Christmas shows Manchester 2024
If you love visiting the theatre then there is no better time to visit than at Christmas. There are some great Christmas shows Manchester this year (2024). There are lots of different options for all ages. No matter how old your children are, you’re sure to find a Christmas show for you all to enjoy. This post is part of a series of posts on Christmas shows North West England.
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I have done my best to make sure this post is up to date and accurate but please check the organiser’s website before travelling as events may be cancelled at short notice, details might be changed and mistakes happen. I have included links to the event organisers so you can check the up to date details and terms and conditions. Most of the events need pre-booking.
If you have an event you want to be added, drop me an email at – info@northwestforkids.co.uk I add all events for free and this year I’m offering low cost “Featured events” where your event will be pinned to the top of the guide, you can include a photo and you’ll also get a dedicated Facebook post to promote just your event to my page of 18k. Email me to find out costs and potential reach of your chosen guide.
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Christmas shows Manchester
Gandey’s firebird, Trafford centre – Book now for 2024
Where – Trafford Centre, Grand Hall Entrance, M17 8AA
When – 6th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
Experience the magic of Firebird a captivating winter show that combines the elegance of ice skating with the excitement of circus performances. Follow Irina on her epic quest to restore the wings of the mystical Firebirds, stolen by the evil sorcerer.
This visually stunning production features world-class skaters and top circus performers in a celebration of light, unity, and the triumph of good over evil. Perfect for all ages, Firebird is a must-see event that blends cultural diversity and artistic excellence into a spectacular story of hope and community.
Family Ticket: 2 Adult & 2 Under 16 or 1 Adult & 3 Under 16
Circle: from £65
Rinkside: from £80
Book here – * Gandys firebird
The glass slipper, Waterside Sale – Book now for 2024
Where – 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford, M33 7ZF
When – 24th November 2024
Tutti Frutti Productions re-imagines this classic story, with some new twists and turns to make you chuckle and inspire your real self to shine through. With a top team of actor musicians, songs, dancing and inventive design, all thrown in with a bit of sparkle and magic for good measure!
Book here – The Glass Slippers
The bear, Waterside, Sale – book now for 2024
When – 1st – 29th December 2024.
Ever wondered what it would be like to sit on a polar bear’s lap? Or ride on its back? Have you ever tried to give a bear a bath? Or clear up its poo?! Looking after a bear is exhausting stuff.
One night when she’s fast asleep, an enormous snowy white bear climbs into Tilly’s bedroom. It has a big black tongue and a yawn as big as your head. But Tilly’s not scared.
With dazzling puppetry, delicious music, dreamy storytelling, and dozens of laughs, The Bear is an unforgettable experience for the whole family and a perfect introduction to theatre. So come join Tilly and her great big white friend on a wild and magical adventure.
Book here – The Bear
Stick man, The Lowry – book now for 2024
When – 10th December 2024 – 5th January 2024
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.
Book here – * stick man
Little penguin’s first Christmas, The Lowry – sold out for 2024
When – 28th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
From the company that brought you the sell-out productions of Snowbabies! and Aleena’s Garden, Little Penguin’s First Christmas is an immersive, festive experience for babies aged 0-36 months and their grown-ups!
Filled with puppetry, original music and sensory delights to stimulate and captivate, this show is a perfect first theatrical experience for your little one.
Join Little Penguin in her winter wonderland as she discovers the magic of her first Christmas.
Book here – * Little penguin’s first Christmas
Disney on ice road trip adventures, AO Arena, Manchester – Book now for 2024
Where – AO Arena Manchester, Manchester, M3 1AR4
When – 11th – 13th December 2024
Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures, experiencing the fantastic Disney and Pixar adventures of Mary Poppins Returns, Toy Story 4, Incredibles 2, The Lion King, Aladdin, Moana, and Frozen all in one ice show.
Book here – Disney On Ice Presents Road Trip Adventures
Rudolph the reindeer’s Christmas roadshow, Octagon Bolton – book now for 2024
Where – Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, BL1 1SB
When – 13th – 30th December 2024
Dive into a magical adventure, where the kids become heroes and help Rudolph get his magic back.
From the team that brought you last year’s sell out show, Alfie the Elf – expect lots of fun, music, interaction and laughter.
Rudolph the Reindeer’s Christmas Roadshow is the perfect Yuletide treat for children aged 3-7 years old and their families.
Children £10, Adults £12
Book here – Rudolph the Reindeer’s Christmas Roadshow | Octagon Theatre Bolton
The Jungle book, Octagon Bolton – book now for 2024
Where – Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, BL1 1SB
When – 22nd November 2024 – 4th January 2025
Swing into the jungle this festive season and join man-cub Mowgli and his friends Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther, a gang of mischievous monkeys and a pack of wily wolves in this enchanting new musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved classic.
This madcap jungle adventure will take you on twists and turns as Mowgli learns the law of the jungle. Can he outwit the ferocious tiger Shere Khan and confront the dangers in his path with the help of his friends?
Funny, exciting, and wildly entertaining this new musical adaptation will be filled with catchy songs that will leave you howling with laughter. The Jungle Book will captivate the whole family and leave you jumping for joy.
From £15 – £37.50
Book here – The Jungle Book | Octagon Theatre Bolton
Robin Hood, Z-Arts – book now for 2024
When – 20th – 23rd November 2024
Where – Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
Following last year’s sell out production of SNOW WHITE, South Manchester AOS are back for their sixth pantomime with us, once again bringing all the magic and spectacle our audiences have come to love and expect. We’re eager for their thrilling return to the enchanted world of pantomime with their fresh rendition of the timeless tale, ROBIN HOOD.
This production guarantees an action-packed show full of music, life and more double entendres than Little Johnny could shake his Willy Scarlett at.
From £14
Suitable from 4+
Book here – Robin Hood – Z-arts
The king’s polar bear, Z-Arts – book now for 2024
When – 30th November 2024
Where – Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
The King’s Polar Bear is 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, handcrafted 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.
Tickets £9.50
Suitable for children aged 4+
Book here – The King’s Polar Bear (ages 4+) – Z-arts
Christmas Bhangra with the Jolly Bolly Elf, Z-Arts – book now for 2024
When – 7th December 2024
Where – Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
Can the Cheeky Jolly Bolly Elf wrap all the presents in time for the festive season? That’s where you come in! Don’t miss the shenanigans singing and dancing – Get ready to join in with Bhangra Jingles, Bollywood Glitz and lots of festive cheer!
This is a family fun interactive session with lots of audience participation. Be prepared to get involved with the dancing and singing! Bring along your favourite cuddly toy to the session.
Suitable for children under 7 years.
Book here – Christmas Bhangra with the Jolly Bolly Elf (under 7s) – Z-arts
Rockin Rhinos Christmas cracker! Z-Arts – book now for 2024
When – 8th December 2024
Where – Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
A musical Christmas gig from a band of animals. John Cooper Cat, Liam Lion, Mani Mouse and chums will get the whole family on their feet with their energetic mix of ska, rock & punk. Classics like Slade’s Merry Christmas and Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town meet Rudy The Red-Nosed Reindeer and (Not Very) Silent Night. Some classics and originals will also get an outing and there’ll be plenty of room for dancing.
Suitable for all the famiy.
Tickets £9.50
Book here – Rockin Rhinos Christmas Cracker! – Z-arts
Christmas lights, Z-Arts – book now for 2024
When – 7th December 2024
Where – Z-arts, 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 5ZA
With beautiful lights, original music, playful performance and integrated Makaton, Christmas Lights will be sure to dazzle children aged 1-4 and their families.
Audiences will be invited to stay and play with the performers in the snow-covered garden after the show.
Christmas Lights is a highly visual performance. There are some words, accompanied by Makaton.
Tickets £10
Book here – Christmas Lights (ages 1 – 4) – Z-arts
Miracle on 34th Street, Home, Manchester – book now for 2024
When – 6th – 31st December 2024
A major New York department store is on the brink of collapse and their upcoming Christmas sale has to be a success. When their Santa quits at the last minute they’re left with a kindhearted stranger who is convinced he’s the real deal to save the day.
But when he is arrested, the fate of Christmas is in the hands of a child called Susan. Can she restore the world’s belief in Santa Claus?
Featuring songs including It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, don’t miss HOME’s spectacular new show filled with joy this festive season.
Book here – Miracle on 34th Street – HOME
The snowman tour, Stockport – book now for 2024
When – 1st December 2024
Where – Stockport town hall
At Stockport town hall for 2 showings of The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra. You’ll be able to see it paired with The Snowman and the snow dog or the bear, the piano, the dog and the fiddle.
Book here – The Snowman™ Tour with Live Orchestra | Carrot Productions
Pantomimes Manchester
If it’s a pantomime that you fancy there are loads of great one to choose from this year.
Sleeping beauty, Stockport Plaza – book now for 2024
Where – Stockport Plaza, Mersey Square, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1SP
When – 6th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
Join us for a wonderful adventure in a land of enchantment where a beautiful Princess sleeps deeply under a magic spell whilst our heroic Prince battles to find true love which can only be awoken with ‘loves first kiss’
Book here – * sleeping beauty
Cinderella, Opera House Manchester – book now for 2024
Where – Opera House Manchester, 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP
When – 14th December 2024 – 5th January 2025
Comedy superstar Jason Manford is back by popular demand to lead the cast of Cinderella as Prince Charming. He is joined by returning Manchester panto favourite Ben Nickless as Buttons, star of stage and screen Myra DuBois as Cinderella’s wicked stepmother.
Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Manchester audiences expect, Cinderella features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.
Book here – Cinderella Tickets | Opera House Manchester
Mother goose, Millgate Arts Centre, Saddleworth – book now for 2024
When – 7th December 2024 – 4th January 2025
Where – Millgate Arts Centre, Saddleworth, OL3 5DY
Saddleworth’s famous family friendly and muched loved panto returns to Millgate Arts Centre in 2024.
Come and join us for this egg-stravaganza with fabulous sets, costumes, glorious songs, dancing and a brand new side splitting script.
Book here – Mother Goose at Millgate Arts Centre
Cinderella, Salford Arts theatre – book now for 2024
When – 11th – 15th December 2024
Where – Salford Arts theatre, salford, M5 4BS
Join Cinders as she goes from rags to riches in this years family fun.
Joining her is her wicked stepmother and her not so delightful stepsisters
Book here – Cinderella By Harry Luty at Salford Arts
Sleeping beauty, Middleton Arena – Book now for 2024
When – 26th November – 30th December 2024
Once upon a time, in a Pantoland far away, a beautiful Princess is cursed by the evil Carabosse to perish on her 21st birthday by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel. Thanks to Beauty’s fairy, she only falls into a deep sleep that can be broken by her one true love. Will her handsome prince come to her rescue, fight the dragon, destroy Carabosse and save the day? There’s only one way to find out…
Book here – Sleeping Beauty – Middleton’s Christmas Panto 2024!
Rumpelstiltskin – The Met, Bury – book now for 2024
Where – The met, Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BW
When – 6th – 26th December 2024
Deep in the forest in the foothills of the Alps lies the Bavarian town of Lieblingsberg, the town where everyone falls in love. Only they don’t… at least nobody has since Cupid nipped out to the shops twenty years ago.
Whilst love has been away, a new magical creature has settled in Lieblingsberg… a bitter, twisted little man who lives underneath the haunted hollow tree with the cobwebs and spiders and things that go bump in the night. The townsfolk have a name for him: Rumpelstiltskin. And he wants to make a deal.
Book here – Rumpelstiltskin | The Met
Robin Hood, Z-Arts – Book now for 2024
When – 10th – 23rd Novermber 2024
This production guarantees an action-packed show full of music, life and more double entendres than Little Johnny could shake his Willy Scarlett at.
Following on from their previous pantomimes here at the Z-arts Theatre (‘Cinderella’, ‘Aladdin’, ‘Beauty & The Beast’, ‘Dick Whittington’ and ‘Snow White’) this popular favourite ticks all the boxes to guarantee a wonderous, hilarious, song and dance extravaganza!
Stunning scenery, dazzling costumes and knock-out performances!
Book here – Robin Hood – Z-arts
Beauty and the beast, Heywood Sports Village, Rochdale – book now 2024
Where – West Starkey Street, Heywood, Greater Manchester, OL10 4TW
When – 14th – 28th December 2024
In a tale that’s as old as time, it’s time to discover what it takes for true love to conquer all! The mysterious Beast imprisons Beauty in his enchanted castle. Can she escape with the help of her family and melt the Beast’s icy heart before it’s too late? Will the plan work before the last rose petal falls?
So join in the fun and boo the evil Gaston as he tries to win the heart of Beauty. Laugh out loud with the hilarious Loopy Louie le fool and Dame Polly Potts as we tell a tale as old as time, packed with songs, dance and lots of comedy.
Book here – Beauty and the Beast
Aladdin at Victoria Hall Bolton – book now for 2024
When – 16th November 2024 – 4th January 2025
Join us at The Victoria Hall, Bolton this Christmas for our genie-us festive pantomime, perfect for the whole family!
Book here – What’s On In Victoria Hall Bolton (Main Hall), Bolton
More Christmas events Manchester
There’s loads more festive fun to be had in Manchester this Christmas. I have more guides that you might find useful.
- Find out where to enjoy Breakfast with Santa Manchester here.
- If you’d prefer a Santa’s grotto in Manchester, find ideas here – Where to see Father Christmas Manchester.
- Find all the fantastic Christmas events Manchester here.
- Find all the Free Christmas events Manchester here.
- Find out Where to buy a real Christmas tree Manchester here.
- Find lots of New year’s eve family events Manchester here.
