Kittiwakes Go At Christmas?
Without any fish ‘n’ chips to steal on the winter beaches, a couple seaside birds find somewhere else to go.
This alternative production is performed with a two-person cast and has been created using ideas from local schoolchildren.
Live Theatre: December 9 – 21, 2025 (all ages)
Bristol
Prepare to spend a ghostly evening with Ebenezer Scrooge.
Dickens’ classic tale will take you on a journey from “Bah, humbug!” to yuletide warmth using humour – and just a little bit of haunting.
Redgrave Theatre: November 24 – 29, 2025 (ages 8+)
Original music, playful plot twists and plenty of hair are at the heart of this mischievous adaptation of the famous Brothers Grimm fairytale.
You can also enjoy BSL interpreted performances as well as captioned shows on selected dates.
Factory Theatre: November 27, 2025 – January 17, 2026 (ages 7+)
In the space of “a magical 50 minutes”, Antarctica transports the audience to the snowy South Pole to join penguins and explorers.
For an extra cosy evening, book a pyjama night performance and watch the story unfold while wearing your comfies and sipping on a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.
The Weston Studio: December 5, 2025 – January 10, 2026 (all ages)
Performers of all ages star in this showstopping, foot-tapping treat.
The venue also offers pre-show pizzas, so you can fill your tummy before the belly-aching laughter begins.
Hen & Chicken Studio: December 15 – 17, 2025
The Snowman in Concert: Music, Story & Performance
Spellbinding narrators, aerial performers and a live musicians come together in a theatrical triple-whammy.
Feel the magic of well-known story as this enchanting production melts your heart.
Spiegeltent: December 13, 2025 (all ages)