Oh Yes It Is: The Pantos Bringing Magic to Christmas 2025
21 November 2025
Pantomime is Britain’s ultimate festive tradition – a sparkling blend of humour, music and mischief that brings generations together.
It can trace its roots back to the 16th-century commedia dell’arte, a riot of characters and chaos imported from Italy.
By the Victorian era, the Christmas pantomime had become the must-see festive treat, filling theatres with grand sets, outrageous dames and jokes that landed on two levels – a wink for the grown-ups and a giggle for the younger ones. Cries of “It’s behind you!” and “Oh yes it is!” became part of the seasonal soundtrack, as familiar as mince pies and fairy lights.
Today, panto remains one of the highlights of the holiday season – whether you’re cheering in the West End or clapping along in your local theatre. It’s a whirl of laughter, song and joyful chaos that captures the true spirit of Christmas and the best of British family theatre.
Here’s where the magic is taking centre stage in 2025 with the UK’s most spellbinding festive shows UK.
The Little Mermaid – King’s Theatre, Glasgow (22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026)
Dive beneath the waves as Scottish panto superstar Elaine C Smith leads this hilarious, heart-filled underwater extravaganza. Get ready for show-stopping numbers, shimmering costumes and waves of laughter in a reimagined twist on the tale – a standout among this year’s Christmas theatre highlights.
After the spectacle, hot foot it to Mar Hall just outside the city. This grand estate offers family-friendly accommodations with additional beds or interconnecting rooms available upon request and 240 acres of woodland to explore.
Snow White – Eden Court Theatre, Inverness (3 December 2025 – 4 January 2026)
Mirror, mirror on the wall – who’s ready for the fairest panto of them all? Expect a wickedly wonderful show filled with laugh-out-loud slapstick, sing-along hits, dazzling dance routines and oodles of festive charm.
After the final “happily ever after,” the magic continues with a stay at nearby Ness Walk. While best suited to older children (no family or interconnecting rooms), its child-friendly restaurant, Torrish, offers a menu to delight young diners.
Aladdin – The Alban Arena, St Albans (5-31 December 2025)
Hop on the magic carpet for The Alban Arena’s most spectacular family theatre show yet. With TV legend Steve McFadden (EastEnders) as the boo-worthy baddie, extravagant sets, mischievous gags and high-energy fun are guaranteed from start to finish.
Return to Sopwell House, just a short drive from the arena, with its family friendly suites and relaxed dining in The Brasserie that keeps both children and parents happy.
Sleeping Beauty – London Palladium (6 December 2025 – 11 January 2026)
The Palladium is panto at its most lavish, and this year Dr Who star Catherine Tate makes her pantomime debut as the wicked fairy Carabosse, with Julian Clary, Nigel Havers, Paul Zerdin and Jon Culshaw in the all-star line-up. Buckle up for feathers, fireworks and gags delivered at lightning speed.
When the curtain falls, head to The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences in Mayfair. Just a short cab ride from the West End, it offers spacious family apartments, children’s menus and Green Park on the doorstep for a wintry stroll. A few stops on the Tube from The Palladium, The Capital Hotel Apartments & Townhouse provides generous family spaces ideal for unwinding after the show. Nearby, The Hari adds a playful touch with mini bathrobes, festive treats and Tonieboxes to keep little ones entertained between performances.
Cinderella – Venue Cymru, Llandudno (12 December 2025 – 3 January 2026)
On the North Wales coast, TV favourites and dancing duo AJ and Curtis Pritchard take the lead in this beloved rags-to-riches tale, packed with laugh-out-loud comedy, toe-tapping tunes and plenty of audience banter.
After taking a turn around the ballroom, settle in at Bodysgallen Hall & Spa. Just a couple of miles from the theatre, this historic house welcomes children over six with its family rooms, self-contained cottages and gardens to explore before bedtime.
If one ball simply isn’t enough, York’s Grand Opera House brings festive cheer with its own lively production of Cinderella (6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026) starring Lisa George (Coronation Street) as the Fairy Godmother. Expect colourful costumes, cheeky comedy and all the classic panto moments – from a magical makeover to a pair of outrageously awful stepsisters. After the final bow, head to Middlethorpe Hall & Spa, just a short drive away. This elegant country house hotel welcomes families with children over six and offers interconnecting rooms, spacious Garden Suites and a private Cottage for added comfort.
Sleeping Beauty – Sunderland Empire (12 December 2025 – 4 January 2026)
The Sunderland Empire never misses when it comes to festive shows UK. This year, Call the Midwife’s Laura Main brings sparkle as Fairy Snowfall in an enchanting production sure to wake even the sleepiest audience from their slumber.
When the applause dies down, unwind at Seaham Hall. Just a 15-minute drive away, this coastal hotel boasts family friendly suites, bracing seaside walks and a warm welcome for all ages.
Dick Whittington – Theatre Royal Plymouth (12 December 2025 – 10 January 2026)
Plymouth rolls out a classic this year as Shane Richie (EastEnders) stars as the hero who heads to London to seek his fortune. There’ll be plenty of boos, hisses and a scene-stealing cat or two in this perennial crowd-pleaser.
After the cheers fade, escape to Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa. Just five miles from the theatre, this impressive country manor offers both family rooms and child-friendly dining – perfect for those combining live theatre with a festive family break by the coast.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan – Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (13 December 2025 – 4 January 2026)
All aboard for Neverland as the South Coast’s largest Christmas pantomime returns. Singer and actress Alexandra Burke takes command as the dastardly Captain Hook, with TV’s Dr Ranj as the dazzling Magical Merman and ventriloquist and comedian Max Fulham as Smee. With amazing special effects, stunning sets, gorgeous costumes and barrel-loads of laughter, this extravaganza will take your whole family on a swashbuckling trip like never before.
When the pirates are defeated, swap the high seas for countryside calm at The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu. Surrounded by New Forest scenery, this elegant retreat has family suites, board games by the fire and a menu that makes everyone feel at home.
Can’t get enough pixie dust? Set sail again at the Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, where Peter Pan returns in another fabulous staging from 5 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Stay nearby at Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa, a family-friendly haven with woodland walks, spacious suites and hearty festive menus.
Whether it’s the glitz of the Palladium or the charm of a local stage, pantomime is theatre at its most playful – fun for children, witty for adults and enchanting for everyone in between. Add a relaxing stay nearby, and you’ll create a festive family break that lingers in the memory long after the curtain falls.
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