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

The Jungle Book at Theatre by the Lake

The Jungle Book at Theatre by the Lake, Cumbria, Until 5 January 2025, from £12.00 - Book now

This adventurous show features catchy new songs and vibrant puppetry as well as all of your favourite characters, suitable for children aged 6+ and their families.

The Jungle Book at Theatre by the Lake
Image courtesy of Pamela Raith Photography.

Spend Spend Spend at the Royal Exchange Theatre

Spend Spend Spend at Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, Until 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

Hallé Family Christmas Concert at The Bridgewater Hall

Hallé Family Christmas Concert at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 1 December 2024, from £18 - Book now

Join The Hallé elves and their presenter Pippa the Christmas Bat for a festive journey through family film scores, tinsel clad classics and seasonal orchestral favourites.

Image courtesy of The Hallé

The Snowman at The Bridgewater Hall

The Hallé – The Snowman, 21–22 December 2024, from £18.00 - Book now

Soar across oceans and seas to a magical, mystery, wintery wonderland at this special screening of The Snowman complete with a live orchestra.

The Snowman at The Bridgewater Hall
Image courtesy of Snowman Enterprises Ltd.

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.

Come From Away at The Lowry

Come From Away at The Lowry, Manchester, 3 December 2024–5 January 2025 - Book now

The multi-award-winning musical, telling the incredible real-life story of 7000 passengers grounded in the wake of 9/11, comes to Salford on its first-ever UK tour.

Come From Away at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Craig Sugden/ The Lowry.

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

Miracle on 34th Street – The Musical at HOME

Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical at HOME Manchester, Manchester, 6–31 December 2024, from £25.00 - Book now

With timeless festive songs and seasonal cheer, Miracle on 34th Street is set to cast its magical spell over First Street this December.

Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical at HOME
Image courtesy of HOME.

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.

Northern Ballet – A Christmas Carol at Leeds Grand Theatre

Northern Ballet's A Christmas Carol at Leeds Grand Theatre, Leeds, 17 December 2024–4 January 2025, from £20.00 - Book now

Dickens’ timeless classic is peeled from page to stage in a spellbinding blend of dance, music and storytelling.

Northern Ballet's A Christmas Carol at Leeds Grand
Image supplied by Leeds Inspired
Spotlight on

Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a festive day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

Tilly and the bear
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

Poet Maria Sledmere.
Literature Events in the North

Bookish goings-on are perfect for picking up presents for others and treats to get yourself through the cold, dark days ahead.

Walker & Bromwich, Love Cannon, 2006, lambda print Photo:
Exhibitions inthe North

Before the festive season completely takes over, we've rounded up some of the best exhibitions to see right now.