Get into the Christmas spirit through the world of theatre and visit one of Greater Manchester’s glorious theatres. With something for everyone, from family favourites, Christmas sing-alongs and brand new productions, there are plenty of amazing shows to book and see over the holiday period. Some are even running until the new year, so would make a wonderful gift for the theatre-lover in your life.  
 

1. Life of Pi at The Lowry, Salford 
 

Winner of every major play award including five Oliviers. The West End theatrical phenomenon embarks on its biggest journey yet. Jaw-dropping visuals, magic and world-class puppetry, combine in a unique and breath-taking theatrical event. Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors –a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive? 

Based on the global phenomenon and winner of the Man Booker Prize, selling over fifteen million copies worldwide, Life of Pi is the acclaimed and hugely popular adaptation of an epic journey of endurance and hope. 

Showing at The Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays between the 5th December until 7th January 2024. Tickets from £18.  

Book your seats here 
 

2. The Snow Queen, Sale 
 

A vibrant musical re-telling The Snow Queen, reimagined in an exciting adventure for the whole family. A tale about a weather controlling witch who makes the journey to find the Snow Queen, making friends with an overworked elf and pompous polar bear along the way. Created sustainably by Wrongsemble, a Yorkshire-based theatre company famed for creating family-favourite theatre for all ages.  

Showing at The Waterside in Sale between 29th November until 30th December. Tickets from £14. 

To see The Snow Queen, visit here 
 

3. Cinderella, Bolton 
 

The fairytale classic is making its way to Bolton this Christmas, Polka Dot Pantomime are making the Albert Hall sparkle with the iconic show where dreams really do come true. A festive family favourite is also offering school performances and relaxed performances, which are specially adapted to be accessible for a wide range of audiences such as those with autism, learning disabilities or sensory predisposition, with extra staff and quiet areas.  

Showing at the Albert Halls in Bolton between 1st to 15th December. Tickets from £12.  

To book your tickets, visit here 
 

4. Manchester’s Christmas Gospel, Band on the Wall Manchester 
 

Kickstart your festive seaspm with a night full of soulful gospel music – join Manchester’s finest gospel legends, including Wayne Ellington, Michelle John and Clinton Jordan, for a unique twist on the Christmas classics. These icons are sure to deliver an unforgettable performance, filling Band on the Wall with gospel joy.  

Showing at Band on the Wall in Manchester on 1st December. Tickets are £15 advance.  

Looking for your Christmas Gospel fix? book your tickets here 
 

5. Christmas Film Season, CULTPLEX Manchester 
 

CULTPLEX is showing a wide range of films included in this year’s festive screening programme, ranging from holiday favourites like Deck the Halls and Muppet Christmas Carol to snowbound cult classics like Batman Returns and Dead Snow. There is even a Kill Bill double bill for good measure. All these showings are 18+ and run throughout December, with tickets starting from £6.  

Find the full programme and tickets here 
 

6. Jack and the Beanstalk, Manchester Opera House 
 

Jason Manford and Ben Nickless reunite for this year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at Manchester Opera House! In partnership with Crossroads Pantomimes, the world’s biggest pantomime producer, we’ll now be staging a magical new production of Jack and the Beanstalk starring comedy superstar Jason Manford, who returns to lead the cast of this year’s gigantic family pantomime. Joined by returning Manchester panto favourite Be Nickless as Silly Simon, seeing the dynamic duo reunite for a second year. 

Running from 2nd – 31st December at Manchester Opera House, with tickets from £13.  

To see Jason and the cast in action, book here 
 

7. Little Women, HOME 
 

Based on the 1868 classic Little Women, HOME is showcasing Lousia May Alcott’s critically successful novel turned screenplay throughout December, Anne-Marie Casey’s adaptation of the classic story offers an exciting theatrical experience guaranteed to be a night (or afternoon!) filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirits. This hit show is directed by Brigid Larmour, whose ‘bold and moving’ (WhatsOnStage) The Merchant of Venice 1936 was a sell-out smash hit at HOME, and returns to the venue. 

Running from 8th till 23rd December at HOME, with tickets costing £12.50.  

To book your seat, visit here 
 

8. Little Bear and the Christmas Lights, The Lowry Salford 
 

Join Little Bear on her magical adventure as she searches for the perfect Christmas lights. Filled with sensory wonders, puppetry and music this is the perfect theatrical experience for your Snow babies. From the team that brought you Little Penguin's First Christmas, this show is ideal for 0-3 year olds and their grown-ups. 

Running from 21st to 31st December at The Lowry, with tickets from £13.50.  

To book your little ones to see Little Bear, visit here 
 

9. Hamilton, Palace Theatre 
 

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multi award-winning cultural phenomenon Hamilton is touring the UK for the very first time and is coming to Manchester Palace Theatre for a 15 week season from Saturday 11 November. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway - the story of America then, as told by America now.  

Running from 11th November until 25th February 2024 at Manchester Palace Theatre, with tickets from £30.  

To see Hamilton in action, book here 
 

10. Around the World in 80 Days, Octagon Theatre 
 

A new musical adaptation of the classic adventure. Wealthy and eccentric entrepreneur Lady Phileas Fogg makes a bet that she can travel around the world in just 80 days...but surely it can’t be done? With her entire fortune on the line, Phileas sets off from London in a wild dash across the globe. Reimagined for the stage, Adventure awaits as we bring Jules Verne’s tale to life in a rip-roaring new musical adaptation. From the writers of our festive productions Treasure Island and A Christmas Carol and the director of An Adventure.  

Running from 16th November until 6th January 2024 at Octagon theatre Bolton, with tickets from £15.  

To see Around the World in 80 Days, book here 
 

To find out more about what’s going on in Manchester’s theatre this Christmas, visit our What’s On page.  

Extending your stay in Manchester and looking for more things to do while you’re here? Visit our Ideas and Inspriations Page to help plan your trip.