Pantos & Entertainment

Nottingham's pantomimes have become the stuff of legends, and with good reason! Nottinghamshire hosts a variety of pantomimes and entertainment across various acclaimed theatre and performance spaces to bring some much-needed joy this festive season!

Live Music and Carols

Nottinghamshire is brimming with festive music this year, offering everything from heartwarming family carols to jazzy evenings and blockbuster Christmas concerts. The Royal Concert Hall takes centre stage with Step Into Christmas on Tuesday 23 December 2025, a magical concert packed with classic festive tunes, dazzling visuals, and a live band that brings holiday cheer to every corner of the auditorium. Perfect for starting new Christmas traditions or reliving old favourites, this spectacular show guarantees a feel-good, sing-along experience for all ages.

For fans of swing and big-band jazz, the Down for the Count Orchestra returns with Swing Into Christmas on Monday 22 December 2025. This 32-piece ensemble, including strings, recreates the timeless music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Billie Holiday, alongside festive classics like Winter Wonderland, delivering a high-energy, joyous celebration that leaves audiences glowing with the holiday spirit.

Families can also enjoy the Nottingham Harmonic Choir – Family Carol Concert on Saturday 20 December 2025, where young and old alike are invited to sing along to Schneewalzer, Frozen favourites, and cherished seasonal classics. Children even get the chance to come on stage and conduct the band or choir, making it a truly interactive festive experience.

For a more intimate, soulful evening, head to Malt Cross for the Festive Feast + Beer & Carols from Monday 8 – Thursday 11 December 2025. Begin with a delicious Festive Feast prepared by Malt Cross chefs, with £3.50 from each booking supporting Nottinghamshire YMCA’s Winter Campaign. Afterwards, join the community for a lively sing-along around the Christmas tree. Mince pies, mulled wine, and festive cheer abound, with a chance to stay for drinks at the bar after the carols. This is a heartwarming celebration of Christmas spirit for those aged 16 and over.

Celebrate with Our Dementia Choir at YMCA Newark on Tuesday 2 December 2025. Led by Vicky McClure, this joyful evening brings together music, laughter, and community spirit in a heartwarming Christmas carol sing-along. Tickets are priced affordably at £9 for adults and £4 for children, and the event includes a fully licensed bar to raise a toast while enjoying your favourite festive tunes. This is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season with friends and family while supporting a community-focused initiative.

If you’re looking for a lively night out, The Renaissance at Kelham Hall is hosting its Big Band Christmas Party Night on Saturday 20 December 2025. Dance the night away to live big-band music, classic DJ hits, and an electrifying disco floor. Guests are treated to a welcome drink, a two-course festive dinner, and a dessert platter crafted by award-winning chefs. Festive décor, dazzling lights, and a photo booth make this an unforgettable evening for friends, family, or coworkers looking to celebrate in style.

Nottingham Trent University is also joining the festive fun with its NTU Christmas Spectacular on Wednesday 10 December 2025 at Newton Central Court. This family-friendly public concert features NTU Arts’ music ensembles, performing uplifting Christmas favourites with students, staff, and community members. It’s a joyful way to celebrate the festive season and mark the end of term, creating a lively, celebratory atmosphere for all ages. Tickets are affordably priced at £5–£10, making this an accessible treat for families and music lovers alike.

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Pantomimes and Family Theatre

Nottinghamshire’s pantomimes continue to enchant audiences of all ages, with classic tales brought to life through dazzling sets, hilarious comedy, and plenty of audience participation.

Nottingham Playhouse hosts the legendary Sleeping Beauty from 28 November 2025 – 17 January 2026. The evil Maleficent casts a spell sending the Princess and her kingdom into a deep slumber, only to be awakened by the magic of true love. Packed with jaw-dropping costumes, dazzling effects, and festive mayhem, the show also features Nottingham’s favourite panto dame, John Elkington, ensuring laughter and spectacle in equal measure.

Meanwhile, Cinderella at Theatre Royal from 28 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 stars Craig Revel Horwood as the wicked stepmother in a story brimming with comedy, magical effects, and audience participation. The show’s delightful characters and enchanting story make it the perfect family night out during the holiday season.

At Nottingham Arts Theatre, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood runs from 6 – 21 December 2025. Set in the legendary Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle, this festive pantomime follows Nanny as she attempts to reunite the Babes with their uncle, the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. When the children are left alone in the forest, Robin Hood and his Merry Folk step in to protect them. With archery contests, clever tricks, and heroic adventures, this show promises mischief, mayhem, and classic family fun for everyone.

Young audiences will also enjoy The Littlest Yak at Lakeside Arts from 13 December 2025 – 4 January 2026, a heartwarming, interactive tale of self-acceptance featuring puppets, catchy songs, and festive fun suitable for children aged 3+. At Nottingham Central Library on 12 December 2025, Jack and the Beanstalk offers a magical hour-long adventure packed with mischief, music, and laughter, ideal for schools and families looking to experience Christmas theatre in a cosy setting.

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Theatre and Intimate gigs

Beyond pantomimes and family shows, Nottinghamshire’s theatres offer a range of immersive Christmas experiences for all ages. Christmas with Anton Du Beke on Tuesday 2 December 2025 at The Royal Concert Hall combines festive music, dance, and sparkling entertainment, while Miranda Sykes and Jim Causley celebrate traditional and contemporary folk music on Sunday 30 November 2025 at Squire Performing Arts Centre, bringing a nostalgic yet fresh take on festive songs from across the British Isles.

Nottingham also hosts a variety of Christmas concerts throughout the season. One standout event is Winter Light at St Mary’s Church (Lace Market) on Thursday 11 December 2025. Featuring The Voice UK finalist Nadia Eide, this magical concert blends festive favourites with classical and crossover pieces, accompanied by a special guest choir. Nadia’s four-and-a-half octave range and critically acclaimed performances promise to enchant audiences of all ages, bringing warmth and joy to the historic Lace Market setting.

For jazz enthusiasts, Freddie Kofi's Gospel Christmas Special and “Smile” at Christmas – The Magic of Nat King Cole and Gregory Porter at Peggy’s Skylight on Sunday 7 December 2025 and Thursday 18 December 2025 brings the music of two legendary artists to life with live band accompaniment, celebrating nearly 100 years of classic jazz and popular favourites.

Adding a touch of West End glamour, Christmas at the Musicals takes place at the Royal Concert Hall on Thursday 18 December 2025. Starring four leading West End soloists, accompanied live by the West End Theatre Orchestra, this spectacular show brings the magic of London’s musicals to Nottingham. Audiences will enjoy a dazzling collection of songs from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, The Lion King, and Wicked, alongside a medley of seasonal favourites. Packed with showstopping performances, this concert promises to leave the hall singing and full of festive spirit.

Finally, the city’s venues also showcase spectacular seasonal film experiences. Love Actually in Concert and Home Alone in Concert at the Royal Concert Hall pair iconic films with live orchestral scores, offering families and friends the ultimate festive cinematic-musical experience.

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Click here for more Christmas Events in Nottinghamshire 2025.