A full list of the best Pantomimes and festive shows in York including carol concerts, theatre productions and magic shows.
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The Blue Light Theatre Company are proud to present their 10th Anniversary Pantomime………..’Nithered!‘
The usually bright and happy village has been shrouded in a permanent frost by the evil ‘Snow Queen’ who has enlisted ‘The Big Bad Wolf’ to help keep the population down. The Villagers are struggling to cope with the never-ending Winter and are living in constant fear for their safety. Things take a dramatic turn when one of the ‘3 Pigs’ is kidnapped by the ‘Wolf’ which sees the Villagers head out on a very risky rescue mission. They enlist the help of ‘The Fairy Godmother’ who finds herself in a face-off with ‘The Snow Queen’ – but who is the most powerful? Will the Villagers defeat the Wolf? Will the everlasting Winter come to an end? To find out step right into the weird but wonderful world of ‘Nithered’.
All proceeds go to MND Association York and York Against Cancer. Performances are 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th and 26th January 2024 at 7.30pm, plus a Matinee on 20th January 2024 at 1pm at Acomb Working Mens Club, York.
Tickets: £12 Adult, £10 Concessions, £8 Children, are available via www.bluelight-theatre.co.uk or box office 07933 329654.
Sunday 17th December 2023
It’s part party, part panto as Santa, his elves and his fairies take you on a magical interactive journey that’s sure to get you in the festive mood.
Santa’s head Elf, Elfie, will guide you through the show and introduce you to the rest of our characters as well as Father Christmas himself. Unlike a conventional sit down panto we encourage children to be on their feet during the show and between each short stage act there are dance for the children to join in with.
A great first panto, great value and ideal for all those that love Christmas!
Tickets are limited to just two shows on Sunday the 17th of December, in Tadcaster with plenty of free parking in the town, you can book now at
£35 a family ticket
Tadcaster Riley Smith Hall
Friday 22nd December 2023, 7pm
Raising vital funds for our local charity, York Against Cancer (and some Emmerdale cast members!) with all of your Christmas classics. Expect a party atmosphere and a fun night guaranteed. Tickets from £18.95 (plus any booking fee).
Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Santa’s Sing-A-Long (13th – 23rd December)
Join us for a show filled with the magic of Christmas, as we join Mr and Mrs Claus in their busy home as they prepare for the big day. Being the wonderful hosts they are, they always have time to entertain the children and love a good sing-a-long, so expect Christmas stories, interactive wonderment and many a Christmas song to join in with!
Enjoy a 45 minute interactive audience with Santa himself as he talks to the younger ones and delves into his book of who’s been naughty or nice this past year and checks in with what children are asking for this Christmas…he may even already know! Santa also has a Christmas book for every child to take away with them to read on Christmas Eve. Suitable for everyone who believes in the magic of Christmas!
£16 per ticket, £14 concessions. Book here.
Festive Feast (selected dates from 15th – 22nd December)
York Stage proudly presents a Festive Feast of Christmas songs, ranging from the traditional to modern pop, and of course a few musical theatre classics… there really is something for everyone’s musical palate. Get ready for an evening of sensational vocals, featuring a host of York Stage talent accompanied by Adam Tomlinson and his band, as we take to the stage for the ultimate Christmas experience suitable for all the family.
£18 per ticket, £15 concessions. Book here.
Friday 22nd December 2023, 6 – 8pm – CANCELLED DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
All I Want for Christmas Is You… to come and join us for the York Christmas Song Sing-Along! We’ll be singing everything from carols to Christmas pop classics. Open to all – even if you only normally sing in the shower! Free to attend.
Venue: Spark, 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB
9th – 16th December 2023 – SOLD OUT
Join Rowntree Players for another rollicking romp of a Pantomime in 2023. Song, dance and all the traditional silliness that goes with true festive family entertainment!
Bookings via the Joseph Rowntree Theatre App or website, or Box Office 01904 50 1935
£18-£20
Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the River Ouse
(9 Dec 2023 – 6 Jan 2024)
York legend Berwick Kaler returns with all of the gang for his hilarious take on the classic story of the sailor from York who finds himself marooned on a desert island, but he’s not alone!
22nd and 23rd December 2023
Get into the festive mood with the annual Gala Christmas Concert, featuring all the Shepherd Group Brass Bands with an exciting massed bands finale.
Bookings via the Joseph Rowntree Theatre App or website, or Box Office 01904 50 1935
Sunday 17th December 2023, from 1pm
Join us for a showing of How The Grinch Stole Christmas, plus food and craft activities! Plus at the end of the film there will be a special visit from Father Christmas!
Doors open 1pm; film starts 2pm. Price: £2.50, includes food. Tickets must reserved in advance in person at the Folk Hall reception.
New Earswick Folk Hall, Hawthorn Terrace, New Earswick YO32 4AQ.
T: 01904 769621
Saturday 23 December 2023, 4pm
Holy Trinity Church Heworth invites you to see Riding Lights’ Christmas 2023 production ‘Give it back, Mak” – a rumbustious Christmas play for ages 5 and up! Approx 1 hour. The event is free but tickets must be booked via the HT Heworth website What’s On page.
Holy Trinity Church, East Parade, York YO31 0RP
11th – 12th January 2024
A fairytale for the whole family. Rumplestiltskin follows Eve and her husband Harold, who are travelling across a fairy tale land to save their daughter.
Bookings via the Joseph Rowntree Theatre App or website, or Box Office 01904 50 1935
Friday 15th December 2023, 7.30 – 9.30pm
Come and enjoy a Christmas Concert with singing by York Opera. Raffle & Refreshments.
Book early! Limited tickets on the door. Tickets £12 each / £4 child under 12. Book via 07963 001478 or 07851 950192. Wrap up warm!
St Oswald’s Church, Main Street, Fulford, York YO10 4HJ
York Barbican – Tuesday 19th December 2023, 7.30pm
In this special festive show, The Carpenters’ classic hits are paired with songs from their album ‘Christmas Portrait’ – together with a production that simply oozes Christmas charm – it’ll will warm your heart and have you singing your way into the festive season!
Saturday 16th December 2023, 7.30pm
Join these local ukelele legends for an evening of live music, Bonkers Bingo and Christmas fun for all the family, topped off with a cheeky disco! Food vendor on site. Well behaved dogs allowed.
Prebooking essential – adults £10/children £6 (under 18s must be accompanied). Tickets via the website.
Venue: Brew York, Handley Tap, Outgang Lane, Osbaldwick, York YO19 5UP
Sunday 17th December 2023, 4-5pm
Do you ever feel December has become too hectic? Put some WONDER back into this festive season. Snuggle up together to hear age-old tales from Scandinavia. Storyteller Jenna will conjure snotty trolls and lonely snow bears, flighty faeries and dastardly dragons. For ages 4 to 104.
Ticket price: £8 each, £30 for 4. Prebook or just turn up.
Rise @ Bluebird Bakery, Acomb YO24 4HD. T: 01904 799 999
Sunday 17th December 2023, 2pm
It wouldn’t be Christmas without York’s Annual Community Carol Concert! We are back at York Barbican with a bang (and maybe some snow too) to celebrate 65 years of festive fun and all your favourite Christmas carols and songs. Tickets from £8, proceeds to various local charities.