Pantomimes · Christmas 2026
Pantomimes near Manchester
The 2026 pantomimes season has finished. These were this year’s listings; we’ll update them for 2027.
On next in Manchester: Bonfire Night near Manchester · Santa’s grottos near Manchester · Christmas markets near Manchester
We’ve checked 2 pantomimes within about 40 minutes’ drive of Manchester for Christmas 2026. 2 have confirmed 2026 dates. The first opens on Saturday 5 December (Dick Whittington).
Where prices are published, entry is £13 a ticket. 2 have a relaxed performance.
On this weekend
Based on each listing’s first and last dates. Some run on selected days only, so check times before you set off.
- ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Dick Whittington
Opera House Manchester, Manchester · run by Crossroads Pantomimes
- When
- Sat 5 Dec – Sun 3 Jan
- Price
- Not published
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Starring
- Jason Manford, Ben Nickless
- Type
- Professional panto
Dates: Sat 5 Dec 2026 – Sun 3 Jan 2027
Starring Jason Manford and Ben Nickless. Relaxed performance on Wed 30 Dec 2026.
Checked Mon 2 Nov · source: atgtickets.com Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Sleeping Beauty
Contact, Manchester · run by The Big Tiny and Contact
- When
- Thu 10 Dec – Thu 31 Dec
- Price
- From £13
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Age guidance
- Suitable for all ages; Fri 11 Dec 7pm is adults only (18+)
- Running time
- 135 minutes
- Type
- Professional panto
Dates: Thu 10 – Thu 31 Dec 2026
Times: Mostly 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 3pm, 5pm or 7pm; see page by date
Prices: Full £27 peak/£25 off-peak; concession £22/£20; under 16 £18/£17; Pinch ticket £13.50/£13; press night £15. £1.50 booking fee. Under-2s free on a lap
Relaxed performance Sat 12 Dec 1:30pm (ear defenders and chill-out space); BSL performance Sun 20 Dec 5pm. Fri 11 Dec 7pm is adults only. Schools book by email.
Access: Wheelchair spaces at the rear of the auditorium; free essential companion ticketsUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Mon 2 Nov · source: contactmcr.com Tickets
Compare at a glance
| Name | Where | When | From | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dick Whittington | Manchester | Sat 5 Dec – Sun 3 Jan | — | Book ahead |
| Sleeping Beauty | Manchester | Thu 10 Dec – Thu 31 Dec | £13 | Book ahead |
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Common questions
When do pantomimes near Manchester open in 2026?
Confirmed so far: Dick Whittington (Sat 5 Dec); Sleeping Beauty (Thu 10 Dec). Every listing shows the date we last checked it.
Who is in the pantomimes near Manchester this year?
Dick Whittington: Jason Manford, Ben Nickless.
Are there relaxed pantomime performances near Manchester?
Yes: Dick Whittington and Sleeping Beauty have a relaxed performance. They have a calmer atmosphere for children who find theatres hard.
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