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

The Snowman at The Bridgewater Hall

The Hallé – The Snowman at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 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, Until 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, Until 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, Until 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.

Winter Tales at The Stoller Hall

Winter Tales with Orchestra: The Nutcracker, Swan Lake & Sleeping Beauty at The Stoller Hall, Manchester, 19 December 2024, from £27.50 - Book now

Enjoy an atmospheric winter’s evening as the acclaimed Mystery Ensemble plays some of Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces, which include the beautiful, wintry sounds of The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. 

An illustration of a nutcracker and a girl in a pink dress, on a gold background
Red Events

Little Penguin’s First Christmas at The Lowry

Little Penguin's First Christmas at The Lowry, Manchester, 28 December 2024–5 January 2025, from £15 - Book now

Get ready for a magical, wintry experience with the little ones, as Little Penguin’s First Christmas comes to The Lowry.

Little Penguin's First Christmas at The Lowry
Image supplied by Quay Tickets

Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse

Sleeping Beauty at Storyhouse, Cheshire, Until 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
Image courtesy of Mark McNulty.

Miracle on 34th Street – The Musical at HOME

Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical at HOME Manchester, Manchester, Until 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, Until 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, Until 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

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

Let’s Groove: New Year’s Eve at The Bridgewater Hall

Let's Groove: New Year's Eve at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 31 December 2024, from £40.25 - Book now

Dress up and get down to The Bridgewater Hall this New Year’s Eve, for an uplifting gala concert themed around Let’s Groove.

A concert hall stage with orchestra and audience, lit up in purple and blue lights
The Bridgewater Hall

Acosta Danza – Nutcracker in Havana at The Lowry

Nutcracker in Havana at The Lowry, Manchester, 27–28 January 2025, from £32.00 - Book now

Blow away those January blues with Carlos Acosta’s explosive Cuban take on the festive ballet classic.

Nutcracker in Havana at The Lowry
Image courtesy of Johan Persson.

Wicked at Palace Theatre Manchester

Wicked at Manchester Opera House, Manchester, Until 12 January 2025, from £32.00 - Book now

Have you ever considered that the Wicked Witch of the West might not be so… wicked?

Wicked at Palace Theatre Manchester
via ATG Tickets
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