Silent night? Not likely. Head along to one of these Christmas shows for full-throttle festive entertainment for the whole family, or head to York Minster for a lovely traditional start to your celebrations. Keep checking back here for our pick of the best pantomimes and Christmas shows in York this year, and the all-important details of this year’s York Minster Crib Service. Oh, and if you’re looking for festive days out or places to meet Santa in York, take a look at our handy guide. We hope you and your family enjoy your-elf!
Aladdin at York Theatre Royal
York Theatre Royal’s ever-popular pantomime returns for 2024 with a much-loved classic, Aladdin. Cbeebies and CBBC superstar, Evie Pickerill, will bring her sparkle and flare as Spirit of the Ring and York favourite, Robin Simpson, returns too. This fun-filled extravaganza is guaranteed to delight the whole family, but tickets will move like flying carpets so book early for the best seats at the best prices.
3rd December 2024 to 5th January 2025 – Visit the York Theatre Royal website for more info and tickets
Beauty and the Beast at the Grand Opera House York
Belle and The Beast will be joined by a whole host of larger-than-life characters as they are transported to a cursed castle under the spell of an evil enchantress. Can the arrogant Hugo be defeated? Can Belle see beyond the Beast and fall in love with her captor? And will the Beast’s heart be melted by Belle’s beauty? Suitable for audiences of all ages, this hilarious slap-stick comedy spectacular will keep the whole family entertained this Christmas. The show will run from 7th December 2024 to 5 January 2025 – Visit the website
York Minster Crib service
The York Minster Crib Service is a very popular way for York families to see in the festive season. Expect the traditional Christmas story told in a very family-friendly way, with carols to sing along to. It’s a very relaxed affair, where dressing up in your best Christmas jumper is encouraged. This year, you’ll need to book your free tickets online. York Minster – Date TBC – Free – Visit the York Minster website
The Muppet Christmas Carol live at York Barbican – Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol will be presented live in concert this winter across the UK, featuring its musical score performed live to the film. The Muppet Christmas Carol sees The Muppets perform the classic Charles Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine). Gonzo, as Dickens, narrates the story with the help of Rizzo the Rat. The film also features Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Gonzo as the narrator Charles Dickens, Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig, and Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim. 8th December 2023 – York Barbican – Visit the website for details
York’s Annual Community Carol Concert at York Barbican – Join Shepherd Group Youth Band, Badger Hill School Choir, Track 29 Ladies Harmony Chorus, York Stage School and Steve Cassidy for a Christmas sing along under the baton of Musical Director Mike Pratt. Carol concert favourites Adam Tomlinson and Rev Andrew Foster return to keep you entertained, be ready for laughs and maybe some festive surprises… 17th December 2023 – York Barbican – Visit the website
