Uh oh, it’s that time of year again... “Oh no, it’s not!” oh yes, it is! The North of England is home this year to every pantomime you can think of, from Cinderella to Hansel & Gretel, to a very Scouse rendition of Red Riding Hood. We’ve picked out a range of shows from across the North this Christmas for you to enjoy at your leisure. So, grab your tickets, get dolled up like a Dame, and relax for a night of laughs, music and garish costumes.
Don’t worry about getting to any of these productions; we’ve carefully selected a range of theatres that are easy to reach from our stations. So make travelling simple and book a train with Northern for cheaper and easier travel.
Christmas pantomimes in Yorkshire
York
When: 2nd December - 4th January
Where: York Theatre Royal
The York Theatre Royal pantomime returns for another year, this time with Sleeping Beauty! This year's cast features Jennie Dale, known for her role in CBeebies Captain Captain. You can bet that York’s pantomime is sure to be another show-stopper this year, so head along for a night to remember.
Sleeping Beauty @ York Theatre Royal
Leeds
When: 20th November - 17th January
Where: Leeds Playhouse, Quarry Hill, Leeds
A Christmas classic for all the family, A Christmas Carol is coming to Leeds Playhouse. Described as being "packed with festive fun, lively music, and a sprinkle of magic" expect a fun, high-energy show on stage as the night draws in. It's the ultimate festive tale of redemption and cheer.
Sheffield
When: 5th December - 4th January
Where: Lyceum Theatre
As white snow is hopefully falling on the ground - Sheffield has Aladdin on the stage. With action-packed, family fun and laughs abound, this promises to be a spectacular show for all involved. Not only is Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton playing a role, but CBeebies Evie Pickerill and Damian Williams will feature too. The Lyceum recommend this show for anyone over the age of 4, so even your little ones can enjoy the fun of the pantomime.
Christmas pantomimes in the North East
Newcastle
When: 25th November - 18th January
Where: Newcastle Theatre Royal
This winter Aladdin is also coming to the Newcastle Royal Theatre. Dive into the fantasy world set in the Royal Kingdom of Pantomania and enjoy wicked witches, flying carpets, and dancing geese across the stage. Book early to see what is sure to be one of Newcastle’s best pantos and dive into a fantasy world with a whole bunch of fairytale character to cheer on.
Sunderland
When: 12th December - 4th January
Where: Sunderland Empire
Ready for a Christmas spectacle that’s anything but sleepy? Sunderland Empire is hosting its 2025 pantomime season with a dazzling production of Sleeping Beauty! Starring the spectacular drag artist Miss Rory as Rorina The Cleaner and Tom Whalley as Vesta The Jester, this show is guaranteed to wake you right up. You'll be treated to a Christmas extravaganza bursting with lively music, stunning costumes, non-stop laughs, and that essential audience participation. It's the perfect way to fall in love with panto all over again this festive season. Based on one of the most famous fairytales, this panto staple is a must-see!
Darlington
When: 5th December - 31st December
Where: Darlington Hippodrome
Goldilocks and the Three Bears is coming to Darlington Hippodrome for the festive season. You won't want to miss this spectacular circus transformation starring Strictly Come Dancing professional and Dancing on Ice finalist Brendan Cole as the dastardly Evil Ringmaster. Fan-favourite Darlington panto duo Josh Benson and Jamie Jones also return for their third year, joining the fun as Joey the Clown and Dame Betty Barnum. Goldilocks' circus is in danger, but with three brilliant bears joining the gang, it's a show that promises to be just right. Grab your tickets today and enjoy the panto where everything is possible!
Christmas pantomimes in Merseyside
Liverpool
When: 8th November - 18th January
Where: Royal Court Theatre
Need a Christmas show for the grown-ups? The Royal Court's "scousifying" Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol! This is strictly an adults-only night out, so send the kids to Nan's and join the fun! Jacob Marley is dead, and his missus, Mary Marley, is convinced Scrooge did it. She's got the Scratchitt family and Mr. Kettiwig helping her ghost him until he coughs up the crime. Will Scrooge learn his lesson? Will Marley get his revenge? Find out in one of the city's biggest Chrimbo celebrations!
Southport
When: 5th - 31st December
Where: The Atkinson
This December, visit the Atkinson to see Beauty and the Beast on stage! A magical journey full of festive cheer and family fun. Brought to you by the hitmakers behind last year's show, KD Theatre Productions returns with a spectacular that’s guaranteed to delight all ages. Step into a sparkling winter wonderland as the classic tale of the cursed Beast and the brave Belle unfolds. Will Belle break the curse before the last rose petal falls? Find out in this heart-warming show that's the perfect present for the whole family!
Blackpool
When: 9th December - 14th December
Where: Opera House, Winter Gardens
Get ready for a spectacular production of Elf The Musical at Blackpool's Opera House! Perfect for all the family, comedian Jordan Conway is stepping into the pointy green shoes of Buddy the Elf and is sure to deliver an energetic and heartwarming performance. This feel-good festive panto, based on the hit movie, is guaranteed to make your family's day sparkle with Christmas magic.
Elf the Musical @ Blackpool's Opera House
Christmas pantomimes in Greater Manchester and Cheshire
Manchester
When: 6th December - 4th January
Where: Manchester Opera House
Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, is this the fairest pantomime of them all? Find out when Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs comes to Manchester’s Opera House this festive season! Expect an abundance of fantastic comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes, and stunning scenery. Don't miss out on this chance to outwit the Wicked Queen and let love prevail. Book your tickets today!
Hartford
When: 6th December - 3rd January
Where: The Grange Theatre
This Christmas season, get ready to tumble down the rabbit hole and step into a dazzling festive adventure at The Grange Theatre with Alice in Winter Wonderland! A magical reimagining of Lewis Carroll's beloved tale, this show is packed with music, laughter, dance, and spectacular surprises. Follow Alice as she meets the White Rabbit, dances at the Mad Hatter’s tea party, and braves the Queen of Hearts. It's a festive experience the whole family will never forget, so book your tickets and your train travel now!
Alice in Wonderland @ the Grange
Chester
When: 5th - 29th December
Where: Storyhouse Theatre
Christmas is officially coming to Chester in spectacular style! Storyhouse, the city's vibrant theatre, cinema, restaurant, and library, invites you to be their guest this holiday season for Beauty and the Beast. Prepare for a magical adventure bursting with pop favourites, hilarious moments, and unforgettable surprises, all wrapped up in a heartwarming tale for the whole family. With enchanting characters and plenty of chances to cheer, sing, and dance, you won't want to miss it this winter!
Christmas pantomimes in Cumbria
Workington
When: 13th - 14th December
Where: Carnegie Theatre
Jack Frost has done the unthinkable and kidnapped Santa! But don't worry, the Christmas Fairy is here to save the day, taking young Holly on an epic adventure to the North Pole aboard The Santa Express. This is the ultimate Christmas family adventure with everything you'd expect - lots of singing, dancing, beautiful costumes, laughs for the whole family!
If any of these Christmas pantos have caught your eye, book your journey with us and enjoy an easy journey to and from your destination. Get into the Christmas spirit with Northern this December!
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Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.