Christmas Shows and Pantos in Harpenden & Surrounding Areas
If you're searching for Christmas shows and pantos to attend in Harpenden and surrounding areas, we have listed a selection of them for you, friends and family to enjoy!
That’ll Be The Day’s So This is Christmas
Comedy sketches blended with heartwarming renditions of the best Christmas songs to create an unforgettable and hilarious night.
Where: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3LD.
When: Wednesday 27th of November, 7:30pm
Tickets: From £29
About: The Alban Arena has been a premier entertainment venue for top-name shows and large events such as the St Albans Beer and Cider Festival, for over 50 years.
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Nutcracker performed by The Imperial Ballet
Bringing theatre and ballet together for a Christmas special the Nutcracker will be a fantastic performance for everyone.
Where: Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3LD.
When: Sunday 17th of November, 3pm
Tickets: £44
About: The Alban Arena has been a premier entertainment venue for top-name shows and large events such as the St Albans Beer and Cider Festival, for over 50 years.
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The Big Choir Christmas Show
This charity choir will be doing a special Christmas evening with festive cheer, fundraising for Cancer Research.
Where: St Paul's Church, Blandford Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 4JP.
When: Tuesday 10th December, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Tickets: £12.50 for adults, under 16’s £5.
About: A choir fundraising for Cancer Research, who raise money through monthly subscriptions, collections, and ticket sales to events.
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Carols at the Cathedral
Catch Christmas carols with the choir on the hour in the majestic setting of the cathedral and feel free to join in.
Where: St Paul's Church, Blandford Road, St Albans, AL1
When: Saturday 14th December, 11am-5pm
Tickets: No tickets required.
About: The St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain. It is a place of faith with an incredible history and beauty, that puts on remarkable events for all ages.
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Arthur Christmas
This heartwarming family film tells the story of Santa preparing to pass on his duties to his son. A delightful Christmas classic, it's the perfect treat to enjoy on the big screen. Check the listings for more festive films showing this December!
Where: The Odyssey Cinema, 166 London Rd, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 1PQ.
When: Sunday 22nd December, 10:30am
Tickets: December films are open for sale from 10.30am on Friday 15th November.
About: The Odyssey Cinema has its origins from 1908 and was rescued in a derelict state in 2010 to be restored to its former art deco glory. It puts on a busy programme of new and old movie screenings.
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A Christmas Carol
The ultimate Christmas story comes back to the open-air theatre in St Albans for an immersive, magical evening’s performance.
Where: The Roman Theatre of Verulamium, Bluehouse Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6AE.
When: 30th November – 29th December, various times.
Tickets: £15.00 (Children) | £25.00 (Adults) | £65.00 (Family ticket 2 Adults + up to 3 Children)
About: Ovo Theatre is a theatre production company based in St. Albans who put on modern versions of the classics at the Ovo Theatre in the Maltings and, at the open-air Verulam theatre.
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Santa Babies
The Polka Dots deliver dazzling dance routines and captivating vocals, blending inspiration from the glamour of the Roaring 20s and the energy of the Swinging 60s into their performances.
Where: Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2DL
When: Saturday 23rd December, 8pm
Tickets: £20, Concessions £15
About: The Abbey Theatre was a purpose-built theatre opened in 1967 and thanks to the support of the local community, puts on regular performances for all ages. The Company of Ten is St Albans’ oldest and most prestigious theatrical group who built, own and run the Abbey Theatre.
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The Railway Children
A classic children’s Christmas tale, this adventurous journey is one for the whole family.
Where: Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2DL
When: 14 December 2024–28 December
Tickets: £20, Concessions £15
About: The Abbey Theatre was a purpose-built theatre opened in 1967 and thanks to the support of the local community, puts on regular performances for all ages. The Company of Ten is St Albans’ oldest and most prestigious theatrical group who built, own and run the Abbey Theatre.
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Puss in Boots
The wacky and wonderful show, created by the critically acclaimed team behind Hansel & Gretel, returns with even more fun-filled pantomime madness!
Where: Sandpit Theatre, Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 9NX.
When: 14th - 29th December, 12pm-3pm
Tickets: From £10
About: The Sandpit Theatre on the site of the Sandringham School opened in 2001 with seating up to 268.
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St Albans Christmas Cracker
As part of the market festivities, there will be musical performances and pantomimes.
Where: Large stage near the taxi rank on St Peter’s Street
When: Sunday 17th of November
Tickets: See website for more info
About: The St Albans Christmas Cracker is a much loved event which attracts people from all over to come enjoy the array of entertainment, stalls and activities.
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Felipe The Sheep Christmas Trail
Join Felipe the sheep and his friends on a delightful Christmas trail the whole family will enjoy! Pick up your trail map from St Albans Museum + Gallery (open daily from 11am to 5pm) or St Albans Cathedral (open daily from 9am to 5pm) and start your festive adventure.
Where: Around St Albans city centre – trail map to be announced.
When: Saturday 16th November - Sunday 24th December
Tickets: Free, no tickets required.
About: Enjoy St Albans is run by St Albans city and district council and St Albans bid and promotes all that the city has to offer with guidance on events, history, and culture.
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Christmas Market and Films
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at a wonderful indoor Christmas market, brimming with seasonal delights. Stay warm and dry as you explore, and don’t miss the added treat of festive film screenings!
Where: Verso Vineyard St Albans Church - Next Door to Selco
When: Friday 29th November, 4pm-8pm.
Tickets: Free – catch them when you can!
About: .
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Sleeping beauty
A great family pantomime with spectacular scenery, glittering costumes and amazing special effects.
Where: Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2FR.
When: Saturday 7th December - Monday 30th December, various times.
Tickets: £22-£26
About: The Eric Morecambe Centre was opened in a brand-new facility in 2021 in Harpenden and is a luxurious culture and entertainment centre.
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The Big Band At Christmas with Five Star Swing
Experience your favourite Christmas songs with a captivating jazz twist. Featuring the talented Simone Smith from the renowned Ivy Benson Orchestra and Chris Smith Jr., acclaimed composer and arranger for the BBC Radio Big Band and the Herb Miller Big Band (brother of Glenn Miller).
Where: Eric Morecambe Centre, Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2FR.
When: Monday 25th November, 7:30pm
Tickets: £25
About: The Eric Morecambe Centre was opened in a brand-new facility in 2021 in Harpenden and is a luxurious culture and entertainment centre. The Lea Singers are a chamber choir of 30 members, based in Harpenden who have been performing for over 60 years.
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surrounding areas
Goldy Locks and The Three Bears Pantomime
Pantomime returns to Letchworth! The team behind 2023’s Aladdin (SPADS) are back at Broadway Theatre with a fun twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Can Goldilocks and her friends, with help from three clever bears, save their circus from an evil rival?
Where: Broadway theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3DD
When: Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd of December
Tickets: See website for details.
About: The Broadway theatre is run by the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, which supports local charity endeavours.
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A Christmas Carol
Experience the award-winning Dyad Productions, known for Lady Susan, A Room of One’s Own, and the sell-out Christmas Gothic, bring their signature magic to Dickens’ timeless and haunting classic, A Christmas Carol.
Where: The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3AE.
When: Tuesday 5th - Sunday 24th December, various times.
Tickets: £16 Standard, £12 under 18s
About: The Old Town Hall is part of the Dacorum Borough Council, run since 1978 by theatre loving individuals.
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Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
A traditional family pantomime with fun choreography and uplifting music.
Where: The Radlett Centre, 1 Aldenham Avenue, Radlett, Hertfordshire, WD7 8HL.
When: 7th December 2024 – 3rd January 2025
Tickets: Standard tickets £25
About: The Radlett Centre is a modern auditorium presenting programmes of drama, musicals, comedy, and kids' shows, plus conferences.
Upstage Productions was founded in 1990 and is a theatre company that puts on family classic pantomimes.
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Jack and His Giant Stalk (adults only)
Strictly for over 16 years old, this panto by the Adult Panto Company is full of fun and sexual innuendo.
Where: The Market Theatre, 6A Sun Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1AE.
When: Friday 24th November 2023 – Saturday 2nd March 2024, various times.
Tickets: All Tickets £19.50 (plus booking fees).
About: The Market Theatre was originally an old industrial unit, converted in 1996 into a small-scale professional theatre. Thursday is “Cheap Night.”
The Market Theatre Adult Panto & Touring Company has been putting on adult only shows for twenty years.
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Aladdin
Don’t miss one of the longest-running pantos, Aladdin, packed with big songs and brilliant laughs. Starring Watford’s favourite Dame, Terence Frisch, as the iconic Widow Twankey!
Where: Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1JZ
When: Saturday 30th November – Tuesday 31st of December
Tickets: Prices start at £12.50.
About: The Watford Palace Theatre is a beautiful Edwardian auditorium that opened in 1908, and to this day puts on theatrical, comedy, children, and music shows.
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Sleeping Beauty
With all the classic elements of a well-loved familiar pantomime for all ages.
Where: The Spotlight, High Street, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 8BE.
When: 12th December - 30th December, various times.
Tickets: See website for details.
About: The Spotlight theatre was formerly Broxbourne Civic Hall and has an auditorium that can seat 500, as well as six acres of lovely gardens.
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Cinderella
A firm family favourite pantomime.
Where: The Boxmoor Playhouse, 72 St John's Rd, Hemel Hempstead HP1 1NP
When: Thursday 5th of December - Sunday 15th December
Tickets: Adults: £15, Children/Concessions: £12, Groups of 10+ £10.
About: The Boxmoor Playhouse is the largest theatre in Hemel Hempstead and has been owned and managed by the members of the Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company since 1997. The HHTheatreCo is a group of local enthusiasts (all volunteers), with a wide range of skills, united by a love of theatre.
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Dick Whittington
A captivating children’s pantomime.
Where: The Market Theatre, 6A Sun Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 1AE.
When: Saturday 7th – Saturday 28th December, various times.
Tickets: All Tickets £11 (babes in arms £1).
About: The Market Theatre was originally an old industrial unit, converted in 1996 into a small-scale professional theatre. Thursday is “Cheap Night”.
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Abominable
This film about a yeti and three friends is a heart-warming special you don’t want to miss.
Where: Hat Factory Arts Centre, 65 - 67 Bute Street, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2EY
When: Monday 9th DEcember - Tuesday 24th December, various times.
Tickets: £4 + £1 booking fee.
About: The Full House Theatre puts on theatrical experiences for children, to engage, entertain and inspire for many age ranges.
The Culture Trust Luton is an arts and cultural charity which has four inspiring sites; the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, the Hat Factory Arts Centre, and the Hat District.
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Sleeping Beauty
Don’t miss this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty – a show guaranteed to be packed with laughter! Open to all ages.
Where: Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, AL8 6BX.
When: Monday 9th December - Saturday 14th December, various times.
Tickets: Start at £22.
About: Campus West has been running for 50 years in Welwyn Garden City and has an independent cinema, roller skating rink, soft play, live theatre venue, food, and drink.
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Sleeping Booty (adults only)
A fun filled rendition of Sleeping Beauty – strictly for over 18s!
Where: Campus West, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, AL8 6BX.
When: Thursday 19th December - Friday 27th December, 19:30
Tickets: Start at £29
About: Campus West has been running for 50 years in Welwyn Garden City and has an independent cinema, roller skating rink, soft play, live theatre venue, food, and drink.
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So This Is Christmas Musical
Experience So This Is Christmas, a musical bringing all of your favourite seasonal songs to the stage.
Where: The Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 1LZ.
When: Saturday 21st December
Tickets: Start from £30.
About: The Gordon Craig Theatre has 501 seats and opened in 1975 in Stevenage. Jordan Productions is one of the leading pantomime producers in the UK with star casts.
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Jack and the Beanstalk
The pantomime adventure that grows and grows! This is perfect for family viewing.
Where: Watersmeet, High Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1EH.
When: Friday 6th December - Tuesday 31st December
Tickets: Starts at £22
About: Watersmeet opened in 1975 and has strived to be as sustainable as possible as a venue whilst putting on shows for all the family.
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Snow White
Experience the magic of Christmas with Neil Sands and his cast in their new 2024 show! Packed with festive favourites, dazzling costumes, and even falling snow, it’s the perfect nostalgic treat for the season.
Where: Wyllyotts Theatre, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 2HZ.
When: Friday 15th - Sunday 31st December, various times.
Tickets: Starts at £16.50
About: Wyllyotts Theatre is a 421-capacity space for shows and cinema, with retractable seating plus conference and meeting rooms.
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