Silent night? Not in York! This festive season, enjoy full-throttle family fun at one of the brilliant Christmas shows and pantomimes in York. From laugh-out-loud performances to heart-warming stories, there’s something to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. For a more traditional start to your celebrations, York Minster’s Crib Service is a magical must-see and a beautiful festive experience that local families return to year after year. Wishing you and your family a season full of sparkle, laughter and joy. Enjoy your-elf!

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🎅 Looking for more festive inspiration for Christmas in York? Take a look at our guides to the best Santa experiences and family-friendly Christmas days out in and around York.

🎭 Keep checking back for our pick of the best pantomimes and Christmas shows in York as we update it with all the latest details.

Sleeping Beauty at York Theatre Royal

York Theatre Royal pantomime returns for 2025 with Sleeping Beauty, an enchanting tale of adventure, fun and spellbinding magic for the whole family. Running from 2nd December 2025 to 4th January 2026, audiences can expect stunning costumes, gorgeous sets, dazzling special effects and all the spectacular magic of a York Theatre Royal pantomime. 

📅 2nd December 2025 to 4th January 2026
📍 York Theatre Royal
🔗 Visit the York Theatre Royal website

Cinderella at the Grand Opera House York

Everyone is welcome to the festive ball at the Grand Opera House in York this Christmas. Expect side-splitting comedy, lavish settings and adorable miniature ponies! Stage and screen star Lisa George (Coronation Street) appears as the Fairy Godmother, with Tobias Turley (Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream) as Prince Charming, Rachel Grundy as Cinderella, West End drag stars Luke Attwood and Brandon Nicholson as the Ugly Sisters, and Jimmy Bryant as Buttons.

📅 6th December 2025 to 4th January 2026
📍 Grand Opera House York
🔗 Visit the Grand Opera House York 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.

📅 24th December 2025, 11.30am
📍 York Minster
💷 Free – no tickets needed
🔗 Visit the York Minster website

The Snowman at York Barbican

Presented by Carrot Productions – the world’s leading performers of ‘The Snowman’ film with orchestra – the award-winning show features some of the UK’s finest professional musicians. As a bonus, performances include Prokofiev’s classic symphonic fairy tale, Peter and the Wolf, played live by the musicians and accompanied by a brand-new animated film.  

📅 Monday 22nd December 2025
📍 York Barbican
🔗 Visit the York Barbican website

York’s Annual Community Carol Concert at York Barbican

It wouldn’t be Christmas without York’s Annual Community Carol Concert returning to York Barbican for yet another seasonal feast of your favourite Christmas carols and songs.

📅 Sunday 14th December 2025
📍 York Barbican
🔗 Visit the York Barbican website