Step into the magic of the holiday season with seven spectacular Christmas theatre events you simply cannot miss. From heartwarming classics that bring festive cheer to dazzling new productions that reimagine the spirit of Christmas, the stage is set to capture your imagination. Whether you’re after a laugh, a tear, or a touch of wonder, these performances promise to make your December sparkle brighter than ever.
Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story – Charing Cross Theatre, 21 Nov – 11 Jan
Renowned mischief-makers He’s Behind You! return for another adults-only festive frolic with a raucously romantic new pantoBeauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story. This fairytwist presents a queer-infused narrative, outrageous humour and original music as they turn this tale as old as time into a fresh, riotous evening out for the adults. Set in the Scottish village of Lickmanochers, He’s Behind You! offers an enemies-to-lovers romcom and unmissable Christmas panto.
Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas | Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, 27th Nov – 3rd Jan
From first footsteps under twinkling trees to final festive sparkles, Light Up Trails is the multi-award-winning Christmas light trail that transforms the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens into a world of magic, music and wonder, providing families with a magical start to the festive season. This year, Light Up Trails showcases a reimagined trail with a series of immersive themed zones, each designed in partnership with world-class artists to tell a story through light, sound and atmosphere.
Robin Hood and Maid Marian | Corn Exchange Newbury | 28th Nov 2025 – 3rd Jan 2026
Step into the magical forest of Newburyshire and join our swashbuckling hero Robin and his band of merry outlaws. The awful Sheriff of Newburyshire has been in power for 14 long years, persecuting the poor, rewarding the rich and eating the local swans. Will he ever defeat the evil Sheriff before he and his merry band are locked up for good? Enjoy toe-tapping songs through the decades and plenty of jokes that’ll have you bowing with laughter at Corn Exchange Newbury!
Peter Pan | Greenwich Theatre, 28th Nov – 11 Jan
All aboard the Jolly Roger this winter! Greenwich Theatre brings festive fun with a new panto written by and starring Anthony Spargo, the man behind Greenwich Theatre’s Dick Whittington and His Cat, winner of Best Script and Best Pantomime at the UK Pantomime Awards 2025. Packed with comedy and sing-along songs, audiences of all ages can follow everyone’s favourite boy who never grows up on a magical adventure in Neverland, with special appearances from Pirates and a crafty, ever-ticking crocodile. Don’t miss this boat – or else you’ll be walking the plank!
Jack and the Beanstalk |29th November – 4th January
Watford Palace Theatre’s renowned Christmas panto, bringing audiences some Fee-Fi-Fo-Fun with the voice of Stephen Fry as the Giant, trademark humour and catchy original songs. It will also feature the magical and clumsy Fairy ‘Nuff, misguided Goosey, baddun Dame Judy Henchman, the well-clever badger Smart Simone and back for his 13th year, Watford’s favourite Dame Terence Frisch, this promises to be a Gardener’s World of wonder and amazement.
Scrunch | 30th November – 4th January 2026 | Unicorn Theatre
Snuggle up and share in your baby’s joy as the excitement for Christmas builds – because let’s be honest, the best part isn’t the presents… it’s the crumpling, rumpling and scrunching of all that glorious wrapping paper! From the makers of our highly successful, long-running Baby Show, this multi-sensory show returns to the Unicorn to delight babies and parents alike. At the end of the show there will be a chance to play and dance together in the space!
Little Miss Christmas | Southwark Playhouse |10th December 2025 – 3rd January 2026
Following an acclaimed run at Newcastle’s Alphabetti Theatre in 2024, Little Miss Christmas (LMX) is jingling all the way to Southern Playhouse Borough this December. Created by rising cabaret star Patti Boo Rae, featuring a different guest performer each night from across London’s drag, cabaret, panto, and comedy scenes. Patti’s pulling out all the stops to defend her title – we’re talking live vocals, lip syncs, singalongs, quick changes, synchronized swimming! And if all else fails, she might just have to fight dirty…
