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!

For even more Christmas cheer, don't forget to also check out or blog on Festive Films, Pantomimes and Christmas Theatre showing this December 2026.

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 Wednesday 23 December, 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 Tuesday 22 December. This 30-piece ensemble, including strings, recreates the timeless music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Billie Holiday, alongside festive classics like ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’, delivering a high-energy, joyous celebration that leaves young and old glowing with the holiday spirit.

Count down to Christmas with a concert full of festive cheer from the Hallé Orchestra, conductor Stephen Bell, and two spellbinding singers. On Wednesday 16 December, vocalists Sumudu Jayatilaka & Tom Solomon, under the direction of conductor Stephen Bell, will be bringing some of your festive favourites to life. Get ready to dash through the snow to make it home ready for a perfect White Christmas.

Throw it back with James B Partridge’s Big Christmas Assembly on Tuesday 15 December at the Royal Concert Hall. Packed with more festive classics, throwback mashups, and laugh-out-loud stories than you can throw a glitter-glue halo at – this nostalgic, feel-good festive singalong will make your childhood Christmases come flooding back.

The Renaissance at Kelham Hall is also joining in on the festivities with Newark and Sherwood Concert Band’s Christmas Concert on Tuesday 15 December. With a delightful blend of well-known Christmas songs and savoury snacks to nibble on and tasty beverages to keep you refreshed available for purchase, there’s no doubt this event will be putting everyone in the festive spirit!

Let yourself be enchanted by the angelic voice of Kate Rusby as she shares the stage with her supremely talented band, along with the legendary Brass Boys on Friday 18 December at the Royal Concert Hall. Expect a night filled with warmth, wonder, laughter and that unmistakable Rusby magic.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as G4 bring glad tidings of great joy this festive season, with the return of their 'G4 Christmas' tour at Albert Hall Nottingham on Thursday 10 December. Step into a world of vocal enchantment, on a breathtaking musical journey with beautifully-blended voices and ignite your Christmas spirit with a sprinkling of G4's yuletide magic.

For a more intimate, soulful evening, head to Malt Cross for the Festive Feast + Beer & Carols from Monday 7 – Thursday 10 December. Begin with a delicious Festive Feast prepared by Malt Cross chefs. 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, supporting YMCA’s work through donations.

Families can also enjoy the Nottingham Harmonic Choir – Family Carol Concert on Saturday 19 December, 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.

The Nottingham Symphony Orchestra is back with their Family Christmas Concert on Saturday 19 December at Albert Hall Nottingham. Joined by guest conductor Stephen Bullamore, NSO will be serving up a feast of festive family fun, bringing a collection Christmas songs to life. As usual, the audience won’t be left out! Show off those vocals and join in on a number of Christmas carols and favourites for some true Christmas spirit!

---

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 Aladdin from 27 November 2026 – 16 January 2027. Join the cast of Aladdin on a magical ride to a far-off land and find out if he can prove himself to the princess as they take on the wicked sorcerer. Will they be able to keep the legendary lamp out of the hands of the sorcerer? With the help of a hilarious genie and some panto magic, anything is possible!

At Theatre Royal they’re no short of panto magic with spectacular costumes, amazing special effects, comedy chaos and bundles of audience participation. From 28 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 you can step into the story of Jack and the Beanstalk with stars Rob Rinder and Neil Hurst taking on some of your favourite characters. Will he outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams? Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to find out!

Meanwhile, Nottingham Arts Theatre brings families a brand-new tale this panto season with Goldilocks and the 3 Bears from 5 – 20 December. This year Goldilocks swaps her porridge-eating ways for life under the big top when she runs away to join the circus. This unusual tale promises belly laughs, big tricks, bold costumes and panto madness as we know and love for the whole family.

Young audiences will also enjoy The Snowsmith at Lakeside Arts from 5 December 2026 – 3 January 2027, a festive tale full of breathtaking puppetry, live songs, folk music, and captivating storytelling, suitable for children aged 4+. What can unite the grumpy town of Thawmor this winter? Will the snow ever return? Join Inventor Eira on her journey to bring it back and unite the town.

Step into the magic of Christmas at Norwood Park with the magical new stage production of A Christmas Carol on Friday 11 & Saturday 12 December. This timeless Dickens classic is brought to life through illusion, music and spine-tingling storytelling. Get lost in the magic of the story and take in the gorgeously decorated house and all its festive glory, including a magnificent 18 ft Christmas tree.

---

Theatre and Intimate gigs

Beyond pantomimes and family shows, Nottinghamshire’s theatres offer a range of immersive Christmas experiences for all ages. Anton Du Beke’s brand-new festive show on 20 December at the Royal Concert Hall combines festive music, dance, and sparkling entertainment.

For Jazz enthusiasts, Swinging Around the Christmas Tree with the Peggy’s House Band on 24 December and "Smile" at Christmas – The Magic of Nat King Cole and Gregory Porter on 17 December brings Christmas carols with a Jazzy twist and celebrate the music of two legendary artists – featuring a collection of jazz and popular music that spans a period of nearly 100 years.

Nottingham also hosts a variety of Christmas concerts throughout the season. One standout event is the Candlelight Concert at Albert Hall Nottingham on Wednesday 23 December. Set beneath the soft glow of countless candles, this enchanting concert promises to warm your heart and stir your soul. Be transported by the breathtaking vocals of exceptional singers and the rich, live sounds of the talented band as they breathe new life into the Christmas classics you know and love.

Bask in the warm glow of the candlelit Orangery at Woodborough Hall and experience the magic of Christmas by Candlelight on Sunday 13 December. Featuring John Rutter's Dancing Day and classic Christmas carols with contemporary and traditional arrangements, performed by the award winning female vocal ensemble Mirabilé.

Gather round close for a candlelit cabaret of music, stories, and spectral surprises with Rag & Bone Christmas at Lakeside Arts on Saturday 12 December. From his piano, Will Pickvance spins tales of Christmas past, present, and future, joined by his band of merry misfits and ghostly guests. There'll be mince pies, punch, and wassailing a plenty. From the chaos there will be salvaged cheer!

Adding a touch of West End glamour, Christmas at the Musicals takes place at the Royal Concert Hall on Thursday 17 December. Starring three 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 West End and Broadway tunes 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. The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Snowman, Home Alone in Concert, Love Actually in Concert and The Holiday in Concert at the Royal Concert Hall pair iconic films with live orchestral scores, offering families and friends the ultimate festive cinematic-musical experience.

---

Click here for more Christmas Events in Nottinghamshire 2026.