We are lucky to have many choices when it comes to Christmas-themed theatre in Norfolk. You can choose from pantos, Christmas variety shows, Christmas musicals, and more.
You don’t have to travel to London to see quality Christmas theatre! Head to Norwich or one of many towns and villages in Norfolk with theatres. Just be sure to book these shows before they sell out.
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Pantos in Norfolk
Pantomimes are embedded in British culture and a “must” for many British families during Christmas. You are pretty much guaranteed a good time and lots of laughs. It’s something that the whole family can enjoy (although there are a few adult-only pantos – like Robin Good from 2021- too which are at the very bottom of this blog post).
Most of the theatres in Norwich and around Norfolk produce a new panto each year.
Cinderella at Norwich Theatre Royal
When: 7 December – 5 January 2026
Norwich’s beloved Joe Tracini returns as Buttons in Cinderella for his sixth year, joined by Georgia May Foote as Cinderella and Danny Hatchard as Prince Charming. Owen Evans and Kenny Moore star as the wicked sisters.
This family-friendly panto dazzles with vibrant costumes, laughs, singing, and interactive fun for all ages. It’s one of the best things to do in Norwich during Christmas.
Purchase tickets here. Read our review of Cinderella here.
Jack & the Beanstalk at the Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn
When: 9 December – 4 January 2026
This year, prepare for an epic adventure with Jack, Dame Trott, and Clarabelle the Cow. Watch in wonder as magic beans sprout skyward, leading to a magnificent castle hidden high in the clouds, but beware the fearsome giant.
*If you are in King’s Lynn to see the Panto, be sure to also check out our recommendations for things to do in King’s Lynn.
Get more details and purchase tickets here.
Jack & the Beanstalk at Gorleston Pavilion Theatre
When: 4 December – 4 January 2026
Join Jack, Dame Trott, Silly Billy, and a cast of unforgettable characters in Gorleston as they face off against a greedy giant, scale an enormous beanstalk, and race to save their village from disaster! Get ready for plenty of laughs, a dash of cheeky fun, and a sprinkle of holiday magic.
*If you are in Gorleston to see the Panto, be sure to also check out our recommendations for things to do in Gorleston.
Get more information and buy tickets here.
Wizard of Oz at Sheringham Little Theatre
When: 13 December – 4 January 2026
Join Dorothy and Toto as they set off on a magical adventure from Sheringham to the enchanting Land of Oz. Along the way, Dorothy befriends the Scarecrow, who dreams of having a brain; the Tin Man, who wishes for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, who hopes to find courage. Dorothy’s journey home won’t be easy, especially with the Wicked Witch of the West plotting against her at every turn!
*If you are in Sheringham to see the Panto, be sure to also check out our recommendations for things to do in Sheringham.
Get more information and buy tickets here.
Cinderella at St. George’s Theatre in Great Yarmouth
When: 13 – 31 December
Cinderella spends her days doing chores for her family and editing videos for TikTok, all while dreaming of dancing the night away at a real party. Meanwhile, Prince Charming is throwing the biggest Christmas TV bash in town to find his true love. Will Cinderella’s wicked stepmother, Baroness Hemsby, keep her locked away, or will the Fairy Godmother and her trusty friend Buttonz help her outsmart the hilarious Ugly Sisters, Horsey and Gap, and create a happily ever after?
Get more information and buy tickets here.
Hansel & Gretel at The Carnegie in Thetford
When: 17 – 25 January 2026
After being abandoned in the forest by their father and cruel stepmother, Hansel and Gretel are captured by an evil witch and her gingerbread helpers, who plan to eat Hansel and enslave Gretel. With help from their friends and their father’s change of heart, can the siblings escape before it’s too late?
Get more information here.
Jack & the Beanstalk at Dereham Memorial Hall
When: 27 December – 1 January 2026
Dame Trott is struggling to pay her rent, Jack and his brother Billy can’t come up with the money, the King’s assistant is failing to collect it, and Daisy the cow is completely confused. All the while, the evil Fleshcreep, servant to the Giant, plots to curse Merrydale and steal Daisy for the Giant’s next meal. Overseeing it all is Fairy Moonbeam and her apprentice fairies, Moonshine and Nightsky, but with trouble brewing, can even their magic save the day?
Get tickets here.
Goldilocks & the Three Bears – The Pantomine at Fakenham Community Centre
When: 9 – 13 December
The circus is in town, but Dame Gertie Dollop and her son Silly Billy are struggling against the scheming Ringmaster Heinkel from the rival Circus of Horrors and pressure from Baron Wasteland, who wants overdue pitch fees. When their money is stolen by three talking, porridge-loving bears, Gertie wonders if these unexpected guests could be the star act they need, while Mystic Sharon looks to her crystal ball to save the circus’s future.
Purchase here.
Babes in the Wood at Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich
When: 28 – 31 January 2026
Experience a genuine Norfolk pantomime with the true story of Babes in the Wood. Deep in the mysterious Wayland Wood, two innocent children are betrayed and abandoned, but with strange magic, surprising allies, and their own unwavering spirit, can they find a way to survive?
Get more information and purchase tickets here.
Aladdin at Hunstanton Princess Theatre
When: 6 December – 4 January 2025
Join Aladdin and his friends on a magical carpet ride filled with spectacular special effects, high-energy dances, unforgettable songs, and endless laughs.
*If you are in Hunstanton to see the Panto, be sure to also check out our recommendations for things to do in Hunstanton.
Get more information and purchase tickets here.
Pinocchio in Old Buckenham
When: 15 – 17 January 2026
The Old Buckenham Players will be performing Pinocchio as their next panto at Buckenham Village Hall.
Get more information here.
Treasure Island at St Cuthbert’s Church
When: 23 – 25 January 2026
Sprowston Parish Players return this January with their pantomine Treasure Island.
Get more information here.
Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Basketcases at Roxley Hall
When: 5 – 7 February
The Thorpe Players will be doing Sherlock Holmes for their annual pantomime.
Get more information here.
Other Christmas Theatre Shows in Norfolk
Pantos aren’t the only type of shows to see in Norfolk for Christmas. There are also some variety shows and musicals.
Thursford Christmas Spectacular
When: 8 November – 23 December
Thursford is a small village in North Norfolk that is home to the Thursford Collection, one of the world’s most important steam and fairground museums. It also hosts popular summer and winter shows that attract visitors from around the UK.
To date, Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular has entertained over 5.8 million making it the largest Christmas show in the country. Many of its 120 cast members have performed in London’s West End.
The three-hour show combines non-stop singing, dancing, music, and humour. Expect to hear popular chart toppers along with traditional Christmas carols. The finale even includes white doves flying across the auditorium.
Book tickets in advance here.
Read our review of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular to learn more.
Cromer End of Pier Christmas Show
When: 15 November – 28 December
The historic Cromer Pier is home to the Pavilion Theatre. While it hosts fantastic entertainment, like the famous Seaside Special, all year long, during the holiday season they have a special Christmas-themed show. Olly Day is back as host, so expect a high-energy variety show with singing, dancing, comedy, and more.
It’s family-friendly too. Read our review of the Cromer Pier Christmas Show to learn more. Get more information on the times of the shows and buy tickets here.
*If you are in Cromer to see the Christmas show, be sure to also check out our recommendations for things to do in Cromer.
Christmas Spectacular Circus and Water Show
When: most days 6 December – 4 January 2026
The Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth was named one of the seven wonders of the British seaside by Historic England. (1) Built in 1903 by the legendary circus showman George Gilbert, it is the only surviving total circus building in Britain and just one of three circuses in the world to have a water feature.
During the Christmas season, the circus is full of festive spirit. It has become one of the biggest Christmas productions in Europe. This year, Jack Jay and Ben Langley are back again with an incredible international circus cast.
It’s a family-friendly indoor show. Given the size of the small arena, there are no bad seats.
Buy tickets in advance here. Save money on tickets with a Groupon here.
Adult Pantos in Norfolk
These are not family friendly, but perfect for a fun adult-only night out.
One-Eyed Willy & the Quest for the Big Chest! at Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich
When: 7 – 17 January 2026
Set sail for an outrageous, pirate-themed adult pantomime brimming with cheeky humour, memorable characters, and hilarious antics! Follow the devilishly charming One-Eyed Willy and his band of misfits as they brave stormy seas and uproarious escapades in search of the legendary Big Chest. With campy thrills and nonstop laughs, this raucous adventure promises an unforgettable night of adult entertainment.
Get more information and purchase here.
Wiz Hard of Oz Adult Panto at Norwich Puppet Theatre
When: 8 – 10 & 22 – 24 January 2026
Join Dorothy as she’s swept away to Oz like never before, where she meets a trio of unforgettable companions: one stuffed, one stiff, and one delightfully furry. Together, they set off to find the mysterious Wiz Hard, hoping he can send Dorothy home.
Get more information and buy tickets here.
Sinderella: The Adult Panto at St. George’s Theatre Great Yarmouth
When: 2 – 4 January 2026
Will poor Sinderella find her Prince, or will her wicked mother and stepsisters, Dee and Tox, stand in her way? With a little help from the magical Scary Godmother and the lovable Buttonz, can Sinderella make sure the glass slipper finds its rightful owner?
Get more information here.
Jack’s Big Stalk at the Pavilion Theatre in Gorleston
When: select dates 6 – 21 December
After selling their beloved cow Pat and tossing their beans out the window, Jack and Dame Schitt must climb the tallest stalk on this side of Regent Road, where what they find at the top is anyone’s guess.
Get more information here.
More Christmas Fun
If you are looking for more ways to celebrate the holiday season, be sure to check out these posts.
Where to See Father Christmas in Norfolk
Christmas Light Switch Ons in Norfolk
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