What's On at Manchester's Theatres This Christmas

Looking for the best Christmas shows in Manchester? From spectacular musicals and much-loved pantomimes to immersive experiences and festive family favourites, Manchester's theatres and entertainment venues are packed with unmissable events this festive season.

Whether you're planning a family day out, a festive date night or a magical Christmas treat, there's no shortage of Christmas theatre, live entertainment and seasonal experiences to enjoy across the city.

Highlights include the Award-Winning Billy Elliot The Musical, festive favourite A Christmas Carol, family adventures at Lowry and spectacular immersive experiences at Aviva Studio, home of Factory International.

Lowry Christmas Shows: Family Favourites and Festive Theatre

A Christmas Carol

• Fri 11 Dec 2026 – Sun 10 Jan 2027

Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic comes to Lowry following nine sell out years at The Old Vic, joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, His Dark Materials).

A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in London’s longest running adaptation of this beloved festive favourite.

The Jolly Christmas Postman

• Fri 4 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027

Join the Jolly Postman on a frosty, fairytale adventure in this stage adaptation from Lowry and Royal & Derngate. Based on the award-winning children’s book by much-loved duo Janet and Allan Ahlberg, this family show sees the Jolly Postman cycling through the snow to deliver parcels and letters to familiar friends as they prepare for Christmas celebrations. There are visits to Red Riding Hood, Humpty Dumpty, the Gingerbread Man, and not forgetting the big, bad wolf! As the snow continues to fall, who will help the Jolly Postman get home in time for Christmas? 

★★★★★ “utterly mesmerising for all ages” - Toddle About  

Showstoppers at Christmas!

• Thurs 10 – Sun 20 Dec 2026

Get your festive season off to a show-stopping start at Lowry with the Olivier Award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical. Created entirely from audience suggestions, every performance is a brand-new musical packed with hilarious comedy, dazzling dance routines and unforgettable songs. With a live band and quick-thinking cast making it all up on the spot, no two shows are ever the same. A long-time Edinburgh Fringe favourite and BBC Radio 4 hit, this joyful Christmas treat promises laughter, surprises and festive fun for all.

Palace Theatre and Opera House: Manchester's Must-See Christmas Musicals and Pantomime

Billy Elliot – The Musical

• Wed 2 Dec 2026 – Sat 09 Jan 2027

One of the most celebrated British musicals of all time, Billy Elliot The Musical returns to Manchester this Christmas. Set against the backdrop of the miners' strike in the North East, the story follows a young boy who discovers a passion for dance and dares to pursue his dreams. Featuring Elton John's iconic score, this powerful and uplifting production continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

Set in a northern town during the miners’ strike of 1984/5, the show follows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring to the ballet class, where he discovers a passion for dance that will change his life forever. As Billy dares to dream, his courage unites his family, inspires his community, and proves the transformative power of art. Brought to life by the award-winning creative team behind the film, with iconic music by Elton John, Billy Elliot is an extraordinary theatrical experience that has captivated audiences around the world.

Dick Whittington

• Sat 5 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027

Jason Manford and Ben Nickless return to the Opera House stage for this year’s festive pantomime, joined by Adam Strong, Landi Oshinowo and Sarah Vaughan. Packed with comedy, audience participation, stunning costumes and spectacular sets, Dick Whittington promises plenty of Christmas fun for the whole family.

Aviva Studios Christmas Experiences: Immersive Family Entertainment

Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs

• Tues 8 Dec 2026 – Wed 6 Jan 2027

Ideal for families looking for things to do in Manchester this Christmas, Prehistoric Planet: Discovering Dinosaurs combines cutting-edge technology, stunning visuals and immersive storytelling to transport visitors millions of years into the past.

Narrated by Damian Lewis, this spectacular 360° journey lets visitors come face-to-face with life-sized dinosaurs as they roam deserts, soar through ancient skies and dive into mysterious oceans. Combining iconic moments from Apple TV’s Prehistoric Planet with breathtaking CGI, bespoke illustrations and an epic score by Hans Zimmer and Bleeding Fingers Music, this unforgettable experience transports audiences into a world lost millions of years ago.

David Bowie: You’re not alone

• Tues 8 Dec 2026 – Sun 10 Jan 2027

Step into the many worlds of David Bowie with David Bowie: You’re Not Alone, a spectacular 360° immersive experience celebrating one of music’s most iconic artists. Featuring rare interviews, unseen archive material and landmark performance footage, the exhibition offers an intimate self-portrait narrated entirely by Bowie himself. Through stunning visuals, spatial audio and never-before-exhibited content from the David Bowie Archive, visitors can explore the creativity, curiosity and cultural impact that shaped generations, from Space Oddity to ★.

Blending immersive visuals, spatial audio and rare archive material, this unique experience offers music lovers a fascinating way to explore Bowie's life, creativity and cultural influence during the festive season.

HOME Manchester Christmas Shows: Festive Family Adventures

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

• Fri 27 Nov 2026 – Sat 2 Jan 2027

Step into a magical world this festive season with The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, an enchanting new musical adventure for the whole family at HOME. Set beneath the Northern Lights, the story follows apprentice Eva as she discovers the extraordinary power of magic while racing to save her town from disaster. Inspired by the classic tale made famous in Disney’s Fantasia, this imaginative production blends spellbinding music, heart-warming storytelling and family-friendly fun. With a talented cast of ten, it’s a magical treat that will delight audiences of all ages.

A Christmas Carol

• Wed 9 – Sat 12 Dec 2026

Experience a darker twist on a festive classic with A Christmas Carol from The Book of Darkness & Light Theatre Company. This captivating solo performance follows Ebenezer Scrooge on his supernatural journey through Christmas past, present and future, brought vividly to life through immersive storytelling, haunting soundscapes and eerie recorded voices. Performed by Adam Z. Robinson, who takes on 28 characters, this gothic retelling is by turns thrilling, heartwarming and spine-tingling, offering a unique and unforgettable way to rediscover Dickens’ beloved Christmas tale.

Royal Exchange Theatre Christmas Productions

A Little Night Musical

• Sat 5 Dec 2026 – Sun 30 Jan 2027

Step into the enchanting world of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, a witty and romantic musical filled with charm, laughter and unforgettable songs. Set in turn-of-the-century Sweden, this Tony Award-winning classic follows a cast of mismatched couples as they navigate love, longing and second chances. Featuring the beloved song Send in the Clowns, Selina Cartmell’s production brings fresh life to Sondheim’s bittersweet comedy. A sparkling fairy tale for adults, it’s a heartwarming and life-affirming theatrical treat perfect for the festive season.

AO Arena Christmas Events and Live Entertainment

Christmas Musical Spectacular

• Tues 22 – Wed 23 Dec 2026

This December, Manchester takes centre stage with a spectacular festive celebration at the AO Arena. Featuring musical theatre legends Michael Ball, Loren Allred, Keala Settle, Kerry Ellis and more, this two-night Christmas Musical Spectacular blends West End anthems, festive favourites and world-class performances. Hosted by Aled Jones and accompanied by the Manchester Camerata and Manchester Vocal Ensemble, the show promises unforgettable singalong moments, soaring vocals and seasonal magic, cementing Manchester’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading Christmas destinations.

Plan Your Christmas Theatre Visit to Manchester

From award-winning musicals and family-friendly pantomimes to immersive experiences and festive performances, Manchester offers one of the UK's most exciting Christmas entertainment programmes. Whether you're visiting for a seasonal city break or looking for festive days out closer to home, these Christmas shows in Manchester are guaranteed to add a little extra magic to the season. Be sure to book early, as many of the city's most popular Christmas theatre productions sell out well before December.