Is Leeds the destination for hilariously immersive pantomimes and festive theatre fun this year? “Oh yes it is!”
As the days get shorter, the weather gets colder and Christmas songs take over the radio, it can only mean one thing – it’s panto season. Luckily for us, Leeds has some of the best pantomimes and Christmas shows around to help make your festive season a memorable one. So, whether it’s classics from fabled fairytales or outlandish rock ’n’ roll musical theatre, there’s something everyone.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Credit: Robling Pix
Following a highly successful West End and UK tour, the heartwarming The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be at Leeds Playhouse this festive season and we can’t wait!
You’ll join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter as they wave goodbye to wartime Britain and step through the wardrobe into the kingdom of Narnia to meet Mr Tumnus, Aslan and the White Witch.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be at Leeds Playhouse from Monday 18th November 2024 to Saturday 25th January 2025.
Beauty & the Beast
If you’re looking for Christmas shows in Leeds that little ones and adults like will adore, look no further than Carriageworks Theatre’s production of Beauty & the Beast.
The classic tale recounts the story of spirited and headstrong villager Belle, who meets a handsome Count turned frightening Beast on a journey to discover that true beauty is more than skin deep.
Beauty & the Beast will be at Carriageworks Theatre from Friday 22nd November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025.
Jack & the Beanstalk

Credit: Ant Robling
Following the success of previous titles like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Dick Whittington’, Jack and the Beanstalk at Leeds’ City Varieties is the latest pantomime to get the rock ’n’ roll treatment!
This isn’t your average pantomime though, oh no. Although there’ll be all the traditional elements of audience participation and classic gags (he’s behind you!), there’ll also be a jukebox full of classic rock anthems and chart toppers.
Jack & the Beanstalk: The Rock ’n’ Roll Panto will be at City Varieties from Friday 29th November 2024 to Sunday 12th January 2025.
Mr Snow
Mr Snow will be at Leeds Playhouse this Christmas for a festive show that’s perfect for the whole family. Join Blessyou, who lives in a magical icy land with his polar explorer dad and his best friend Beartie.
One day, his dad brings home a jar of unusual snow and extraordinary things begin to happen, sending Blessyou on a quest where he ultimately discovers there’s no place like home.
Mr Snow will be at Leeds Playhouse from Saturday 30th November 2024 to Saturday 4th January 2025.
A Christmas Carol

Credit: Bill Cooper
Don’t miss Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol at Leeds Grand Theatre – the timeless tale has been reimagined through dance and music to make for a truly stunning production.
When the clock strikes midnight, Ebenezer Scrooge will be taken on the journey of a lifetime to discover the true meaning of Christmas with the ghosts of the past, present and future.
Northern Ballet’s A Christmas Carol will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 17th December 2024 to Saturday 4th January 2025.
Beauty & the Beast
This Christmas, experience a magical twist on tradition with This Green Moon’s enchanting pantomime production of Beauty and the Beast. Pick from one of 20 woodland tables among the ancient trees and enjoy their brilliant live production of the classic story.
What’s more, a complimentary pint, a glass of wine or hot chocolate is also included in every attendee’s ticket, and there’ll be delicious street food available to purchase.
Beauty & the Beast will be at This Green Moon from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd December 2024.
Elf The Musical
Everyone’s favourite Christmas blockbuster is coming to Leeds’ first direct arena in the form of a musical spectacular!
The story of Elf will be recreated by a large cast of performers, featuring Santa’s flying sleigh, an audience snowball fight, aerial cirque stars and more. Join Buddy, the oversized elf, as he travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his father who doesn’t know he exists.
Elf The Musical will be at first direct arena on Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December 2024.
Cover image credit: Eloisa Georgiou