It’s pantomime season – oh yes it is!
It’s a Christmas tradition for so many to go and see a pantomime during the festive season, and York has no shortage of fantastic family shows to go and see.
Take a look at our guide below to see where and when you can catch York’s brilliant pantomime and festive show offerings.
Are we missing a festive show in York and North Yorkshire? Let us know by dropping us a line at [email protected].
This guide will be continually updated.
Fantastic family pantomimes
Sleeping Beauty
What’s it about?
Your dreams have come true… The 2025/26 York Theatre Royal pantomime with Evolution Productions will be the enchanting Sleeping Beauty! Written by Paul Hendy and directed by Juliet Forster – the same fantastic team who brought you the magical Aladdin and the GIANT Jack and the Beanstalk. With stunning costumes, gorgeous sets, dazzling special effects and lots of hilarious jokes, Sleeping Beauty is set to be a festive treat for the whole family.
Who’s in it?
Cbeebies and CBBC star Jennie Dale as Fairy Moonbeam, York favourite Robin Simpson returning as the Dame, West End stars Jocasta Almgill as wicked fairy Carabosse and Aoife Kenny as Princess Aurora, audience favourite Tommy Carmichael as Jangles and York local Christian Mortimer as Prince Michael.
Where is it?
York Theatre Royal, St. Leonard’s Place, York, YO1 7HD
When is it?
Tuesday 2 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
How much are tickets?
Tickets start from £15 and go up to £47. There are also family tickets available for all performances. £90 for bookings with 3 tickets, including at least 1 adult and 1 under 16, saving up to £47.50. £120 for bookings with 4 tickets, including at least 1 adult and 1 under 16 , saving up to £64.50.
Cinderella
What’s it about?
You shall go to the ball with this year’s sparkling musical pantomime, Cinderella! York’s most magical festive tradition is back – and it’s bigger, bolder and more star-studded than ever. Cinderella at the Grand Opera House York is set to be the city’s biggest Christmas show, boasting dazzling casting, glittering production values and a laugh-a-minute script.
Who’s in it?
Coronation Street‘s Lisa George stars as the Fairy Godmother, with with winner of ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream Tobias Turley as Prince Charming, West End star Rachel Grundy as Cinderella, West End drag superstars Luke Attwood & Brandon Nicholson as the Ugly Sisters and Jimmy Bryant as Buttons.
Where is it?
Grand Opera House York, Cumberland Street, York, YO1 9SW
When is it?
Saturday 6 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
How much are tickets?
Tickets start from £16 and go up to £59.50. Friends and Family ticket is open to all – please book between 3 and 8 tickets to qualify.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
What’s it about?
Join Wendy, John and Michael as they fly with Peter Pan to the fantastical world of Neverland. Cling onto your seats as Peter and the Lost Boys do battle with the rather nasty Captain Hook and his even nastier bunch of pirates. But fear not as Nanny McFlea and her ever eager apprentice Barkly, are on hand to assist in the most ridiculous of ways!
Who’s in it?
It stars Hannah King as Peter Pan, Michael Cornell as Nanny McFlea, YorkMix’s Laura Castle as Tiger Lily, Gemma McDonald as Barkly, Sara Howlett as Tinkerbell, Jamie McKeller as Captain Hook, Eva Howe as Wendy, Claire Horsley as Gloria, and Sophie Bullivant as Smee.
Where is it?
Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8TA
When is it?
Saturday 6 – Saturday 14 December 2024
How much are tickets?
£20 – £22
More festive shows
The Flint Street Nativity
Join Wilberfoss Amateur Theatre Society for a Christmas production like no other! Miss Horrocks’ class of seven-year-olds is about to perform their nativity play at Flint Street Junior School for their proud mams and dads. But squabbles soon arise when Gabriel wants to play Mary, the Star grumbles he’s not a proper star like they have at NASA and Herod won’t stop waving to his mam and dad. And then the stick insect escapes … Both the children and their parents are played by adults in this funny and warm-hearted play, featuring traditional Christmas carols as you’ve never heard them before!
- Wilberfoss Community Centre, Main Street, Wilberfoss YO41 5NN
- Sat 29 – Sun 30 Nov
- 1pm & 6pm
- More info
A Christmas Carol
Ring in the Christmas season with this exquisite performance of the Dickens’ festive classic, brought to life in vivid detail by Mat Jones. Mat’s one-man retelling, has been delighting audiences every December, ushering in the Christmas season with warmth and joy. Join us for this classic tale of Victorian Christmas and the redemption of London’s most memorable miser, as we follow Scrooge through his encounters with the spirits of Christmas.
- Friargate Theatre, York, YO1 9SL
- Thu 11 – Sat 13 Dec
- 7:30pm (4pm Sat matinee)
- More info
Jingle All The Way
Reindeer siblings Rex and Rosie aren’t keen on starting a new school just before Christmas, especially when that school is the East Riding Reindeer Academy, home of some of the best athletes in the country!
And whilst Rosie fits in pretty quickly, Rex is struggling to make friends and find where he belongs. But a school-wide competition might just change all of that, Santa has a free position on his sleigh-squad, and he is looking for the fastest reindeer in the school in time for Christmas Eve, could this be Rex’s big chance?
Full of classic Christmas tunes and original songs, humour, local references and a whole load of festive fun, don’t miss this brand new show this winter!
- Pocklington Arts Centre, Market Place, Pocklington, York YO42 2AR
- Thu 11 – Tue 23 Dec
- Multiple times
- More info
Christmas Inn Trouble
The nativity like never before! A Christmas show for families and children.
There is a lot of bother at The Bethlehem Inn and Spa. The taps are leaking, the rats are squeaking and the rooms are fit to burst. There are so many guests it’s impossible to park your camel and, if things weren’t bad enough, a rascally Roman soldier has come to make sure everything is above board…Join Riding Lights Theatre Company as they bring a Christmas comedy filled with silly shepherds, some very (un)wise men and a young family who have no idea what they’ve let themselves in for.
- Friargate Theatre, York, YO1 9SL
- Sat 20 – Wed 24 Dec
- Multiple times
- More info
Further afield
If you fancy journeying out of York in search of a seasonal show, don’t miss Leeds Playhouse’s festive offering A Christmas Carol (Thursday 20 November 2025 to Saturday 17 January 2026). Join us for festive magic and an unforgettable journey of redemption and cheer, with tickets from £16.50.
Next year
And the festive fun continues into 2026 – so you’ll have more Christmassy shows and pantomime antics to look forward to in the cold January and February months!
Blue Light Theatre bring a sprinkling of the extraterrestrial to New Earswick Folk Hall with Owt O’This World! (Wednesday 29 January to Saturday 1 February 2025) – described as ‘an intergalactic gian Yorkshire pudding filled family panto’, this will be one not to miss. Book your tickets here.
