From traditional fairy tale pantomimes and rock 'n' roll jukebox musicals to West End hits and intimate children's theatre, here is your guide to the Christmas shows heading to Leeds stages this season.
Is that the sound of fairy godmothers, wicked stepsisters, and damsels in distress that we hear on the horizon?
Oh, no it isn't...
Oh, wait - yes it is!
Theatre venues across Leeds are gearing up for the 2026 festive season, with tickets already on sale for major productions ranging from classic slapstick pantos to high-flying musicals and gentle family tales.
As more productions announce their runs, we will be updating this list with the latest additions.
Here is the full roundup of Christmas pantomimes and festive shows confirmed for Leeds so far.
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical! (November 19 - January 16)
Dr Seuss’s classic holiday tale comes to the stage in a full-scale musical production featuring famous songs like 'You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch' and 'Welcome Christmas' as the scheming Grinch tries to cancel Christmas for the Whos of Who-ville. 🎄 Leeds Playhouse | Dr Seuss Enterprises
2. Jack and the Beanstalk (November 20 - January 3)
A traditional pantomime packed with vibrant costumes, interactive comedy, and family-friendly musical numbers following Jack - daughter of Dame Trott - as she climbs high above the clouds to face a grumpy giant and save her family. 🎄 Carriageworks Theatre | Carriageworks Theatre
3. Rapunzel: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto (November 27 - January 10)
Leeds’ famous actor-musician pantomime returns with a high-energy jukebox spin on Rapunzel, blending classic panto jokes and audience participation with live rock and pop hits played directly by the cast on stage. 🎄 City Varieties Music Hall | Leeds Heritage Theatre
4. Oh Yes It Is! (December 2 - December 3)
Bright Sparks Theatre Company, featuring a majority learning-disabled cast, presents a pantomime-inspired story of positivity and love as a band of heroes steps up to save the Enchanted Castle when local villains form a union. 🎄 Bramall Rock Void, Leeds Playhouse | Leeds Playhouse
5. Red Robin’s Winter Song (December 12 - December 23)
Produced by Tutti Frutti and written by Manjeet Mann, this gentle winter play for children aged three and over weaves live music, physical theatre, and cosy storytelling as a brave little robin discovers friendship and belonging. 🎄 Leeds Playhouse | Leeds Playhouse
6. Sorry, Christmas is Cancelled... Katie Saves the Day! (December 12 - December 31)
Topsy Turvy Theatre’s interactive production for ages two to seven follows young Katie on a magical bird ride to the North Pole to solve advent calendar clues, featuring handcrafted puppets, original music, and integrated Makaton signing. 🎄 The Studio, Carriageworks Theatre | Carriagework Theatre