Christmas is a good excuse to get everyone away from their screens and into a theatre. Admittedly, persuading a toddler to sit down can take more effort than buying the tickets. Choose the right show, though, and you could be watching them shout at a pantomime villain or spot their favourite character gliding across the ice.
Manchester has plenty to choose from for Christmas 2026. There are short performances made for babies, familiar stories for younger children and evening concerts that could work nicely for a family with older kids.
This guide covers Manchester itself and venues across Greater Manchester, including Salford, Sale and Stockport. You will find the location beside every show, so you can work out what suits your family before getting carried away with the seating plan.
Manchester Christmas show dates for 2026 at a glance
- Dick Whittington, Opera House Manchester: 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- The Jolly Christmas Postman, Lowry: 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- A Christmas Carol, Lowry: 11 December 2026 to 10 January 2027
- A Very Messy Christmas, Lowry: 23 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Shiny Christmas, Z-arts: 11 to 30 December 2026
- A Very Merry Minifest, Z-arts: 5 December 2026
- Mr Popper’s Penguins, Waterside: 30 November to 27 December 2026
- ComedySportz Improvised Panto: Juniors, Waterside: 18 and 19 December 2026
- The Snowman and Friends, Bridgewater Hall: 6 December 2026
- Home Alone in Concert, Bridgewater Hall: 2 and 3 December 2026
- Disney’s Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert, Bridgewater Hall: 7 and 17 December 2026
- Hallé Christmas Family Concert: A Festive World Adventure, Bridgewater Hall: 13 December 2026
- Disney On Ice presents Discover the Magic, AO Arena: 16 to 20 December 2026
- Snowstorm 6: A Frozen Adventure, Trafford Centre: 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Sleeping Beauty, Contact: 10 to 31 December 2026 for public performances
- Jack and the Beanstalk, Stockport Plaza: 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- Cinderella, Middleton Arena: 26 November to 28 December 2026.
- Jack and the Beanstalk, The Met: 5 to 28 December 2026.
- Sammy the Snowman’s Christmas Surprise, Octagon Bolton: 9 to 24 December 2026.
- The Snowman Tour, Stockport Town Hall: 29 November 2026.
Dick Whittington at the Opera House Manchester
Fancy a proper pantomime with plenty of audience participation? Jason Manford and Ben Nickless lead the Opera House’s 2026 production of Dick Whittington. The familiar story follows Dick’s adventure towards becoming Mayor of London, with the usual opportunities for children to join in. This is the confirmed title replacing the previously announced Snow White.
Where: Opera House Manchester, city centre
When: 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Family note: A relaxed performance is scheduled for 30 December at 1.30pm
The Jolly Christmas Postman at Lowry
If this book already lives on your child’s shelf, here is a lovely reason to make a theatre trip. Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s story becomes a stage adventure with live music, following the postman as he delivers letters to familiar fairytale characters. The hour-long running time makes it worth considering for a first festive theatre visit.
Where: Quays Theatre, Lowry, Salford Quays
When: 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Age guidance: All ages, aimed at younger children and families
Running time: One hour, without an interval
A Christmas Carol at Lowry
For children ready for something more substantial, the Old Vic production of A Christmas Carol brings Dickens’ story to Salford. John Thomson plays Scrooge in Jack Thorne’s adaptation, directed by Matthew Warchus. Expect a Christmas story with some darker moments, so take the published age recommendation seriously if your child finds ghosts unsettling.
Where: Lyric Theatre, Lowry, Salford Quays
When: 11 December 2026 to 10 January 2027
Age guidance: 8+
Running time: Approximately two hours, including a 20-minute interval
A Very Messy Christmas at Lowry
Eve prefers her home quiet and tidy, until a mysterious box lets Christmas sneak inside. This new interactive sensory show is designed specifically for very young children, with original music and clowning. If your little one is happier exploring than sitting still through a long pantomime, this deserves a place on your shortlist.
Where: Aldridge Studio, Lowry, Salford Quays
When: 23 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Age guidance: 0 to 3 years
Family note: Lowry describes the production as baby friendly. Check ticket arrangements for everyone attending
Shiny Christmas at Z-arts
Shiny Christmas turns everyday objects into discoveries for little ones. Created by Turned On Its Head, this dance-based experience gives young children opportunities to watch and play. It is a useful option when you want something festive that has actually been made with babies and toddlers in mind.
Where: Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester
When: 11 to 30 December 2026
Age guidance: 0 to 4 years
Running time: 50 minutes
A Very Merry Minifest at Z-arts
Prefer a musical outing to a full theatre production? Artful Playground’s A Very Merry Minifest brings a live Christmas music experience to Z-arts. With a one-hour running time and an audience age range of two to eight, it gives families another option for an early December celebration.
Where: Z-arts, Hulme, Manchester
When: 5 December 2026, at 11am and 2pm
Age guidance: 2 to 8 years
Running time: One hour
Mr Popper’s Penguins at Waterside
Penguin puppets and music bring Richard and Florence Atwater’s story to the stage in Sale. This is a winter-themed family show rather than a traditional Christmas pantomime, which could suit children who prefer a story to lots of shouting. The hour-long running time is another reason to consider it for younger audiences.
Where: Robert Bolt Theatre, Waterside, Sale
When: 30 November to 27 December 2026
Age guidance: 3+
Running time: 60 minutes
Family note: A relaxed and BSL-interpreted performance is listed for 5 December at 11am
ComedySportz Improvised Panto: Juniors at Waterside
The audience helps shape this pantomime, so the performers cannot simply rely on a familiar script. Suggestions become an improvised story, complete with music and plenty of opportunities for surprises. It could be a fun choice for school-age children who enjoy getting involved and watching adults think on their feet.
Where: The Chambers, Waterside, Sale
When: 18 and 19 December 2026
Age guidance: 7+
Running time: 75 minutes, without an interval
The Snowman and Friends at Bridgewater Hall
Watching The Snowman with a live orchestra gives a familiar Christmas film a different feel. The Hallé performs Howard Blake’s score alongside the screening, with additional music from The Polar Express and Frozen. The afternoon performance times make this an appealing alternative to an evening concert.
Where: Bridgewater Hall, Manchester city centre
When: 6 December 2026, at 1pm and 4pm
Running time: One hour
Family note: This is a film screening with live orchestral music
Home Alone in Concert at Bridgewater Hall
If watching Kevin McCallister defend his house is part of your family’s December routine, this could be your big festive outing. The film plays on screen while a live orchestra and choir perform John Williams’ music. These are evening performances, so think about the journey home before booking for younger children.
Where: Bridgewater Hall, Manchester city centre
When: 2 and 3 December 2026, at 7.30pm
Film classification: PG
Family note: A concert screening of the film
Disney’s Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert at Bridgewater Hall
Kermit and company bring their version of Dickens’ story to the big screen, accompanied by a live orchestra. For families who already love the film, the music is the reason to make a special trip. Remember that a familiar film still means a seated evening out, particularly when younger siblings are coming along.
Where: Bridgewater Hall, Manchester city centre
When: 7 and 17 December 2026, at 7pm
Family note: A film screening with live orchestral accompaniment. Check the venue’s guidance before booking for young children
Hallé Christmas Family Concert: A Festive World Adventure
Presenter Abby Cook joins the Hallé for a musical journey through Christmas celebrations around the world. This is a family concert rather than a filmed story, with a chance to enjoy festive music together. The organiser also advertises free activities in the foyer before the performance, so allow time if you want to take part.
Where: Bridgewater Hall, Manchester city centre
When: 13 December 2026, at 3pm
Running time: Approximately 80 minutes
Family note: Check the event page for details of the pre-concert activities
Disney On Ice presents Discover the Magic at AO Arena
For children who love Disney characters, this arena show offers a bigger-scale Christmas outing. Discover the Magic brings stories including Moana and Coco to the ice, with skating and aerial performances. Weekend morning sessions may be worth considering if you want to avoid a late finish.
Where: AO Arena, Manchester
When: 16 to 20 December 2026
Family note: Check the arena’s admission rules, including tickets for young children, before paying. Performance times vary by day
Snowstorm 6: A Frozen Adventure at the Trafford Centre
Snowstorm combines ice skating with circus-style aerial performances in a winter adventure featuring a princess and a dragon. It is another option for families who enjoy a visual spectacle. Despite the title, this is its own production, so make sure children understand what they are going to see.
Where: Trafford Centre, Trafford, Greater Manchester
When: 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Family note: Check the organiser’s practical information and seating options when booking
Sleeping Beauty at Contact
Big Tiny brings Sleeping Beauty to Contact for Christmas 2026. If your family enjoys a familiar fairytale turned into a pantomime, this is another Manchester option to compare with the Opera House. Choose a public performance from the booking calendar, as the venue also lists separate school sessions.
Where: Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester
When: Public performances from 10 to 31 December 2026
Family note: Ask the venue about age guidance and any access requirements before choosing your performance
Jack and the Beanstalk at Stockport Plaza
A giant and a very adventurous climb make Jack and the Beanstalk a familiar choice for a family pantomime trip. Stockport Plaza’s run extends into early January, giving you another possibility if December already looks full. It is also worth comparing with Bury’s production if location matters more than the story.
Where: Stockport Plaza, Stockport town centre
When: 4 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Age guidance: Advertised for all ages
Family note: Check the individual performance time before planning dinner or the journey home
Cinderella at Middleton Arena
Middleton Arena’s family pantomime follows Cinderella towards the ball, with a live band accompanying the production. Its late-November opening is useful if you would rather get your festive outing booked before December gets busy. At two and a half hours, this is one to think through carefully with a child who struggles with longer shows.
Where: Middleton Arena, Middleton, Greater Manchester
When: 26 November to 28 December 2026
Age guidance: All ages
Running time: Two hours and 30 minutes
Family note: Select the family production. A separate adult pantomime is advertised for ages 18+
Jack and the Beanstalk at The Met
Big Tiny’s Jack and the Beanstalk brings another festive pantomime option to Bury. If you are based north of Manchester, this may fit your family plans more comfortably than a city-centre trip. The programme includes a relaxed performance, which is worth checking if the usual theatre setting does not suit your child.
Where: Derby Hall, The Met, Bury
When: 5 to 28 December 2026
Age guidance: Advertised for all ages
Family note: A relaxed performance is scheduled for 13 December at 11am
Sammy the Snowman’s Christmas Surprise at Octagon Bolton
Sammy wants to escape the cold and take a holiday somewhere warm, which is a slightly awkward ambition for a snowman. This studio show includes songs and audience participation, with the organiser also mentioning water pistols. Worth knowing if your child loves joining in, or would rather watch from a little further back.
Where: Octagon Theatre, Bolton
When: 9 to 24 December 2026
Age guidance: 3+
Family note: Choose from the published daytime performances
The Snowman Tour at Stockport Town Hall
Carrot Productions brings The Snowman to Stockport with a live professional orchestra. The programme also includes the Shaun the Sheep Christmas short Fleece Navidad, accompanied by the musicians. With afternoon performances in late November, this could be a way to start your family’s festive outings before December gets busy.
Where: Stockport Town Hall, Stockport
When: 29 November 2026, at 2.30pm and 4.30pm
Family note: A film screening with live music
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