Christmas Films, Pantos and Shows

Published: 20th December 2024

Christmas is a great opportunity to enjoy a family outing to a film, show or panto, so I've rounded up lots of local options.

If you know of events that are not in this guide, then please add them using this form.

I will continue to add to this guide as more events are added to the website, and there will be more guides as we get closer to Christmas, so do bookmark this page and come back!

There are a number of other guides where you can find even more great events:

Pantos, Films and Christmas Shows

Hitchin

The Elves and The Jingle Bell Ball at The British Schools Museum, Hitchin
Sat 28th December 2024 - Tue 31st December 2024 9.30, 11.30, 13.30, 15.30
It's that time between Christmas and New Year, when all the presents have been delivered and it's time for the North Pole's annual Jingle Bell Ball! This year, it's up to our elves to organise the most magical event of the year - what could possibly go wrong?! Our family friendly show is suitably for all children 1-12, with a little something for everyone. We have packed our show with more songs and silliness to keep the whole family entertained and this year we end our performance with a mini disco to celebrate the end of Christmas and the beginning of a new year!
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Dick Whittington - A Christmas Show For Children aged 3-8 at The Market Theatre, Hitchin
Sat 7th December 2024 - Sat 28th December 2024
This Christmas, the Market Theatre stages a brand new version of another classic fairy story. Join plucky Dick Whittington and his trusty cat Timmy on their quest to London to seek their fortune. On the way they meet up with Polly who is trying to escape her wicked aunt Willma the Lord Mayoress of London. What Polly doesn't know is her dad has left her a huge amount of treasure in London and Willma is determined to lay her hands on it! Will Polly and Dick realise the fortune that awaits them and find it before WIlma does? With the help of the children (and grown-ups) they surely will! Book now for this epic adventure packed full of laughs, songs and audience participation (including the grown-ups!). Perfect for children ages 3-8yrs.
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A Merry Little Christmas at The Market Theatre, Hitchin
Tues 3rd December 2024 7:30pm
The Market Theatre presents an intimate evening of seasonal jazz with Paul Arnold (on the saxophone) and Marco Marconi (on the piano). All Tickets are £10 in advance, or £12 on the door. Fully licensed bar. Music begins at 8pm.
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Sleeping Beauty at The Queen Mother Theatre, Hitchin
Fri 6th December 2024 - Sun 8th December 2024
This years pantomime Sleeping Beauty is the classic fairy tale of good overcoming the evil plans of the wicked witch Ghasthag. A spectacular show with a sprinkling of magic, a lot of audience participation, plenty of fun, special effects, music and dance along the way, will all be there in this years pantomime. Tickets £18 adults, £13 children and other concessions. Friday 7.30pm, Saturday/Sunday 2.30pm & 6.30pm.
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Hitchin Chamber Orchestra Concert at Hitchin Town Hall
Sat 30th November 2024 7.30pm
Hitchin Chamber Orchestra returns to the Town Hall on Saturday 30th November for our 'Baroque and Beyond' concert. We are looking forward to welcoming virtuoso recorder player, James Risdon, to play the well-loved Sammartini concerto with Trevor Hughes conducting us. James and Trevor perform together regularly - you may have heard them at St Saviours or Benslow locally. Their partnership is beguiling, but do expect some musical fireworks! HCO's eclectic programme stretches beyond the Baroque era to include Parry, Dvořák and Stravinsky with works either written or arranged for String Orchestra. Tickets are available at Hitchin Initiative or online through Eventbrite. In advance £14/£7, on the door £16/£8.
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Christmas Carol – a one man show at Wakelin & Son, Hitchin
Weds 4th December 2024 - Fri 6th December 2024 6.30pm for 7.30pm start
Returning to Wakelin & Son this December for the cosiest show in town! Ring in the Christmas season with this exquisite performance of the Dickens' festive classic, brought to life in vivid detail by Mat Jones. Now in its 10th year, Mat's one-man retelling, has been delighting audiences every December, ushering in the Christmas season with warmth and joy. For three nights only, tickets for this show are strictly limited and seating is on a first come, first served basis. If you've visited Wakelin's before you'll know it's a very friendly place, so don't be afraid to share a table. Tickets £21, doors open 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start.
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The Living Theatre presents 'A Christmas Carol'
Touring to St Pauls Walden, Biggleswade, Letchworth Sun 1st December 2024 - Sun 22nd December 2024
Join The Living Theatre for our hugely popular dramatised reading of A Christmas Carol, better than ever for 2024! After huge demand we have dusted off the top hats and opened Dickens' pages once more to bring you the perfect Christmas treat. Grab yourself a mulled wine and settle into your seat for the Living Theatre's reading of a Christmas Carol - but don't get too comfortable, expect characters to leap from the page and Dickens to dance before your eyes as our actors contend to tell our favourite Christmas story; seamlessly moving from your trusted narrator to the most fiendish of Dickens creations. Book in hand, our actors will take you through the laughter, the lows and straight to the heart of Dickens most famous tale. This reading is created for all the family, relishing the words for the most faithful Dickens' fan to captivating the imaginations of our youngest audiences.
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Hitchin Folk Club - Albion Christmas Band at The Cricket Pavillion, Lucas Lane, Hitchin
Sun 22nd December 2024 7:30pm
The Albion Christmas Band are Simon Nicol, Kellie While, Simon Care and Ashley Hutchings. Their show features seasonal songs and tunes smattered with humorous readings and the occasional silly dance. Tickets: members £20, non-members £23. Available on the door or in advance by emailing [email protected].
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The Owl and The Pussycat at Whitwell New Fellowship Hall
Fri 6th December 2024 - Sat 7th December 2024 7:30pm Fri, 2pm and 7:30pm Sat
A family pantomime based on the famous poem by Edward Lear
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Letchworth, Stotfold, Arlesey and surrounding villages

Broadway Cinema Kids Club at Broadway Cinema & Theatre
LOW COST - £1.75 PER PERSON
Saturday and Sunday mornings in November and December 2024
Regular screenings on Saturday and Sunday mornings, tickets are £1.75 per person.
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Christmas Movies at Broadway Cinema & Theatre
Throughout December
It’s not Christmas on Broad Street without a liberal dusting of our festive staples, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf and, of course, It’s A Wonderful Life, but this year the jewel in the crown of our holiday line-up is an immersive screening of The Polar Express, complete with a visit from Father Christmas himself. Elsewhere in the programme we have Tim Burton and Dr. Seuss’ sideways takes on the festive season, Nora Ephron’s sparkling wit, and a double-dose of Kevin McCallister – in other words, something for everyone.
Family tickets available for all family-friendly titles in this year’s Christmas programme.
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Frosty
Frosty's Winter Adventure at St Christopher School Theatre, Letchworth
Sat 21st December 2024 - Sun 22nd December 2024 11am and 2pm
Imajica Theatre Presents are hosting a weekend of family friendly shows at St Chris theatre in Letchworth this Dec.
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Nearby (within 30 mins' drive)

Panto: Peter Pan at The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
Fri 22nd November 2024 - Sun 19th January 2025
Relaxed Performance: Thursday 2nd January 2025 at 1pm. This performance will also be Signed
Signed Performances - Friday 13th December at 4.30pm & Wednesday 15th January 2025 at 7pm
Soar to Neverland in this high-flying Pantomime adventure. Take to the skies with Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell as the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage presents their next sensational pantomime The New Adventures of Peter Pan, flying onto our stage from Friday 22 November 2024 until Sunday 19 January 2025. Test your sea-legs as we set sail in Captain Hook's pirate ship and join his crazy crew in this swashbuckling adventure that is fun for the whole family. Featuring a sensational cast, including Stevenage Favourite, Aidan O'Neill returning as Smee, the loyal but useless first mate to the dastardly Captain Hook played by Steven Serlin. Back by popular demand, Steven wowed Gordon Craig audiences as the evil Abanazaar in the smash hit production of Aladdin in 2021. Relaxed Performance - Thursday 2nd January 2025 at 1pm. This performance will also be Signed. Signed Performances - Friday 13th December at 4.30pm & Wednesday 15th January 2025 at 7pm.
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Robin Hood - The Fantastic Family Pantomime at Luton Library Theatre
Friday 6th - Sunday 8th December 2024 and Friday 13th - Sunday 15th December 2024 7pm
The fine folk of Sherwood Forest are terrorised by the mounting taxes imposed by the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham who'll stop at nothing to seize the throne of England and claim the fair Maid Marian as his bride. Only the outlaw Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men can save the day. With the help of the hapless Silly Willy and his not so glamorous mother Nanny Fanny, can Sherwood be saved from the Sheriff's clutches? Or will they be left all aquiver? Find out in this 'Merry' pantomime adventure!
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Santa's Lost Sleigh: A Christmas Family Adventure at Luton Library Theatre
Sat 21st December 2024 1pm & 3:30pm
Santa has put Twinkle the Elf in charge of looking after his sleigh while he finishes his last-minute Christmas preparations. After a cup of hot chocolate Twinkle gets tired and falls asleep. Oh no! The sleigh has been stolen by Jack Frost himself. It's up to Twinkle to get it back before Santa returns. She sets out on an epic adventure across the North Pole and along the way bumps into the Christmas Fairy and her Snowman friend. They join forces and use their magical abilities to track him down, but can they return the sleigh in time for Christmas? Can you help Twinkle and her friends stop Jack Frost and save Christmas? Join us on this exciting, interactive child's show full of fun, music, Christmas sing along and much, much more.

The King's Polar Bear at Hat Factory Arts Centre, Luton
Sat 7th December 2024 2pm & 4:30pm
An epic polar adventure for the whole family! Join Luton's favourites Full House Theatre for a timeless tale of hope and opportunity, told under the awesome shimmer of the northern lights. In this wintry new show, full of snow and sparkle you will be carried away by the magic of an arctic adventure never heard of before. Masters of children's storytelling, Full House Theatre, bring the frozen paradise of the arctic to life with vibrant characters, hand crafted puppets and a beautiful original score by BAFTA nominated composer Rebecca Applin. The King's Polar Bear is a playful and highly visual show for children, the perfect family theatre experience.
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Chaplins Pantomimes Jack and the Beanstalk at Rose Marquee, Luton Rugby Club
Sun 15th December 2024 2pm
This year Luton Rugby & Luton Celtic Youth are teaming up to bring you the amazing Chaplins Pantomimes Jack and the Beanstalk.
Limited availability! Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Date : Sunday 15th December
Time : 2pm Open - 2.30pm Start
Price : £18pp
Bookings can be made via email on 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻@𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗯𝘆.𝗰𝗼𝗺 or via our website
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Sleeping Beauty at The Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden
Sat 7th December 2024 - Mon 30th December 2024
This Christmas, you're invited to the pantomime of your dreams - SLEEPING BEAUTY, at the Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden. Once upon a time in a Pantoland far, far away, a beautiful princess is cursed by the evil Carbosse to perish on her 18th birthday by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel. Thanks to Fairy Nuff, Sleeping Beauty falls into a deep sleep that can only be broken by her one true love. Will the handsome prince come to her rescue, fight the dragon, destroy Carabosse, and save the day? Will the hilarious Nurse Nelly finally find the man of her dreams and will Chester the Jester find his own super powers to protect the princess? There's only one way to find out... Don't miss this year's spectacular pantomime from the same team that brought you last year's smash hit show Beauty and the Beast. Featuring great songs, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and spectacular special effects this dream of a pantomime will be an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.
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Sleeping Beauty at Campus West, Welwyn Garden City
Thu 12th December 2024 - Sun 5th January 2025
Get ready for a royal awakening! The highly-acclaimed Campus West Panto is bringing Sleeping Beauty's magic to Welwyn Garden City!
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Further Afield

Cinderella at The Alban Arena, St Albans
Thu 12th December 2024 - Sun 12th January 2025
Don't miss this year's fantastic, fun-filled family pantomime, Cinderella, starring SAMANTHA WOMACK (EastEnders) as the Fairy, alongside St Albans Legends, BOB GOLDING and IAN KIRKBY as the Wicked (but very funny) Step-Sisters! Joining them are GEORGE SHELLEY (I'm a Celebrity & Union J), the hilarious OLIVER SCOTT and DAMIAN PATTON, and the wonderful BESSY EWA (&Juliet). Cinderella, once again, will be written by Paul Hendy and produced by Evolution Productions, the same award-winning team that brought you last year's smash-hit, five-star pantomime, The All-New Adventures of Peter Pan. With stunning sets, hilarious comedy and breathtaking special effects, this year's show promises to be our biggest and funniest pantomime ever! Tickets are selling fast so don't be late to the ball... Book Today!
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Puss In Boots at The Sandpit Theatre, St Albans
Sat 14th December 2024 - Sun 29th December 2024
Following the fantastic success of 'Hansel and Gretel' & 'Rapunzel' our creative team are back with a Brand New pantomime adventure based on the classic tale. Puss In Boots and the Pea Green detective agency are ready to save pantoland from a terrible threat! The Hickory Dickory Dock clock has been stolen and someone is messing with the pantomime timeline. The police are struggling to sniff out a suspect and things are getting stranger by the hour! Join Puss In Boots on their epic quest to bring the time thief to justice. This sword-swinging, paw-scratching, time-stopping pantomime is an action packed treat for all ages!
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A Christmas Carol at the Roman Theatre of Verulamium, St Albans
Sat 30th November 2024 - Sun 29th December 2024 15:00, 16:30, 18:00, 19:30 - Times vary each day
OVO's smash hit, critically acclaimed production of Charles Dickens' Christmas classic returns to the Roman Theatre by popular demand for a third year. Taking audiences on an open air promenade journey through the stunning grounds of the UK's oldest theatre, this is a truly unique festive experience that immerses audiences in the spirit of Christmas past, present and yet to come. This magical 60 minute performance has been refreshed for 2024 and is guaranteed to delight, amuse and move both children and adults alike, and send you home filled to the brim with festive cheer - not to mention our ever popular mulled wine, luxury hot chocolate and seasonal snacks.
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Panto Express at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
Sat 30th November 2024 - Sun 1st December 2024 - Multiple Times
See Father Christmas whilst enjoying a steam train ride AND watch a pantomime - all in one amazing Christmas experience! This year, it's bigger and better than ever! Start your journey with our family-friendly pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, in our festive Visitor Centre. Enjoy your performance and then make your way to the Booking Hall to board the steam train. You will be shown to your compartment where you will be visited by Father Christmas, who makes his way along the train to present a special golden ticket to all the children. After the train ride, your adventure continues in the museum with our brand-new experience! You will be magically transported to Santa's workshop, where you can meet Mrs Claus and the elves, and your child can exchange their golden ticket for a gift of their choice. Pre-booking for Christmas is essential! Panto running time approx. 25 mins; train ride approx. 25 mins. All bookings are subject to a £3 fee per booking.
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Comedy Club 4 Kids at Park Theatre, Finsbury Park
Sat 14th December 2024 15.00
Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families... but without the rude bits! Almost 20 years later, the company has expanded from one London residency to being countrywide, running shows and workshops all over the UK from Peebles to Portsmouth, even producing a book on how to write and perform stand-up, and hosting our own Radio Nonsense podcast to bring the sillies to families all over the world. The show is family friendly, but without any patronising idiocy. In fact, it's just like a normal comedy club, but it's on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of the entire audience claiming to be called Bob. Adults to sit with children in their party (and help explain anything they get stuck on).
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peppa pig london
Peppa Pig - Fun Day Out at Theatre Royal, London
Thu 28th November 2024 - Sun 5th January 2025
Peppa Pig is back in the West End this Christmas in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out. Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party- it's going to be an exciting and fun packed day. Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa's Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre.
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Stickman at Bloomsbury Theatre, London
Wed 4th December 2024 - Sun 5th January 2025
Touching, funny and utterly original, Freckle Productions' delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's Stick Man is back in town! What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This award-winning production, from the team behind Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors, features a trio of top actors and is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
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