By Abbie Billington
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As the final leaves are falling off the trees and the nights draw in, the colourful lights are starting to go up and the Christmas songs are thawing. Winter in Liverpool is the place to be, with plenty of Christmas shows in Liverpool to sink your teeth into and get you feeling warm and fuzzy and ready to spread the Christmas cheer.
Whether you’re in the mood for a Rock ’n’ Roll panto, an eclectic cabaret or a Scouse take on the classic Christmas Carol, Liverpool has got it all! So grab your hot chocolates and your novelty reindeer horns and brave the weather to see some of Liverpool’s finest festive fables!
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk – Liverpool Everyman (Until 17 January ’26)
Liverpool Everyman are back with their annual panto, this year bringing you their take on the beloved fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk! With some new and some familiar faces, join the Everyman on their musical adventure as Jack battles the greedy giant to grab the gold and save the day. In a show that is part fairy tale, part concert (but 100% fun), this is one for all the family and is bound to get you in the mood for December’s festivities. A must-see addition to the Christmas shows in Liverpool calendar.
The Scouse Christmas Carol – Liverpool’s Royal Court (Until 24 January ’26)
If you thought Charles Dickens couldn’t be improved upon, think again! The creative team who brought you ‘Scouse Red Riding Hood’ last year is back, bringing you another Christmas classic with a distinctive Scouse twist. Barbara Marley is on the warpath to track down who bumped off her husband, and she’s got Ebeneezer Scrooge firmly in her sights. Will Scrooge learn his lesson before Christmas morning? Only one way to find out! The Royal Court pantos are for grownups only, making this one of the most unique Christmas shows in Liverpool for adults.
Royal Court Stocking Fillers – Liverpool’s Royal Court Studio (Until 3 January ’26)
Fancy something a little different this year? Join the Royal Court Studio as they showcase seven brand new ten-minute festive plays to get you in the wintery spirit. These short plays have been written by members of the Royal Court’s writing groups and each evening four talented actors will bring them to life before your eyes. With a mix of comedy and drama, there’s something for everyone!
Timestamp – Hope Street Theatre (4 – 6 December)
If you’re looking for a show set in December, but not wrapped in tinsel and glitter, look no further than the Hope Street Theatre and their show, Timestamp. Set in 1970s America, Kimmy has been hired to crack the code of time travel as her country is being put through their paces in the “time race”. But after tragedy strikes, her mission becomes more than just a job – will she be able to save her future?
Cinderella, Shakespeare North Playhouse (Until 10 January ’26)
Tia Larsen takes on the titular role of Cinderella in this classic fairytale story, with a very special Prescot twist! Helped by her fairy godmother Mandy, Cinderella tries to find her missing mum and win the heart of the handsome prince, in this captivating new adaptation by Nick Lane that brings Cinderella to Merseyside.
Packed with magical moments, your favourite songs and lots of laughter, this new production is the perfect show to warm your hearts in the festive season.
To Be Near a Shooting Star – Unity Theatre (6 – 8 December)
In collaboration with RAWD, Unity plays host to their sparkly, twinkly, candy cane-sweet story, To Be Near A Shooting Star, this Christmas. RAWD has spent over a decade co-creating joyful, inclusive spaces where disabled artists can thrive, and this show will not be one to miss. M + J are going on a quest to find somewhere they can rest. You can expect tinsel, triumph, and three not-so-wise kings as RAWD present their version of a classic.
Beauty & the Beast – The Atkinson (5 -31 December)
The whole of Liverpool is going panto crazy this year, and Southport is no different! At The Atkinson, join KD Theatre as they bring the much-loved fairy tale Beauty & the Beast to life. Will the Beast find love before the final petal falls? And will Belle be the one to break the curse and save the day? A timeless tale of love and transformation, this pantomime is filled with dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, live music and enough surprises to rival even Santa Claus.
Scousers in America… At Christmas – Hope Street Theatre (11 – 12 December)
Liverpool and New York have always had close ties to one another, and in this festive situational comedy by Sam Jones-Arthur, the two join together once more in a story of romance, Christmas spirit and the perfect sprinkling of hilarity for Scousers In America. When Ste and Chrissy book their tickets for The Big Apple to visit the recently moved-out Zara, they find themselves dragged along to an “influencer” event where Ste meets Grace. Cue a whirlwind romance, a few revelations and a Christmas the gang won’t soon forget.
The Spare Rib: X-Rated Xmas Xtravaganza – Downstairs at the Everyman (12 December)
The Spare Rib Burlesque & Cabaret hosts regular shows across Liverpool with a focus on extravagant entertainment and inclusivity for all. This festive season, they’re inviting you to celebrate the holidays at their final show of the year, Downstairs at the Everyman. Expect classic burlesque alongside unconventional contemporary styles that are sure to heat up your December evening! A bold and brilliant option among the more adult-themed Christmas shows in Liverpool.
Sleep Can Wait! – Unity Theatre (12 – 23 December)
On a snowy winter’s night, with excitement in the air and sleep nowhere to be found, three children open a magical book and are whisked away on adventures far from the comfort of their bedroom. In partnership with Tmesis Theatre, Unity brings you this heart-warming, high-energy journey through myths, legends and imagination in Sleep Can Wait. Known for their incredible physical theatre, Tmesis promises lots of movement and minimal text – making this show neurodiverse-friendly and perfect for all ages.
For more festive and non-festive events visit our What’s On Listings.