Pantomimes and Christmas shows in Oxford and beyond
It’s panto season. Oh no, it’s not. Oh yes, it is.
Christmas is a time for theatrical magic, and Oxford’s stages and performance spaces are getting ready for a season of festive entertainment. From traditional pantomimes packed with comedy, colourful characters and audience participation to heart-warming adaptations of much-loved Christmas stories and more, there is something to enjoy for all ages.
Whether you are planning a family outing with younger children, looking for a festive treat with friends or simply want to enjoy a little seasonal escapism, discover a host of Christmas shows and performances taking place in Oxford and beyond this season. Expect familiar favourites, enchanting storytelling, music, laughter and plenty of Christmas cheer, with productions for audiences of all ages.
Explore our selection of pantomimes and Christmas shows, find a performance to suit your plans and make a little room for theatrical magic this festive season.
So what are you waiting for. It’s time to get booking!
Cinderella in the Palace
Visit Blenheim Palace for a magical Christmas fairytale with Cinderella in the Palace, where each State Room reveals a new chapter of the beloved story. From the magnificent Christmas tree and Cinderella’s pumpkin carriage to the glass slipper and Prince Charming’s wedding, this enchanting palace experience is perfect for families.
Panto 2026: Snow White
Oxford Playhouse presents Snow White 2026, a spectacular family pantomime filled with festive fun, magical adventures, dazzling songs and hilarious jokes.
Christmas Comes Early: The Drag Spuds Cabaret
Celebrate the festive season with Christmas Comes Early: The Drag Spuds Cabaret, a spectacular evening of drag entertainment in Oxford. Featuring Cairo Iman Ali, Scarlett Von Kok and Sera Tonin, expect dazzling performances, outrageous comedy, lip-syncs, Christmas classics, games, prizes and plenty of festive sparkle.
A Christmas Carol
Experience Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in Dyad’s captivating solo adaptation, starring Andrew Margerison and directed by Rebecca Vaughan. Bringing Scrooge, Marley, Cratchit and Fezziwig to life, this intimate performance blends festive humour, warmth and theatrical magic in a timeless tale of redemption, compassion and hope.
Santa’s Christmas Party
Santa’s Christmas Party is an interactive family show, particularly suitable for 2-8 year olds, after which the adventure continues as each child gets the chance to receive a special present from Father Christmas in our popular meet, greet, and treat!
Little Robin Red Vest
Join Little Robin on a heart-warming Christmas adventure in this playful adaptation of Jan Fearnley’s much-loved story. Featuring original songs, puppetry and integrated Makaton, this delightful show celebrates friendship, generosity and giving, for children aged two to six and their families.
A Christmas Carol Continues
Discover A Christmas Carol Continues, a witty new sequel to Dickens’ festive classic at Oxford’s Old Fire Station. Written by Jonny Donahoe in collaboration with Conor O’Toole, this thought-provoking Christmas play revisits Ebenezer Scrooge seven years after his transformation, exploring justice, kindness and the true meaning of generosity.
A Christmas Carol
Dickens Theatre Company presents A Christmas Carol as part of their Revision on Tour programme, staging exciting theatre adaptations of classic texts for both students and lovers of literature alike.
Annie
The smash-hit production of ANNIE comes to Oxford direct from London’s West End. Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. With unforgettable songs such as It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
A Christmas Carol at Stowe House
Join This Is My Theatre at Stowe House for a festive adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Set in the spectacular State Dining Room, this atmospheric performance brings Scrooge’s timeless journey of redemption to life with warmth, humour, music and Christmas cheer.
Cinderella at London Palladium
05 December to 10 January
The London Palladium
Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders reunite for the first time in 17 years in Cinderella at the London Palladium. Joined by Julian Clary and a star-studded cast, expect spectacular costumes, dazzling effects, comedy and festive pantomime magic.
Looking for more festive inspiration?
For more ways to celebrate the festive season, explore our Christmas in Oxford guide, featuring seasonal events, festive markets, Christmas lights, gift ideas, food and drink, and plenty of inspiration for enjoying Christmas in the city and beyond.
