The Best Shows and Christmas Pantomimes in Ireland

Looking for some Christmas pantos to go to this festive season with the family? Then look no further than my list of the best shows and Christmas pantomimes in Ireland for some great traditional family fun this festive season.

The festive season has many traditions in Ireland and there is one that brings back fond memories of childhood.

Pantos and shows were a regular feature of my childhood festive seasons, and they are such a good way to either get into the spirit of the season or a good way to round off the Christmas festivities. We were often treated to some of the best children’s Christmas pantomimes by our aunts growing up, which took place in either the Gaiety Theatre or the Olympia in Dublin.

I fondly remember evenings before or after Christmas shouting “he’s behind you” at the top of my lungs, along with everyone else in the audience.

Note: Pantomimes are hugely popular during the festive season. We highly recommend you book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Updated September 2022

Best Christmas Shows and Pantomimes in Ireland (Republic)

In this section, you will find a guide to the best Christmas shows and pantomimes Ireland has to offer families and theatre-goers this festive season.

Ballet Ireland presents Nutcracker Sweeties, Glór, Clare

Address: Causeway Link, Cappahard, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 VHP0

Retelling one of the world’s favourite ballets classic, this year at Glór in County Clare, you can enjoy Nutcracker Sweeties over one weekend before Christmas. This ballet tale is brought to life by wonderful dancers

For more information and to book your ticket, CLICK HERE.

The Sleeping Beauty, Cork Opera House, Cork

Address: Emmett Pl, Centre, Cork, T12 DW6P

The panto at the Cork Opera House for 2022 is The Sleeping Beauty. Enjoy this classic Christmas pantomine during December and January.

“Once upon a time in a pantoland far, far away, the beautiful princess Beauty was born. When the time came for her
to be christened, an uninvited guest – the evil Maleficent, cursed the princess so that on her 18th birthday she would
prick her finger and fall into a deep sleep for 100 years. What could possibly undo such a dastardly curse? “

Join Nanny Nelly and her friends as they take on Maleficent and wonder at colourful costumes, live dance and music, and belly-fulls of laughs.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Olly, Polly and the Beanstalk Pantomime, Olympia Theatre, Dublin

Address: 72 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 K135

Enjoy a fun-filled panto at the Olympia this Christmas with Olly, Polly and the Beanstalk. With big laughs and lots of surprises, this is a Christmas panto for the whole family. Expect an action-packed spin on the classic Jack and the Beanstalk tale with lots of singing dancing and audience interaction.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

The Jungle Book, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin

Address: South King St, Dublin 2

Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre will be transformed into atropical jungle where children and adults alike can enjoy a Christmas panto with lots of singing, dancing and laugh-out-loud fun and adventure. Enjoy a pantomime extravaganza with this production of the classic Jungle Book tale at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Aladdin, Liberty Hall Theatre, Dublin

Address: 1 Eden Quay, North City, Dublin 1

Take a magical carpet ride to a whole new world this December with the Liberty Panto production of Aladdin. If you are looking for great children’s Christmas pantomimes in and around Dublin, get your tickets for this one and enjoy lots of genie fun.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Hansel and Gretel, The Helix, Dublin

Address: DCU, Collins Avenue, Dublin 9

Join Hansel and Gretel as they journey through pantoland. With a new script and twists and turns, this is a great family panto in Ireland this year.

Laugh your troubles away with the great Christmas pantomime in Dublin. There is also a special sensory performance for families with children with autism and sensory disabilities.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Sleeping Beauty, Draíocht, Dublin

Address: The Blanchardstown Centre, Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin, D15 RYX6

If you are looking for one of the best Christmas pantos in Ireland this year, head for Draíocht in Blanchardstown where the Coolmine Panto Group are performing a classic pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. Expect all the laugh-out-loud and “oh yes, it is” moments you’ve come to expect from a panto.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Peter Pan, Grange Woodbine Club, Dublin

Address: Woodbine Club, Raheny Rd, Grange, Dublin, D05 E061

Dublin Panto is back and with a live audience this year, with a production of Peter Pan. Expect lots of comedy, singing, dancing and laugh-out-loud moments.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Snow White, National Stadium, Dublin

Address: 145 S Circular Rd, Saint Catherine’s, Dublin, D08 HY40

Panto is back to the National Stadium in Dublin with a production of Snow White. Join Snow White in this classic tale and now pantomime.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Little Red Riding Hood, dlr Mill Theatre, Dublin

Address: Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 16

Mill Productions presents Little Red Riding Hood at the Mill Theatre in Dundrum.

Oh Granny, what sharp teeth you have!  . . . All the better to gobble you up with!!

Find out whether Little Red Riding Hood can escape the Big Bad Wolf. Mischievous comedy, amazing special effects and lots of boos and hisses await audiences at this great Christmas pantomime in Dublin.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Renmore Pantomine Society Cinderella, Galway – Venue to be confirmed

Address: TBC

The Renmore Pantomime Society will be showing their production of the Cinderella pantomime again in 2022 but the venue is still to be announced, although it usually takes place in the Town Hall Theatre in County Galway.

Follow Cinderella and her friends on a wonderful adventure with the Wicked Stepmother and Ugly Sisters in attendance as well.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page for announcements.

Billy and the Beanstalk, Longford Traditional Panto, Longford,

Address: St Mel’s Rd, Templemichael Glebe, Longford

Enjoy a festive panto with Longford’s Traditional Panto, taking place at St Mel’s College. This year’s production is Billy and the Beanstalk, and the audience can expect lots of singing, dancing and quite a few “Fe-Fi-Fo-FUN” opportunities.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Jack and the Beanstalk, Theatre Royal, Waterford

Address: The Mall, Waterford

The Waterford Panto Society return this December with Jack and the Beanstalk. Familiar faces will be singing and dancing their way through this production that is full of Fe-Fi-Fo-Fun moments. So, if you are based in Waterford and have been wondering “is there a Christmas panto near me?” get yourself down to the Theatre Royal for Jack and the Beanstalk.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Beauty and the Beast, Mullingar Arts Centre, Westmeath

Address: Mount St, Commons, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Presented by the Mullingar Pantomime Group, this festive season audiences can enjoy a production of Beauty and the Beast at the Mullingar Arts Centre. Featuring well-known songs and lots of great dancing, this is a Christmas panto experience not to be missed.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Aladdin, National Opera House, Wexford

Address: High St, Ferrybank South, Wexford, Y35 FEP3

This year’s pantomime at the National Opera House in Wexford is a production of the classic tale of Aladdin. Join the hero Aladdin and his friend Bish Bosh along with other characters on an exciting Arabian adventure to win the hand of Princess Jasmine.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Best Christmas Shows and Pantomimes in Northern Ireland

If you are based in Northern Ireland and have been wondering “is there a Christmas pantomime near me?” then this section is for you with a guide to some of the best ones taking place in Northern Ireland this year.

Aladdin, Waterfront Hall, Antrim

Address: 2 Lanyon Pl, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 3WH (UK)

One of the top pantomimes of all is taking place at the Waterfront Hall Studio in Belfast this festive season. Join Aladdinin this adventurous tale. Will the genie grant him his three wishes? This glittering production features a great cast, lots of humour, amazing costumes, and scenery, and plenty of laugh-out-loud and hissing moments for the audience.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Cinderella, Grand Opera House, Antrim

Address: 2-4 Great Victoria St, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT2 7HR (UK)

This year’s Christmas panto at the Grand Opera House in Belfast is a production of Cinderella, the classic rags-to-riches tale. Enjoy this classic panto with a star-studded cast and get ready for

laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, outrageous costumes and wow factor special effects.

Prepare to be swept away by this magical pantomime spectacle.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

The Snow Queen, Lyric Theatre, Antrim

Address: 55 Ridgeway St, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT9 5FB (UK)

If you are looking for a great Christmas panto in Northern Ireland, then head to the Lyric Theatre in Belfast for their musical version of The Snow Queen. This all-new musical re-imagining of the classic fairy tale will delight audiences, young and old. With sensational musicians and unforgettable characters, this is a stunning performance not to miss this festive season.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Christmas Panto, Theatre at the Mill, Antrim (none announced for 2022)

Address: Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Rd N, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT36 5QA (UK)

In 2021, Mr Hullabaloo Children’s Interactive Theatre performed Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at the Theatre at the Mill during the festive season. Enjoy a magical, fun-filled performance with original script, music and lyrics. Join this musical adventure and have fun with the whole family.

For more information on forthcoming events, CLICK HERE.

Cinderella, Millennium Forum, Derry/Londonderry

Address: 3 Newmarket St, Londonderry, Co. Derry BT48 6EB (UK)

Fun, frolics and laughter await audiences at the Millennium Forum which is hosting the Cinderella panto this year. This is a hilarious comedy, with special effects that will take your breath away. Expect lots of “oh yes, it is” moments too in this fun panto for all the family and see if you shall go to the ball.

For more information and to book your tickets, CLICK HERE.

Final thoughts

So, whether you are looking for the best Christmas panto Ireland has to offer in the north, south, east, or west of the country, I hope you will find something near you in my guide to the best shows and Christmas pantomimes in Ireland for the festive season.

Read more about Christmas in Ireland:

• Best Christmas Tree Farms in Ireland
• Best Christmas Light Displays in Ireland
• Best Christmas Markets in Ireland
• Irish Christmas Traditions
• Traditional Irish Christmas Dinner
• Irish Christmas Sayings and Blessings
• How to Say Merry Christmas in Irish
• Best Christmas Events in Ireland
• Best Santa Trains in Ireland
• Best Christmas Sleepovers With Santa