Entertainment / Christmas 2025
Bristol’s best Christmas shows 2025
Unbelievable as it may seem, the festive season is once more upon us. Happily, that means a feast of entertainment is in store for Bristol culture fans.
Whether its panto, theatre, comedy, improv, circus, cabaret, film or music that you’re after, there is something in store to suit every taste. Bristol24/7 rounds up some of the highlights:
Pantomime
- Sleeping Beauty – December 5-January 4, The Redgrave Theatre
Following the success of productions in both 2023 and 2024, Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Redgrave are back together for 2025 with a classic story for all ages, with a suitably all-singing, all-dancing panto twist.
- Early Years Panto: Twinkle Little Star – December 6, Bean Tree Café
With multiple performances daily, this half-hour show is perfectly pitched for the youngest, and wriggliest, of audience members. Back for a ninth year, this panto has music, dance, interactive elements and plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Under 1s go free.
- Cinderella – December 6-31, The Playhouse, Weston-super-Mare
Weston’s family panto will be a retelling of the ultimate rags-to-riches fairytale, with plenty of razzle dazzle. It stars Gareth Gates as Prince Charming, Derek Moran as Buttons, and Michael Goble in a wicked stepsister role.
Cinderella, Weston Playhouse – photo: Parkwood Theatres
- Jack and the Beanstalk – December 6-January 4, Bristol Hippodrome
The biggest panto in Bristol stars Will Young, making his pantomime debut as the Spirit of the Beans, alongside Charlie Brooks as the giant’s wife Mrs Blunderbore, Richard Cadell as Silly Billy – joined by Sooty – and returning star, Andy Ford, in the role of Farmer Trot.
Jack and the Beanstalk – photo: Bristol Hippodrome
- The Further Adventures of PETER PAN: The Return of Captain Hook – December 11-January 11, Theatre Royal Bath
Written by Bath panto royalty, Jon Monie – who will appear as Smee, this year’s TRB showstopper dives back into the world of Neverland. It stars Holly Atterton as Tinker Bell, Sarah Jane Buckley as Mrs Darling/Ethel Mermaid, Marcus J Foreman as Peter Pan and Bobbie Chambers as Emily Darling.
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook – photo: Theatre Royal Bath
- This Is Your Panto! – December 17-20, Bristol Improv Theatre
From the team behind This Is Your Musical comes a brand-new panto, created live, on the night, directly from audience suggestions. Apparently, “even the songs are made up on the spot (oh yes they are!)”.
This is Your Panto – photo: Bristol Improv Theatre
- Jack Off The Beanstalk – The All Drag, Adult Panto! – December 18-20, Lost Horizon
Bristol’s finest drag stars join forces in a reimagining of the classic fairytale, starring Dominique Fleek as Jack Trotts, with Quiches Lorraine as Dame Agnus Trotts, Miss Dynasty as the Golden Goose, and Macha Zu as Mother Nature herself.
Jack off the Beanstalk – photo: Lost Horizon
Theatre
- Snow Mice! – November 20-January 11, The Egg, Bath
Never a year seems to go by without a visit from the Snow Mouse, but this year, he is flanked by two cousins and three ‘children’ on an enchanting winter adventure for little ones.
Snow Mice – photo: The egg
- Moulin Scrooge – November 21-January 17, The Wardrobe Theatre
The much-anticipated annual Christmas mash-up is the jewel in the Wardrobe’s glittering crown, and Dickens and Luhrmann make an intriguing pair of creative inspirations for this year’s offering – which will be staged at Front Room Theatre in Weston-super-Mare for Christmas 2026.
Moulin Scrooge – photo: The Wardrobe Theatre and Front Room Theatre
- A Christmas Carol – November 24-29, The Redgrave Theatre
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School take on the tale of Dickens’ most famous Christmas grouch, in an adaptation from Patrick Barlow that is suitable for ages 8+.
A Christmas Carol – photo: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
- Rapunzel: A Hairy Tale – November 27-January 17, Tobacco Factory Theatres
From the team behind the hugely popular Oliver Twist comes a brand-new take on the Brothers Grimm tale, with music and magic galore. A story of “growing up, venturing out, and discovering your own voice – all wrapped up in an unforgettable adventure (with plenty of extraordinary hair)”.
Rapunzel – A Hairy Tale – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
- Aurora – November 28-January 4, The Egg, Bath
The award-winning Filksit Theatre present a dreamy winter show for babies and toddlers, replete with lights, music, and Makaton signs. Will little Aurora finally see the Northern Lights?
Aurora – photo: the egg
- Terror in Turtlenecks: The Christmas Jumper Edition – December 3, Alma Tavern and Theatre
What monsters will descend down the chimney? Whose foot is in that stocking? And is that ecto-plasm in your eggnog, or were you just pleased to see me? Boogie Nachts Theatre perform live Christmas readings of short comedy horror stories.
Terror in Turtlenecks – The Christmas Jumper Edition – photo: Boogie Nachts Theatre
- Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure – December 4-January 10, Bristol Old Vic
This year’s seasonal spectacular is a nod to Bristol’s piratical roots, with none other than the unofficial Queen of the city – Jayde Adams – appearing in her first professional theatre role. Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary’s brand new musical promises to be “a story of friendship, hope and reaching for dreams just beyond the horizon”.
Treasure Island – photo: Bristol Old Vic
- Antarctica – December 5-January 10, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic
The Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb are reliably brilliant at creating transformative theatrical experiences for young children and their families. Here, they invite their audience to embrace the magic of the South Pole.
Antarctica – photo: Little Bulb
- A Winter’s Tail – A Christmas play-along theatre adventure – December 7, Front Room Theatre, Weston-super-Mare
There will be three performances in a single day of this interactive winter woodland adventure from The Last Baguette, aimed at 2-6-year-olds and their families.
A Winter’s Tale – photo: The Last Baguette
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – December 9-13, The Alma Tavern and Theatre
Performed by Steve Woolley, ProAct’s award-winning one-man production of the classic redemption story is “a Christmas must see for 8-108-year olds”.
Steve Woolley in A Christmas Carol – photo: ProAct
- Gurt Haunted: Miracle on North St – December 9-January 3, Tobacco Factory Theatres
The Gurt Haunted trio are back with a Christmas edition of their paranormal parody, following a week-long run at The Weston Studio in early November. Prepare to awaken “the ghosts of Bemmie past” and restore the heart of the festive season.
Gurt Haunted Miracle on North Street – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
- Fête Club – December 12-30, Front Room Theatre, Weston-super-Mare
The Front Room team invites you to a Christmas market with a difference, from the inimitable residents of fictional English village, Little Shambles.
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- Santa & Sven – December 13-14, The Wardrobe Theatre
A welcome return for Stewart Wright and Ben Kirby as the big man himself, and his reindeer handler, Sven. Aimed at children of 2+, this is a very sweet-natured and beautiful show described as “where theatre meets ‘An Audience With’ Father Christmas”.
- Where did the snow go? – December 13-30, Front Room Theatre, Weston-super-Mare
From the reliably brilliant Scarlet Oak Theatre comes a fun and frosty adventure for young audiences and their families. “We CAN climb mountains,” they urge, “we CAN be penguins, we CAN summon snowstorms that get wildly out of hand…”
- SCRAPS: Christmas Leftovers – December 15, The Wardrobe Theatre
Daisy Kennedy and Mia Macleod are back with another chaotic round of sketches, dance routines and lip sync – this time bringing Charlie Nye along for the ride. Can they show him the true essence of Christmas?
Poster for SCRAPS: Christmas Leftovers – photo: Mia Macleod, Charlie Nye and Daisy Kennedy
- Guy Masterson: A Christmas Carol – December 15 and 19, Theatre Royal Bath
Back by popular demand, the Olivier Award-winning Masterson performs his critically lauded solo version of the Dickens classic.
Guy Masterson’s A Christmas Carol – photo: Theatre Royal Bath
- Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals: Jack & The Beanstalk (Sort Of) – December 18-January 4, The Wardrobe Theatre
Make no mistake: if it’s great tunes, lo-fi aesthetics and warm-hearted chaotic exuberance that you’re after, this show will provide it all. Self-confessed panto-hating Kid Carpet is joined by his trusty sidekicks Bear, Gorilla, Badger and Hedgehog, who could not feel more differently about the genre.
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- Stomping Story – A Stick man – December 22, Arnos Vale
Aimed at children of 3-9 and their families – though babies and toddlers are also welcome – the beloved Julia Donaldson story unfolds through an outdoor walking adventure. There will also be a chance to make some ‘sticky art’ to take home.
A child looking for worms – photo: Arnos Vale
Comedy and Improv
- Adam Riches as Sean Bean in The 12 Beans of Christmas – December 3, The Gaffe Comedy Club
A seasonal edition of the five-star Fringe smash, with a series of interactive games and “chaotic buffoonery” hosted by Riches’ unique embodiment of Sean Bean “in full medieval mode”.
- Christmas Comedy Specials – December 4-6, 10-14, 17-21, The Gaffe Comedy Club
Multiple dates and times for The Gaffe’s seasonal lineup shows, ideally suited “work dos, mate dates and awkward Tinder meetups saved by shared laughter”.
- Geoffrey Chaucer’s Mediaeval Christmas Festivitye 2025! – December 5, The Alma Tavern and Theatre
In the guise of the “great poot” Chaucer, John-Luke Roberts hosts an alternative comedy line-up including Bec Hill, Ella the Great, David Hoare, Kate Cheka, and Eve Bee, as well as a promised “visit from a Terrible Old Crone, and as much capering as you could want”.
John-Luke Roberts as Geoffrey Chaucer – photo: Natasha Pszenicki
- Wednesday Night Improv: Christmas Special Triple Bill – December 10, The Hen & Chicken
A bumper edition of the night that’s “completely different – every single time”. Featuring narrative improv from Cosmic Puddle, sketch and character comedy from Parent’s Basement, and the improvised restaurant show Pressure Cooker.
Photo: Wednesday Night Improv
- Make the Yuletide Gay! Out of The Wardrobe Festival ft Catherine Bohart & Friends – December 13, 1532 Performing Arts Centre
It’s a strong lineup for the festive edition of the LGBTQ+ comedy showcase, led by Catherine Bohart with Morgan Rees as MC. Craig Hill and Louise Young complete the bill.
Catherine Bohart – photo: Out of the Wardrobe
Circus, dance, cabaret and magic
- Christmas at the Spiegeltent – November 27-December 21, Waterfront Square
Arguably the most stunning temporary venue in Bristol, the Spiegeltent will transport you into another world, and that’s before the show has even started. This year’s programme highlights include Club Spiegel presenting Symphonica Orchestra: Ibiza Classics, Alfie Ordinary’s Camp as Christmas!, Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers with a live brass band, Rumdoo! family cabaret, and returning favourites, Junior Jungle.
Junior Jungle – photo: David Yeo
- Lace and Lashes Winter Cabaret – December 2, The Alma Tavern and Theatre
The third show from Lace and Lashes will feature a smorgasbord of drag, burlesque, comedy, circus and cabaret acts, serving up a night to remember.
Photo: Lace and Lashes Winter Cabaret
- Sexquisite Christmas – December 11, Loco Klub
Returning for another festive helping of burlesque, dance, spoken word, comedy, song, dance and pole, this is an award-winning performing arts cabaret featuring sex worker artists.
Sexquisite Christmas – photo: Loco Klub
- Peter Clifford’s Fabulous Feats of Festive Family Foolery! – December 18-January 3, The Alma Tavern and Theatre
Aimed at those “from 6-106”, Peter Clifford brings a brand new magic show to families this Christmas season, aiming to “bamboozle, amuse and amaze” in equal measure.
Photo: Peter Clifford
- This and That: A Winter Special – December 20-22, Circomedia
A seasonal cabaret produced by Circomedia in collaboration with Tit for Tat. Expect “a showcase of farce, fiasco, comedy and spectacle” from some of Bristol’s best live performers.
This and That – photo: Tit for Tat
- Winter Gala – December 21, The Mount Without
A spectacular gala for Impermanence, with all proceeds going towards supporting their charitable objectives. Royal Ballet star, Bristol’s own Caspar Lench will top the bill in his debut performance in his home city since turning professional. The night will also feature the Impermanence show VENUS 2.0, on the final night of its UK tour. There will be a free cocktail on arrival.
Winter Gala – photo: Impermanence
Film
- Bristol Film Festival – Christmas screenings – multiple dates/venues in December
The reliably brilliant curators at Bristol Film Festival have not shirked this season, laying on a series of yuletide gems at some of the city’s most beautiful and unique venues. The Mount Without will screen The Nightmare Before Christmas and Home Alone; Clifton College Chapel will host classics including Elf and The Muppet Christmas Carol; meanwhile Averys Wine Cellars will be showing Die Hard and It’s a Wonderful Life, among others – all paired with some excellent wines.
Music
- Bristol Beacon – Christmas concerts – multiple dates in December
The December programme at Bristol’s biggest indoor concert venue is replete with special seasonal events. From a live performance of the score from Home Alone led by the WNO Orchestra, to Christmassy nights with Rob Brydon and Tony Hadley and their respective bands, there are also more traditional options to savour, including Bristol Choral Society’s rendition of Handel’s Messiah.
Home Alone – photo: Bristol Beacon
- St George’s Bristol – Christmas programme – multiple dates in December
Few places turn up the festive cheer more than St George’s, and this year is no exception. Programme highlights include Gasworks Choir, City Voices, Bristol Bach Choir, Connaught Brass, Mwenso & The Shakes with A Funky Soulful Christmas, and the annual Christmas Spectacular.
Christmas Spectacular – photo: St George’s Bristol
- Bristol Cathedral – Christmas services – multiple dates in December
From Shopper’s Carols, to Toddlers’ Carols, and even Beer & Carols, Bristol Cathedral is offering a plethora of special services this Christmas. There is a Pride Carol Service, a performance of Handel’s Messiah from The Fitzhardinge Consort and The Bristol Ensemble in aid of NSPCC, and the ever-popular Carols by Candlelight. And Blue Christmas at The Lord Mayor’s Chapel offers “a service of comfort and light for those experiencing loss, loneliness or despair at Christmas”.
Photo: Bristol Cathedral
- The Jam Jar – Christmas parties – selected dates in December
Party at the Jam Jar with the Bristol Hi-Fi crew, or with Jimi Needles and his Christmas Remixed A/V Show. And back by popular demand, Fitty Gomash returns with three renditions of Blowin’ a Hooley, A Christmas Ceilidh.
Christmas Ceilidh – photo: Fitty Gomash
- Tyntesfield – Chapel Concerts – selected dates in December
Step inside the chapel of the historic National Trust building for a series of Christmas concerts, including Bristol Gay Men’s Chorus, the Fitzhardinge Consort, SHE Choir, and a capella choir, The Chandeliers.
Photo: National Trust Tyntesfield
- Factory Singers Christmas Extravaganza 2025 – December 8, Tobacco Factory Theatres
The TFT community choir is back for a warm-hearted performance that celebrates the season in song, mixing in a selection of traditional and contemporary songs “with a twist”.
Christmas Extravaganza – photo: Factory Singers
- Carol Concert – December 14, Arnos Vale
The annual choral celebration in the atmospheric Anglican Chapel, led by the Bristol Chamber Choir, under the musical direction of David Bednall. There will be a recital, as well as a chance to join in with some carol singing.
Bristol Chamber Choir – photo: Arnos Vale
Main photo: Matt Stronge; design: William Andrews (Adam Riches as Sean Bean)
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