Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Leeds Grand Theatre New Briggate, LeedsPerformed to Tchaikovsky’s enduring score, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, The Nutcracker awakens childlike imagination in us all. 7pm, mat 2pm. £72-£20.
Guided walk – One Way Ticket
Burley in Wharfedale Railway Station Burley in WharfedaleMeet Malcolm Gardner at 11.15am at Burley in Wharfedale rail station for a linear walk from Burley to Guiseley via Menston. Return by train to Burley (pay your own fare). 6 miles. Bring a packed lunch. Free.
CINDERELLA
Albert Halls Victoria Square, BoltonJoin us for our sparkling family pantomime for 2023 - Cinderella. A family pantomime where dreams really do come true. Presented by Polka Dot Pantomimes. Various times and prices.
Aladdin
The Grand Theatre BlackpoolThis year's panto Aladdin sees the return of West End star and TV soap sensation Tom Lister (as Abanazar) joining comic and Britain's Got Talent finalist Steve Royle (as Wishee Washee)! Various times & prices.
Artisan Market at Holden Clough
Holden Clough Nurseries Bolton by Bowland, ClitheroeThis Christmas, Holden Clough welcome some of their favourite local craftspeople, designers and food and drink producers to their 'Nutcracker' artisan market. It's a wonderful chance to meet the talented makers and find out what goes into creating their unique products.
FINE DINING EVENING
The Trawden Arms Community Pub Church Street, TrawdenCome and join us for a wine and fine dining evening, 6 course set meal, all paired with a glass of wine. Followed by swing and jazz with Matt Whatley.
84 Charing Cross Road
Halifax Playhouse King Cross Street, HalifaxThe bittersweet comedy is based on the extraordinary true story of the remarkable relationship that developed over 20 years between a vivacious New York writer and a London bookseller. A Halifax Thespians - Script-in-hand performance in the Playhouse Studio Bar. £5 including supper.
Buddy Rich Big Band – A Groovy Christmas
The Bridgewater Hall Lower Mosley Street, ManchesterGet ready for a groovy, swinging, rocking Christmas ride with the Buddy Rich Big Band booming their way through many of your festive favourites and Buddy Rich hits in what promises to be an evening of big band magic! £38.50 - £58.50
ABBA Sensation
Preston Playhouse Market Street West, PrestonAbba Sensation will transport you back to the golden days of Abba, with stunning harmonies, costumes, choreography and a sprinkling of light-hearted humour. £16.50 - £18.
CHRISTMAS IN THE CARIBBEAN
Burnley Mechanics Manchester Road, BurnleyPrepare to be whisked away with our exciting new party night theme for 2023! Spectacular Caribbean Christmas Theme, Caribbean Steel Band, Caribbean Dancers & Hula Girls and Festive 3 Course Dinner.
Festive Jazz
The Chapel St Helens Road, OrmskirkSwing into the festive season in style with the suave, sophisticated and melodic sounds of the Phil Shotton trio with Adee Lifshitz joining them on the classiest of vocals.
The Enormous Crocodile
Leeds Playhouse Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, LeedsA new musical version of Roald Dahl’s picture book featuring tasty tunes and mischievous puppets suitable for those 4+. Various times. £15 - £20.
Sleeping Beauty: Christmas Panto
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterThe story is enhanced by fantastic musical numbers, dancing, dazzling costumes and audience participation. A Christmas treat not to be missed! Various times. Adult £11.50, child & concs £10.50.
The Squirrel, The Cake & The Cabinet
Horse & Bamboo 679 Bacup Road, Waterfoot, RossendaleJoin Horse + Bamboo for our signature festive adventure through the woods and into magical lands where strange characters will share their stories. 3 - 7yrs. Craft 10am & 2pm - Show 11am & 3pm. £8/£6 or pwyc. (Pay what you can).
Sail to Santa at WWT Martin Mere
WWT Martin Mere Fish Lane, Burscough, Nr OrmskirkFor an extra special experience this Christmas, visit to one of the Sail to Santa days. Sail across to Santa's Island, meet Santa and his elves and get busy in the Elves' workshop making a pine cone reindeer. Sat & Sun.
Santa Special Trains
Ribble Steam Railway Chain Caul Rd, Riversway,, PrestonSnuggle up with your loved ones in your warm, steam-heated carriage. Watch eyes light up as Father Christmas visits you in your seat to hand each child their very own Christmas gift. Light seasonal refreshments on the train are included and Mrs Ribble's Tea Room will be open for extra drinks and goodies. Every Sat from 2nd - 17th Dec.
Light Up Haworth Weekend And Artisan Market
Main Street HaworthThe lights across the village will be switched on this weekend, so it’ll be your first chance to see Haworth’s magical lights and shop window displays, plus artisan market in Central Park both days. There is no switch on event, but there will be music along the cobbles across the whole weekend.
Christmas at the Farm
Mrs Dowsons Farm Park Hawkshaw Farm, Longsight Rd,, Blackburn.Christmas at the farm is an immersive adventure based on the original magical Father Christmas. Discover Father Christmas' secret farm Headquarters, hidden from plain sight, filled with activities and experiences, with spectacular sets and theatre performances. Child £22.95, Adults £12.79.
Victorian Christmas at Gawthorpe
Gawthorpe Hall Burnley Road, PadihamGet into the festive spirit with a visit to Gawthorpe Hall's Victorian Christmas. See the Hall trimmed and decorated in a traditional style and discover how the Kay-Shuttleworth family feasted at Christmas in the Dining Room. There will be festive music from the Crickmore Crewe, craft activities for children and you can meet Father Christmas (please book in advance).
Victorian Christmas At Judges’ Lodgings Museum
Judges Lodgings Church Street, BurnleyVisit to see the house decked in holly and enjoy live music performed in the period rooms. There are craft activities for the kids and a chance to see Santa in his Christmas Grotto. Adults £3, Concessions £2, children free. Craft and a visit to Santa is £2 per child.
WinterFest
The Whitaker Haslingden Road, RawtenstallChoirs, music, mulled wine, festive food, makers market and more, taking place across the weekend. For the little ones, there might even be a visit from Father Christmas. Sat 12pm - 8pm, Sun 10am - 4pm.
A Reet Yorkshire Brass Do: Fun Family Festive Favourites
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonJoin us for a family concert of Christmas classics, carols to sing, and a heart-warming Yorkshire Christmas tale written by Ian McMillan and narrated by actress Claire Marie Seddon, accompanied by the lively Huddersfield University Brass Band.
Carols & Brass
The Victoria Theatre Fountain Street, HalifaxHalifax Choral Society, and the legendary Black Dyke Band with their conductor Nicholas Childs, combine to present a joy-filled evening of festive fun and rich harmony. £18 - £32.
Soul Train Experience
Glusburn Community & Arts Centre Colne Road, GlusburnThis is a predominantly standing gig. Whilst some seats will be available, they are not guaranteed.
Rapunzel – Adult Panto
The Grand Theatre, St. Leonardsgate LancasterThe Adult Panto team are catapulting crazy Christmas chaos back into Lancaster Grand Theatre with a hair-raising tale of panto pandemonium that’s a cut above the rest!
BINGO THAT’S BONKERS!
Earnies of Colne, ColneThey’re taking bingo out of the hall, adding comedy, music and even bigger balls! Smashing atmosphere, crazy games and not to mention great prizes! The Bingo Revolution starts here. Your Hosts and DJ's for the evening will be Perry Marco and Owen Lewis and they will be playing smash hits from the 80's & 90's and today! Expect everything from ABBA to Spice Girls to Beyonce, and bingo with great prizes! So expect prizes and surprises and a great night out for all.
FANDJANGO
The Dressers 2-4 Hall Street, ColneA brilliant local favourite bringing their own unique jazzy style that never fails to get people on their feet. Free entry.
Dead of Night
Keighley Playhouse Devonshire Street, KeighleyThriller by Peter Whalley - Jack has just been acquitted of manslaughter, and regales his girlfriend Maggie and their neighbours with a disparaging account of the trial.
When We Are Married
Bingley Little Theatre Bingley Arts Centre, BingleyThis play by Bradford's own genius, J.B. Priestley, was the very first production by the company which became Bingley Little Theatre, in 1943.
Leeds Industrial Museum
Leeds Industrial Museum Canal Road, LeedsIndustrial heritage with collections of textile machinery, railway equipment and heavy engineering. Learn about the industrial heritage of Leeds, the city of 1000 trades, in the Grade II* listed Armley Mills. Open Tues - Fri 10am - 5pm. Sat & Sun 12pm - 5pm. Free.
Dear Santa Live!
King’s Hall Station Road, IlkleyThis show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over. The Christmas cheer continues, with the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto after the show, where every child will receive an extra special gift! Tues 2pm, Wed 10.30pm & 1pm.
Cat’s Cradle (Thriller) by Leslie Sands
Skipton Little Theatre Clifford Street,, SkiptonIn an effort to revive his faltering career, Detective Inspector Jack Frost revisits a haunting, unsolved case from his past – a kidnapping and potential murder. £12, under 16s £6.
Eco-friendly Wreath Workshops
Bolton Abbey Estate SkiptonJoin us at our festive Christmas village in Strid Wood to enjoy a half-day workshop with Vanessa Wellock (RHS Chelsea silver medallist and florist to The Devonshire Arms Hotel) to create your own Christmas eco-friendly wreath. 9.30am & 1pm.
The Dan Banks Afternoon Variety Show
Darwen Library Theatre Knott Street, DarwenYou are invited to join the ever-popular afternoon variety show. It's a fun, relaxed afternoon show, featuring: James Loynes, back by popular demand. Kevin Cookson, song writing guitarist.Dawn, a fabulous vocalist, Johnny Wedgewood, playing 60s and 70s country/pop favourites.
Santa’s Sparkly Surprise
The Victoria Theatre Fountain Street, HalifaxSanta’s Sparkly Surprise is the fifth show in the series written by Iain Lauchlan for the preschool audience. It will offer just as much fun, interaction and great songs to sing as all the others and the show will, of course, have a great storyline that the children can get involved in.Various times.
Aladdin
King George’s Hall Northgate, BlackburnMeet Aladdin, his brother Wishee Washee & his mother Widow Twankey as they battle against the evil Abanazar to stop his evil plan to become Master Of The World! Various times. £15- £21.
Jack and the Beanstalk – Christmas Pantomime
The Atkinson Lord Street, SouthportJoin our hero Jack Trott as he embarks on an extraordinary journey up the beanstalk to an enchanted land above the clouds. With hilarious antics, loveable characters, and a handful of magic beans, this traditional family panto will captivate audiences of all ages. Various times & prices.
Dave Spikey “Life In A Northern Town”
Lowther Pavilion Lowther Terrace, Lytham St, AnnesThis show is all about Dave’s life in ….. well…. a northern town so no surprise there.
Santa Rocks – A magical family Santamime
Blackburn Empire Theatre Aqueduct Rd, BlackburnSanta Rocks….. Oh yes he does in our magical family Santamime! Free gift for every child ticket purchased! 10am & 6.30pm.
Aladdin
The Met Market Street, BuryAladdin falls for young princess Jasmin but will they ever make it to the altar? Not if evil Abanazar has anything to do with it…don’t miss your chance to join us for the most magical pantomime yet. Various times. Adult £17, child £14.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK
York Theatre Royal St. Leonard's Place, YorkWith stunning sets, hilarious comedy and breath-taking special effects, Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be our most spectacular pantomime ever! This fun-filled extravaganza is guaranteed to delight the whole family… Various times and prices.
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs
Preston Playhouse Market Street West, PrestonPresented by Preston Musical Comedy Society. Allow the magic of pantomime to transport you to a land far, far away, the land of make-believe, as we present this much loved and classic fairy tale. Various times. From £11.
Santa’s Grotto & Family Film ‘Arthur Christmas’
Glusburn Community & Arts Centre Colne Road, GlusburnJoin us for a fun, festive family night out. Visit Santa in his grotto, where every child will receive a gift. Then settle down for animated Christmas family favourite 'Arthur Christmas'. Grotto 5pm, film 6pm. £6 - £7.50.
Brockholes Winter Fayre
Brockholes Nature Reserve Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston.Step into a winter wonderland filled with Christmas lights, artisan markets, delicious food and drink stalls, and even a chance to meet Santa himself. Get into the festive spirit with live music and traditional fairground games, Brockholes Winter Fayre is the perfect way to kickstart your seasonal celebrations.
Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band Christmas Concert
Skipton Town Hall High Street, SkiptonThe multi award-winning British Open Champions will play a mix of traditional Christmas pieces, medleys and carols to get you into the Christmas spirit this December. £22 & £18.
A Christmas Carol
Carriageworks Theatre The Electric Press, 3 Millennium Square, LeedsThe award-winning Dyad Productions, (A Room of One’s Own, I, Elizabeth, Austen’s Women, Female Gothic) who have toured their sell-out festive show Christmas Gothic since 2015, now bring their magic to Dickens’ classic and perennially relevant ghost story.
Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the River Ouse
Grand Opera House YorkYork legend Berwick Kaler returns with all of the gang for his hilarious take on the classic story of the sailor from York who finds himself marooned on a desert island, but he’s not alone! Various times and prices.
Peter Pan – The Pantomime
Bradford Playhouse 4 – 12 Chapel St,Little Germany,, Bradford.Set sail this Christmas and join the swashbuckling pantomime adventures of Peter Pan in this high-flying pantomime for all the family! Various times & prices.
Cinderella
The Alhambra Theatre Morley Street, BradfordBilly Pearce, as the loveable Buttons, Emmerdale star Samantha Giles as The Wicked Stepmother and celebrity baker and Strictly Come Dancing finalist John Whaite as Dandini. Dale Mathurin will play Prince Charming and Yorkshire local Sarah Pearson will perform as the title role of Cinderella. Various times & prices.
Jack & The Beanstalk
Lowther Pavilion Lowther Terrace, Lytham St, AnnesPaul Holman Associates present Jack & The Beanstalk! This Christmas, join our hero on the adventure of a lifetime as he climbs the beanstalk to fame, fortune and true love! Various times & prices.