Family Christmas Shows & Pantos in Edinburgh & the Lothians 2025
- Lothians with Littles
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Looking for some festive family theatre this Christmas? Edinburgh and the surrounding Lothians have a lovely line-up of shows for 2025 — from full-on pantomimes to magical fairy tales. Perfect for little ones (and big ones too!), with plenty of sparkle and seasonal cheer..
Jack and the Beanstalk at Capital Theatres, Festival Theatre
13 Dec 2025 - 11 Jan 2026 at the Festival Theatre
A giant-sized panto adventure of Jack selling the cow, magic beans, bigger-than-big effects and lots of audience participation.
Accessibility: Relaxed performance on 9 Jan at 2pm. Audio described & BSL on selected dates.
Suitable for all ages
The Snow Queen by Scottish Ballet at Festival Theatre
27 Nov – 7 Dec 2025
From the bustle of a winter’s market to the shivers of a fairy tale forest, take a journey to the Snow Queen’s palace, where you’ll find her surrounded by the icy fragments of an enchanted mirror.
Along the way, you’ll meet a sparkling cast of characters, from young lovers parted by a spell to a circus ringmaster with a few tricks up his sleeve.
More suitable for slightly older children, or those who can sit through a full performance.
Cinderella: A Fairy tale at Royal Lyceum Theatre
28 Nov 2025 to 3 Jan 2026.
Ella and her devoted father share a love for woodland birds and their calls, but when her father remarries, everything changes. Now Ella's feathered friends feel like her only true family.
Until one day, a mysterious boy stumbles upon Ella's tree hideout with an invitation to The Queen's Celebratory Ball! Can Ella make it to the ball in time? And is there more to her bird friends than meets the eye?
For ages 5+
The Show at Winter Village, Fort Kinnaird
21 November – 28 December 2025.
A spectacular seasonal circus-style show for the whole family, where Santa finds his magic stolen by a mischievous witch — and you, the audience, are invited to help save Christmas! Expect aerial performances, circus stunts, comedy and high-energy fun with a panto-style twist.
Snowy at The Studio, Edinburgh
Wed 17 – Wed 31 Dec 2025
A heart-warming festive adventure for younger children, following Snowy the pup as she tries to save Christmas after causing a little holiday chaos. A shorter, gentle show (around 60 minutes) perfect for first theatre trips — full of music, magic and snow!
Ages 3+
The Wizard of Oz at The Brunton
Thu 4 Dec – Sat 27 Dec 2025
A magical, family-friendly pantomime adventure across Haddington & Musselburgh: join Dorothy and her friends as they follow the yellow brick road, bursting with chart-topping pop hits, toe-tapping original tunes, flying monkeys, fabulous frocks and big laughs for all ages.
The Wizard of Oz at Howden Park Centre
Date: Fri 28 Nov – Wed 31 Dec 2025
Follow Dorothy’s journey from Kansas to the land of Oz in this joyful pantomime adventure staged by Reconnect Theatres. With brainless Scarecrow, heart-less Tin Man, lion with no courage and the Wicked Witch of the West on the loose, it’s magic, music and mayhem for the whole family
📍 What to consider when planning your visit
Location & travel: Many of these shows are in Edinburgh city centre. If you’re based in the Lothians factor in travel time and parking/public transport.
Age suitability: Pantomimes are usually great for all ages, but if you have very young children, check the show length and whether it includes loud/flashy effects.
Evening vs matinee: Evening shows feel magical, but matinees might be better for younger kids (lighter traffic, earlier bedtime).
Special performances/accessibility: Many venues list relaxed performances, BSL interpreted shows, audio description, etc — great if it suits your family’s needs.
Budget: Theatre puts on prices for both adult and children tickets, and sometimes special offers. Booking sooner often gives better choices.
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