Christmas Theatre and Concerts

Creative Tourist

As the big day approaches, you can always count on the North’s theatres and concert halls to pull out all the festive stops. We round up the cream of the crop right here, from award-winning theatre that will hit you right in the festive feels to Christmas concerts that go a little extra.

Our top picks

Spend Spend Spend at the Royal Exchange Theatre

Spend Spend Spend at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, 23 November 2024–11 January 2025, from £10.00 - Book now

Always a top theatre pick at Christmas – this year, our friends at the Royal Exchange present the real-life rags-to-riches tale of Viv Nicholson, Yorkshire lass and Football Pools winner.

Spend Spend Spend
Campaign Graphic by FeastCreative.com

The Bear at Waterside Arts

The Bear at Waterside, Manchester, 1–29 December 2024, from £14.50 - Book now

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to get up close to a polar bear? What about sitting on its lap, or riding across snowy deserts on its back? Join Tilly and the Bear in this special, snowy event for families.

Tilly and the bear
Paul Blakemore

The Rocky Horror Show at Liverpool Playhouse

The Rocky Horror Show at Liverpool Playhouse, Liverpool, 3 December 2024–4 January 2025, from £11.00 - Book now

Those looking for something a little different over the festive season should head to Liverpool for the new West End and 50th-anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show.

The Rocky Horror Show at Liverpool Playhouse
Image courtesy David Freeman. The Rocky Horror Show/ Liverpool Playhouse.

A Christmas Cracker with Hackney Colliery Band at The Blues Kitchen

A Christmas Cracker with Hackney Colliery Band at The Blues Kitchen Manchester, Manchester, 4 December 2024, from £17.00 - Book now

Tis the season to be jolly rowdy as one of the UK’s most explosive brass bands performs a one-off Christmas show at The Blues Kitchen.

The Blues Kitchen
The Blues Kitchen

Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse

Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse, Cheshire, 5–29 December 2024, from £15.00 - Book now

Chester’s cultural hub has pulled out all of the festive stops this year – with a spectacular performance of Sleeping Beauty topping the bill.

Sleeping beauty at Storyhouse
Last year's production of Cinderella at Storyhouse (2023). Image courtesy of Mark Carline.

Manchester’s Christmas Gospel at Band on the Wall

Manchester’s Christmas Gospel at Band on the Wall, Manchester, 6 December 2024 - Book now

Manchester’s Christmas Gospel sees singer Wayne Ellington and friends as bring a powerful blend of gospel, soul, jazz, and R&B to some of your favourite Christmas classics.

Image supplied by Band on the Wall

Sleeping Beauty at Stockport Plaza

Sleeping Beauty at Stockport Plaza Cinema, Stockport, 6 December 2024–5 January 2025, from £19.80 - Book now

Experience the magic of Christmas with Sleeping Beauty at Stockport Plaza.

Sleeping Beauty at Stockport Plaza
iStock/Radist

Stick Man at The Lowry

Stick Man at The Lowry, Manchester and online, 10 December 2024–5 January 2025, from £19 - Book now

Everyone’s favourite Stick Man is back in town and heading to The Lowry this festive season, and he is having a TERRIBLE day!

The Stick Man at The Lowry
Stick Man at The Lowry

Manchester Camerata: Festive Happening with AMC Gospel Choir at Albert Hall

Manchester Camerata: Festive Happening with AMC Gospel Choir at Albert Hall, Manchester, 15 December 2024, from £6.62 - Book now

To close out the year, Manchester Camerata presents what has become a much-loved tradition – its annual Christmas gospel concert at Albert Hall.

Photo by Jack Kirwin - JK Photography.
Timekeepers
Spotlight on

Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.