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There's nothing like seeing a pantomime at Christmas. From music to dancing, jokes and general silliness, they’re a lighthearted affair that’s sure to get you in the festive spirit.
Whether you’re looking for Christmas activities for kids to keep them entertained during the holidays or hoping to start a new family tradition, pantomimes promise a fun day out for everyone. Read on to discover the best pantos in London and the South West, from fairytale favourites to much-loved Christmas stories.
Pantomimes in London
We’ve hand-picked the best pantos in London for 2025, so you can find a show you’ll love. Discover the top shows to see this festive season at the city’s most iconic theatres.
A Christmas Carol: The Old Vic
This immersive production vividly brings to life Charles Dickens’ timeless festive classic, transporting audiences through Ebenezer Scrooge’s unforgettable journey on Christmas Eve as he is visited by four ghosts. The staging fills the auditorium with festive music, heartfelt storytelling and a magical atmosphere, creating a captivating experience perfect for all ages.
This adaptation is London’s longest-running staging of the beloved story, celebrated for its enchanting sets, festive cheer and deeply moving portrayal of redemption and generosity. It continues to charm long-time fans and new visitors alike, making it an essential Christmas tradition in the capital.
When: 12 November 2025 to 10 January 2026.
How to get there: The Old Vic is an 8-minute walk from London Waterloo.
Price: Tickets start from £15
A Peter Pan Pantomime Adventure at Greenwich Theatre
Fly away to Neverland and join Peter Pan, Wendy, and Tinker Bell in this swashbuckling family adventure. When the infamous Captain Hook discovers a mysterious map to a hidden secret, he launches a wild quest to claim its power. Neverland’s favourite flying hero is determined to stop him. Join the high-flying magical action as they outwit Hook and his pirate crew.
This pantomime promises a fun-filled magical adventure packed with laughter, spectacular flying effects, and plenty of audience participation. It is an enchanting festive show that the whole family will enjoy, capturing the excitement and spirit of Neverland.
When: 28 November 2025 to 11 January 2026.
How to get there: Hop on the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Canary Wharf, then walk 6 minutes to Heron Quays and catch the DLR to Cutty Sark. From there, it’s a 6-minute walk to the theatre.
Price: Tickets for adults start from £35.50 and children from £21.50. The running time is approximately two hours. Suitable for all ages.
Sleeping Beauty Pantomime at The London Palladium
Sleeping Beauty returns this Christmas to The London Palladium in a dazzling celebration of the pantomime’s tenth anniversary at London’s iconic West End venue. The production brings to life the magical tale of Princess Beauty, cursed by the wicked fairy Carabosse and falling into an enchanted slumber.
With stunning set designs, lavish costumes, choreographed dance numbers, and spectacular special effects, this festive show promises plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and the traditional interactive fun that pantomimes are known for.
The show is an unmissable part of London’s Christmas festivities, offering audiences a blend of magic, humour, and excitement suitable for all ages. Its vibrant production values and lively atmosphere capture the spirit of the season, making it one of the capital’s most beloved holiday theatre events.
When: 6 December 2025 to 11 January 2026.
How to get there: Hop on the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Oxford Circus, then walk 2 minutes to the theatre.
Price: Tickets for adults start from £37.50. The running time is approximately two hours and twenty minutes. The show is suitable for all ages. Be sure to book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Cinderella Panto in Hackney Empire
This festive season you shall go to the ball as the magic of Cinderella comes to Hackney Empire. This classic rags-to-riches fairytale follows Cinderella’s journey from servant under her wicked Stepmother and Ugly Sisters to the royal ball, where sparkling glass slippers and a sprinkle of magic change her life. Full of laughter, catchy songs, dazzling dance numbers and plenty of audience interaction, this pantomime has all the festive fun you could wish for.
Directed by pantomime dame extraordinaire Clive Rowe, Cinderella at Hackney Empire delivers glitz, glamour and humour guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Be sure to book early on the Hackney Empire website for this much-loved festive pantomime.
When: 22 November to 31 December 2025.
How to get there: Take a South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Clapham Junction. Change there for a London Overground train towards Stratford and alight at Hackney Central station. From Hackney Central, it is a 5-minute walk to Hackney Empire on Mare Street.
Price: Tickets are between £10 and £46. Suitable for all ages.
Pantos in the South West
Looking for things to do with kids at Christmas? Explore the top pantomimes in the South West to plan a festive family day out.
Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime at Exeter Northcott Theatre
Following the runaway success of Dick Whittington and Cinderella, Exeter Northcott and comedy theatre company Le Navet Bete return with a spectacular production of Jack and the Beanstalk. This family favourite promises laughs, thrills, spills, special effects, and giant amounts of fun in a magical reimagining of the classic fairytale.
Down on their Devon farm live Dame Trott, Daisy the Cow, Jack and his sister Jill, all dreaming of pots of gold in the sky. After purchasing some Magic Beans from a mysterious bean seller, their lives become decidedly less earthbound! Expect mayhem, mischief, and plenty of surprises, including a battle with the villainous Fleshcreep.
When: 27 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
How to get there: Take the train to Exeter St David’s, then hop on the number 11 bus to the theatre – an 11-minute journey.
Price: Tickets are available from £21.50 - £75 and are available on the Exeter Northcott website or by calling their box office.
How to get cheap theatre tickets
A trip to the theatre can be expensive, especially when you’re bringing the whole family along! But with SWR Rewards, you can get discounted theatre tickets across London and the South West. Our London theatre offers gives you 10% off various shows, including West End favourites and Christmas theatre productions.
Travel to a Christmas panto with SWR
Want to ensure your festive theatre trip is hassle-free? Explore cheap train tickets to find the best prices for your journey. Our advance tickets offer excellent value for money if you’re able to plan ahead, while our GroupSave discounts are ideal when travelling with family and friends. Heading to a pantomime on a Sunday? Choose our Sunday Out tickets for extra flexibility on return journeys. On other days, our Semi-Flex return tickets are the best option, so you can hop on a later train home if the show runs late!
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