Best Christmas Shows in Cheltenham
Christmas theatre season is coming to Cheltenham, and there's a decent choice beyond the traditional pantomime. This year brings two versions of A Christmas Carol, two pantos, a puppet-filled adventure and a proper first theatre trip for the youngest audience members.
We've picked seven Christmas shows in Cheltenham worth considering, including the big family productions and some smaller alternatives. Here's what to book, who each show suits and where to find tickets.
A Christmas Carol at Parabola Arts Centre
Top pick: something different with belly laughs guaranteed.
10 to 31 December 2026 | Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham | Ages 7+
Scrooge, but not quite as you know him.
Paul Cooper, known for This Country, plays Ebenezer Scrooge in a new comedy adaptation of Dickens' Christmas classic. Expect live music, mischievous humour and an actor-musician cast bringing the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future to life.
Written and directed by Kieran Mortell, it's a more playful take on the familiar story, rather than a traditional, serious Dickens production.
Why we've picked it: A strong choice for families with school-age children who fancy a Christmas show with a bit more character than the usual panto. The suggested age is 7+, so it's worth bearing that in mind if you're booking for younger children.
Tickets: From £17
Use our code CHELTROCKS10 (excludes preview performances on 10 and 11 December) to save 10%
Book A Christmas Carol at Parabola Arts Centre
Peter Pan: The Pantomime Adventure at Cheltenham Playhouse
Top pick: family panto with proceeds going to the Playhouse charity
11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027 | Cheltenham Playhouse
Captain Hook, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan are heading to Cheltenham Playhouse, but this isn't a straight retelling of the Neverland story.
This original pantomime starts with a peculiar circus in Kensington Gardens, where Peter and a rather unpredictable company attempt to put on a show. Naturally, Captain Hook has other ideas.
There's music, comedy, panto mischief and plenty of opportunities for the audience to get involved.
Why we've picked it: A good bet if you want a traditional Christmas panto atmosphere in a smaller theatre, with a fresh spin on a story children already know.
Tickets: From £15. Check individual performance prices when booking.
Book Peter Pan at Cheltenham Playhouse
The Snowman in Concert at Cheltenham Town Hall
23 December 2026 | Cheltenham Town Hall | 1.30pm and 4.30pm
For families who love The Snowman, this offers something a bit different from a stage show.
The familiar animated film is accompanied by live orchestral music from the Mozart Symphony Orchestra. It's a chance to hear the soundtrack performed in the concert hall rather than through the television speakers.
Why we've picked it: A particularly festive choice for 23 December, when the excitement levels at home might already be getting slightly out of hand. It's also a good alternative for families who would rather enjoy music and film than pantomime.
Tickets: £12 to £33.
See The Snowman in Concert and book tickets
The Wind in the Willows at the Everyman Theatre
27 November 2026 to 2 January 2027 | Irving Studio, Everyman Theatre
Not every child wants shouting, flashing lights and panto chaos. Some would much rather spend Christmas with Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr Toad.
Box Tale Soup's festive adaptation of The Wind in the Willows brings Kenneth Grahame's characters to life with handmade puppets, original songs and music. The story follows the friends as they gather at Christmas and remember their adventures.
Why we've picked it: A lovely alternative to panto for younger children or families who prefer storytelling and puppetry to a big, noisy production. The Everyman specifically describes it as its alternative to panto for younger audiences.
Tickets: The theatre lists Irving Studio tickets in the £7.50 to £15 range. Check the individual performance and age guidance before booking.
Dear Santa at Cheltenham Town Hall
Top pick: toddlers and preschoolers
14 and 15 December 2026 | Cheltenham Town Hall | Ages 2+
A Christmas show designed with the youngest theatre-goers in mind.
Based on Rod Campbell's book, Dear Santa follows Father Christmas as he tries to find just the right present for Sarah. His cheeky elf is on hand to help, although things don't go entirely to plan.
There's also a chance to meet Santa in his grotto after the performance, with a gift for each child.
Why we've picked it: If your child is two, three or four and you're not sure they're ready for a full-length pantomime, this is the one to investigate first. It's specifically designed as an introduction to live theatre.
Tickets: £19, with a ticket commission included. Some online bookings may have an additional £2.50 transaction fee.
Book Dear Santa at Cheltenham Town Hall
Cheltenham Singers Christmas Concert, Christ Church
Saturday 12 December 2026
Cheltenham Singers is a local community choir and this event is a great option for families who love a little Crimbo music while supporting local local performers.
Cheltenham Singers' event information
A Christmas Cracker at Cheltenham Town Hall
Under-fives free
Sunday 20 December 2026, 3pm
A festive concert with the Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra, local choirs, a local dance school and carols everyone can sing along to. It's a charity fundraiser hosted by the Mayor of Cheltenham.
Tickets are £25 for ages 14+, £10 for under-14s, and free for under-fives, according to the organiser's description. A possible online transaction fee applies.
Christmas shows further afield
Jack & The Beanstalk, Elmscroft Community Centre, Gloucester
Saturday 28 November 2026, 3pm
Stratford Theatre Company is bringing its family panto to Elmscroft Community Centre. Expect the familiar Jack and the Beanstalk story, songs and jokes in a smaller community venue.
Jack & The Beanstalk at Elmscroft
Jack & The Beanstalk, Didmarton Village Hall
Wednesday 16 December 2026, 5.45pm to 7.15pm
If you can't make the November show, here's another performance from Stratford Theatre Company, this time at Didmarton Village Hall.
Didmarton family panto tickets
Churchdown Male Voice Choir Christmas Concerts
14, 15 and 16 December 2026, 7pm
Three concerts at Churchdown Community Centre, with Coopers Edge Primary School joining the choir on Monday 14 December.
Churchdown Male Voice Choir concerts
An Evening with Gloucester City Mission, Gloucester Cathedral
FREE
Monday 23 November 2026, 7pm
Churchdown Male Voice Choir performs at Gloucester Cathedral in support of Gloucester City Mission. Admission is free, with a collection for the charity.
It's more of a Christmas concert than a children's show, but a strong option for families with older children who'd enjoy live choral music in the cathedral.
Free Gloucester Cathedral concert
Which Christmas show should you choose?
For a big family pantomime, go for Peter Pan at Cheltenham Playhouse.
For something funny and a bit different, A Christmas Carol at Parabola Arts Centre is our pick, particularly for families with older kids or a proper grown up treat.
For toddlers and preschoolers, start with Dear Santa. If your children prefer gentler storytelling, The Wind in the Willows is worth a look too.
And if you fancy a Christmas treat without a panto, The Snowman in Concert offers a different sort of festive outing.
A final booking tip: popular weekend performances and Christmas Eve shows can fill quickly. If you're flexible, compare weekday matinees, family ticket offers and performances after Christmas before paying full price.
