There are certain Christmas traditions that never seem to lose their charm. Decorating the tree, wandering through Liverpool’s Christmas markets and, of course, spending an afternoon at the pantomime.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about taking your seat in a beautiful old theatre, waiting for the curtain to rise and joining several hundred strangers in shouting, “He’s behind you!”
Fortunately, Liverpool and the surrounding region have an excellent selection of Christmas pantomimes for 2026.
From traditional productions of Cinderella and Snow White to Liverpool’s famously lively Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto, there is something for almost every age group.
And pantomime certainly isn’t just for children.
Some of the region’s most entertaining festive productions are designed with grown-ups in mind, combining cheeky humour, music and a distinctly Scouse sense of humour.
Whether you’re planning your toddler’s first visit to the theatre, entertaining teenagers during the Christmas holidays or organising a festive evening with friends, we’ve rounded up the best pantomimes in Liverpool and nearby for Christmas 2026.
The Best Christmas Pantomimes in Liverpool 2026
1. Beauty and the Beast: Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto at Liverpool Everyman
Dates: 14 November 2026 to 16 January 2027
Location: Liverpool Everyman Theatre, Hope Street
Tickets: £20 to £47
Best for: Families with older children, teenagers and adults
If you have never experienced Liverpool Everyman’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto, you’re missing out on one of the city’s most entertaining Christmas traditions.
This isn’t your typical pantomime.
Rather than relying on prerecorded music, the cast consists of talented actor-musicians who perform live throughout the production, combining traditional pantomime comedy with the energy of a rock concert.
For Christmas 2026, the Everyman is presenting Beauty and the Beast, promising outrageous costumes, familiar songs, comedy and plenty of audience participation.
The production has a distinctly Liverpool personality, making it particularly appealing to families who want something a little different from the traditional Christmas pantomime.
It’s also an excellent option for teenagers who might consider themselves too old for pantomime but still enjoy live music and comedy.
Why we’d recommend it: A lively alternative to traditional pantomime that adults can enjoy just as much as children.
Book Beauty and the Beast at Liverpool Everyman
2. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Liverpool Epstein Theatre
Dates: 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Location: Epstein Theatre, Hanover Street
Best for: Traditional family pantomime
For families who love a classic Christmas pantomime, the Epstein Theatre is bringing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Liverpool this December.
Following the success of its 2025 production of Cinderella, the theatre returns with another traditional fairytale filled with comedy, colourful costumes and familiar characters.
Expect the wicked Queen, the magic mirror and plenty of opportunities for children to get involved.
The Epstein is also a lovely theatre for families who prefer a more intimate setting than some of Liverpool’s larger venues.
Situated on Hanover Street, it is conveniently located for combining the performance with lunch or dinner in Liverpool ONE.
Why we’d recommend it: A traditional Christmas pantomime with all the familiar ingredients.
Epstein Theatre pantomime information
3. The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan at St Helens Theatre Royal
Dates: 28 November 2026 to 10 January 2027
Location: St Helens Theatre Royal, Corporation Street
Tickets: From £20
Best for: Families with primary-school children
St Helens Theatre Royal has developed a reputation for producing some of the region’s most popular family pantomimes.
For Christmas 2026, audiences are invited to Neverland for The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan and the Return of Captain Hook.
The production stars Mark Labbett, best known as The Beast from ITV’s The Chase, as Captain Hook.
Expect swashbuckling adventures, colourful costumes, plenty of comedy and a story that children will recognise.
The theatre regularly attracts families from Liverpool, Knowsley, Widnes and Warrington, making it a convenient option for those who prefer not to travel into Liverpool city centre.
Why we’d recommend it: A traditional, high-energy family pantomime with a recognisable television star.
St Helens Theatre Royal Christmas Pantomime
4. Cinderella at The Atkinson, Southport
Dates: 4 to 31 December 2026
Location: The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport
Tickets: Adults £28 to £30; family tickets £98 to £110, plus booking fees
Best for: Younger children and a traditional family Christmas outing
Southport’s beautiful Atkinson theatre is bringing Cinderella to the stage this Christmas.
Produced by KD Theatre Productions, the show promises everything families love about traditional pantomime: dazzling costumes, live music, comedy, audience participation and plenty of magical moments.
The familiar story follows Cinderella as she dreams of escaping her wicked stepsisters and attending the royal ball.
For families with younger children, a familiar fairytale can be particularly appealing, especially when it’s their first experience of live theatre.
The Atkinson is also perfectly positioned for making a day of it in Southport.
Enjoy a walk along Lord Street, stop somewhere for hot chocolate and perhaps explore the town’s festive decorations before heading into the theatre.
Why we’d recommend it: A lovely traditional pantomime for younger families, particularly those based around Formby, Ainsdale, Ormskirk and Southport.
Book Cinderella at The Atkinson
5. Aladdin at the Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
Dates: 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
Location: Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, Wirral
Tickets: Adults £15 to £38.50; children £15 to £35.50
Best for: Families, primary-school children and a festive day out on the Wirral
The Floral Pavilion is one of the loveliest places to enjoy a traditional Christmas pantomime, particularly if you want to combine theatre with a visit to the seaside.
For 2026, the New Brighton theatre is presenting Aladdin, bringing the familiar tale of a magical lamp, an ambitious young hero and an extraordinary adventure to the stage.
Expect colourful costumes, comedy, spectacular effects and plenty of audience participation.
The production runs for approximately two and a half hours, including an interval, so parents of very young children may wish to consider whether they are ready for a longer theatre experience.
The theatre has also announced a British Sign Language interpreted performance on 20 December and a relaxed performance on 3 January 2027.
Make a day of it by enjoying lunch along New Brighton’s waterfront before heading to the theatre.
Why we’d recommend it: A traditional Christmas pantomime in a lovely seaside setting, with accessible performance options.
Book Aladdin at the Floral Pavilion
6. Dick Whittington at the Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight
Dates: 5 to 31 December 2026
Location: Gladstone Theatre, Port Sunlight, Wirral
Best for: Traditional pantomime and families who prefer smaller theatres
The Gladstone Theatre in Port Sunlight is another lovely choice for families looking for Christmas entertainment outside Liverpool city centre.
For 2026, the theatre is presenting Dick Whittington, following the adventures of the young hero and his famous feline companion.
The production promises traditional pantomime comedy, colourful characters and a suitably mischievous villain in King Rat.
Part of the appeal is the location itself.
Port Sunlight is one of the most picturesque villages on the Wirral, with beautiful architecture and attractive surroundings that make it a lovely place to visit during the festive season.
Why we’d recommend it: A traditional pantomime in a charming village setting.
7. Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto at Merchant Taylors’, Crosby
Dates: 27 to 29 November 2026
Location: Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, Crosby
Best for: Families in Crosby, Formby, Maghull and North Liverpool
Families in North Liverpool don’t necessarily need to travel into the city centre for a Christmas pantomime.
Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto is scheduled to take place at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School in Crosby over the final weekend of November.
The production follows Rapunzel as she escapes her tower with the help of three fairies, only for the villainous Gothel to attempt to bring her back.
It’s a particularly convenient option for families living around Crosby, Waterloo, Formby and Maghull.
Why we’d recommend it: A local pantomime that makes a lovely start to the Christmas season.
Adults-Only Pantomimes and Christmas Comedy in Liverpool
Pantomime isn’t exclusively for children, and Liverpool has a long tradition of festive comedy designed with grown-ups in mind.
However, there is an important distinction between a traditional pantomime containing jokes for adults and a genuinely adults-only production.
8. Adults-Only Christmas Comedy at Liverpool’s Royal Court
Location: Royal Court Theatre, Roe Street, Liverpool
Best for: Couples, groups of friends and a grown-up Christmas night out
If you’re looking for festive entertainment without the children, Liverpool’s Royal Court is one of the first theatres worth checking.
Known for its distinctly Scouse comedy productions, the theatre regularly presents Christmas shows filled with local humour, music and plenty of cheeky jokes.
The Royal Court’s Christmas entertainment is often quite different from a traditional family pantomime, with productions aimed squarely at grown-up audiences.
A Scouse adaptation of A Christmas Carol has been featured in Christmas listings, although the precise 2026 production dates and booking arrangements need confirming.
One of the advantages of the Royal Court is the option of combining theatre with food and drinks, making it particularly appealing for a Christmas evening out.
Why we’d recommend it: A grown-up festive night out with Liverpool humour.
9. The Adult Pantomime: The Unspoken Adventures of Peter Pan at the Epstein Theatre
Dates: 19 to 26 June 2027
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
Best for: Adults who enjoy outrageous comedy
For those specifically searching for an adults-only pantomime, The Unspoken Adventures of Peter Pan is worth knowing about.
This production offers a decidedly cheekier interpretation of the classic story, with adult humour and a very different atmosphere from the family pantomimes taking place at Christmas.
However, it is important to note that this production is scheduled for June 2027, not Christmas 2026.
It is included here as an option for readers interested in adults-only pantomime, rather than as a Christmas booking.
Christmas Shows for Toddlers and Younger Children in Liverpool
Traditional pantomimes are wonderful, but they aren’t always the easiest introduction to theatre for very young children.
Bright lights, loud music, sudden bangs and performances lasting two hours or more can be overwhelming for babies and toddlers.
Fortunately, Liverpool has several shorter festive experiences designed specifically for younger audiences.
10. Storytime with Santa at Liverpool Everyman
Dates: 19 to 23 December 2026
Location: Liverpool Everyman Theatre, Hope Street
Best for: Babies, toddlers and preschool children
For little ones who aren’t quite ready for a full pantomime, the Everyman’s Storytime with Santa is a lovely alternative.
Created especially for young children, the experience offers the opportunity to meet Santa in a relaxed setting, enjoy a festive story and take part in simple Christmas activities.
Unlike a large-scale pantomime, the emphasis is on a gentle introduction to Christmas theatre rather than loud music and elaborate special effects.
Why we’d recommend it: A lovely first festive theatre experience for babies and toddlers.
Liverpool Everyman Christmas Events
11. The Night the Toys Came to Life at Unity Theatre, Liverpool
Dates: 11 to 23 December 2026
Location: Unity Theatre, Hope Place
Best for: Younger children who enjoy imaginative storytelling
For something a little different from the traditional pantomime, Unity Theatre is presenting The Night the Toys Came to Life this Christmas.
The production combines puppetry, physical theatre and playful storytelling to create a magical adventure in which toys come to life.
Unity’s intimate setting makes it particularly appealing for families who want something smaller and more personal than a large auditorium.
It’s also a good alternative for children who enjoy stories and imaginative play but might find a traditional pantomime overwhelming.
Why we’d recommend it: Imaginative family theatre with puppetry and a gentler atmosphere.
12. Christmas Mini Movies at The Reader, Calderstones Park
Dates: Selected dates throughout December 2026
Location: The Reader, Calderstones Park
Best for: Toddlers and preschool children
Although not technically a pantomime, The Reader’s Christmas Mini Movies deserve a mention for families with very young children.
Taking place inside the cosy Mansion House Theatre Room at Calderstones Park, the screenings are designed to provide a relaxed introduction to cinema.
This year’s festive programme includes Stick Man, The Gruffalo’s Child and The Snowman.
The shorter format makes these particularly appealing for toddlers who aren’t ready to sit through a full-length theatre production.
You can also combine your visit with a winter walk around Calderstones Park and a stop for coffee afterwards.
Why we’d recommend it: A gentle festive outing for little ones.
Christmas Musicals and Larger Productions for Older Children
13. Elf The Musical at Liverpool Empire
Dates: 19 to 22 November 2026
Location: Liverpool Empire, Lime Street
Age guidance: 5+, with no admission for under-threes
Best for: Primary-school children, teenagers and families
If your family watches Elf every Christmas, this could be a particularly lovely way to begin the festive season.
BOST Musicals brings Elf The Musical to Liverpool Empire in November, transforming the much-loved Christmas film into a colourful stage production.
The story follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, as he travels to New York in search of his father.
Expect musical numbers, festive scenery, dancing Santas and plenty of comedy.
Unlike a traditional pantomime, this is a musical, but it provides the same sense of Christmas spectacle.
With age guidance of five and above, it’s a good choice for families with school-aged children.
Why we’d recommend it: A spectacular Christmas musical for families who love the original film.
Book Elf The Musical at Liverpool Empire
14. Rapunzel at The Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool
Dates: 11 to 31 December 2026
Location: The Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool
Age guidance: 3+
Best for: Children who enjoy comedy, music and audience participation
For something with a distinctly Liverpool twist, The Hope Street Theatre is presenting its own version of Rapunzel.
Rather than being trapped in an ordinary fairytale tower, Rapunzel finds herself imprisoned at the top of Liverpool’s Radio City Tower.
When a busker from Bold Street enters her world, the adventure begins.
The production promises familiar Liverpool references, a wicked Mother Gothel, plenty of comedy and a traditional pantomime dame.
With audiences seated close to the stage, it should provide a lively and interactive experience.
A relaxed performance is scheduled for 16 December.
Why we’d recommend it: A funny, local interpretation of a familiar fairytale.
15. Cinderella at The Auditorium, M&S Bank Arena Liverpool
Dates: 12 to 29 December 2026
Location: The Auditorium, M&S Bank Arena, Kings Dock
Best for: Families wanting a spectacular Christmas pantomime
For families who enjoy a big Christmas production, Cinderella at The Auditorium is promising one of Liverpool’s most spectacular pantomimes of 2026.
The production brings together familiar faces from television, theatre and Liverpool’s entertainment scene.
Bippo returns as Buttons, celebrating his tenth anniversary at The Auditorium, while Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones plays Prince Charming from 20 December.
Liverpool’s Queen of Scotty Road joins the cast as Dandini, alongside Rebecca Lake as Cinderella.
Expect elaborate costumes, impressive scenery, musical numbers and plenty of traditional pantomime comedy.
The production is advertised as suitable for all ages, although parents should consider the noise and length of the performance when bringing babies or toddlers.
A British Sign Language interpreted performance is scheduled for 21 December at 6pm.
Why we’d recommend it: A large-scale Christmas pantomime with plenty of familiar faces and theatrical spectacle.
Book Cinderella at M&S Bank Arena
Which Liverpool Pantomime Is Best for Your Family?
With so many productions taking place across Liverpool and the surrounding region, choosing the right pantomime often comes down to the ages of your children and the type of experience you’re looking for.
Best for babies and toddlers: Storytime with Santa at Liverpool Everyman or The Reader’s Christmas Mini Movies at Calderstones Park. Both offer gentler alternatives to a full-length pantomime.
Best for children aged 3 to 6: Cinderella at The Atkinson, Snow White at the Epstein Theatre or Rapunzel at The Hope Street Theatre. All offer familiar stories, although parents should check individual age recommendations.
Best for primary-school children: Peter Pan at St Helens Theatre Royal, Aladdin at the Floral Pavilion or Cinderella at M&S Bank Arena.
Best for teenagers: Beauty and the Beast at Liverpool Everyman is particularly appealing because of its live music, humour and energetic atmosphere. Elf The Musical is another excellent choice.
Best for adults: Liverpool’s Royal Court is worth checking for grown-up Christmas comedy, while the Everyman’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto offers plenty of entertainment for adults without being an adults-only production.
Best for a traditional Christmas pantomime: The Epstein Theatre, The Atkinson and St Helens Theatre Royal are particularly strong choices.
Best for a smaller theatre experience: The Hope Street Theatre, Unity Theatre and Gladstone Theatre offer alternatives to Liverpool’s larger auditoriums.
Tips for Taking Young Children to Their First Pantomime
Taking a child to their first pantomime can become one of those lovely Christmas memories that stays with you for years.
However, it’s worth considering a few practical details before booking.
For toddlers, shorter performances are often easier than traditional two-hour pantomimes. An afternoon show may also be preferable to an evening performance, particularly if your child has an established bedtime.
Some theatres offer relaxed performances with adjustments to sound, lighting and audience expectations. These can be especially useful for children with sensory sensitivities or those who may need to move around during a show.
It’s also worth checking whether your chosen theatre allows babies, whether children need their own tickets and whether prams can be stored safely.
For older children, a traditional pantomime with plenty of audience participation is often a wonderful introduction to live theatre.
And don’t underestimate the importance of the interval ice cream.
When Should You Book Liverpool Pantomime Tickets?
Christmas pantomimes are among the most popular family events in Liverpool, and weekend performances in December can sell out well in advance.
Christmas Eve performances are particularly popular with families who enjoy making theatre part of their annual traditions.
If you’re planning to attend with grandparents or a larger family group, booking early also gives you a better chance of finding seats together.
Ticket prices can vary depending on the performance date, seating area and availability.
Always check the theatre’s official website for the latest prices, age guidance and accessibility arrangements before booking.
Make a Christmas Tradition of It
There’s a reason pantomime remains one of Britain’s most enduring Christmas traditions.
For children, it’s the excitement of seeing familiar characters brought to life. For adults, it’s the nostalgic pleasure of returning to a theatre and laughing at jokes you’ve probably heard a hundred times before.
Looking for more festive family days out? Don’t miss Knowsley Safari’s Enchanted Christmas 2026.
And for families, it’s an opportunity to spend a few hours together doing something that feels distinctly festive.
Whether you choose a traditional Cinderella, Liverpool’s energetic Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto or a gentle first theatre experience for your toddler, there are plenty of wonderful Christmas shows taking place across Liverpool in 2026.
Our advice? Book the tickets, plan somewhere lovely for lunch beforehand and make a proper Christmas day out of it.