As Christmas approaches, theatres across Wales are getting ready to raise the curtain on one of the season’s most-loved traditions — the pantomime. From big-city spectaculars with star casts to cosy community shows bursting with charm, this year’s line-up offers something for everyone. Whether you’re after glittering magic, classic slapstick, or a coastal twist on a fairytale favourite, these five pantomimes across Wales promise festive fun for families, children, and panto-loving grown-ups alike.
Below is a round-up of five pantomimes happening in Wales this Christmas, with summaries, dates, ticket prices, and how to book:
Loved Rapunzel in 2025? Take a look at Puss in Boots, the 2026 Torch Panto.
1. Rapunzel — Torch Theatre, Milford Haven (Pembrokeshire)
Dates: 6–28 December 2025
Tickets: £24.50 standard · £20 concessions · £78 family ticket
Book: Torch Theatre box office or website
Torch Theatre’s 2025 Christmas pantomime gives Rapunzel a coastal Pembrokeshire makeover, placing the heroine in a lighthouse overlooking the sea. Audiences can expect lively musical numbers, plenty of laughs, sea-themed surprises, eye-catching costumes and the classic panto mix of cheers, boos, shouts and silliness. Relaxed and BSL-interpreted performances are available, making the show accessible for more families.
Our Review of Rapunzel at the Torch Theatre 2025
2. Aladdin — Swansea Grand Theatre (Swansea)
Dates: 6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Tickets: From around £21
Book: Swansea Grand Theatre / Imagine Theatre booking links
Swansea’s Grand Theatre hosts a sparkling production of Aladdin, filled with magical effects, dazzling digital backdrops, slapstick humour and family-friendly fun. Produced by Imagine Theatre, the show promises upbeat songs, comedy routines and all the traditional panto ingredients — genie magic, a lovable hero and a villain you’ll enjoy booing. As well as regular Kev Johns, Joe Pasquale is back to Swansea panto!
3. Sleeping Beauty — New Theatre Cardiff (Cardiff)
Dates: 6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Tickets: Approx. £21–£52 depending on seats
Book: New Theatre Cardiff online booking
Cardiff’s biggest annual panto returns with the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty. Expect glitzy costumes, big musical numbers, impressive effects, quick-fire comedy and a cast featuring well-known performers. This is a large-scale, high-energy production perfect for families and panto traditionalists looking for a full West End-style experience.
4. Sleeping Beauty — Pontardawe Arts Centre (Pontardawe, Neath Port Talbot)
Dates: 6–14 December 2025
Tickets: Family-friendly prices (frozen for 2025) from £13.20
Book: Pontardawe Arts Centre website
This warm, locally produced panto brings Sleeping Beauty to life with plenty of interactive fun — sing-alongs, shout-outs, comedy, colourful costumes and classic panto chaos. Ideal for younger children and families wanting a friendly, community-theatre atmosphere, all at very affordable prices.
5. Cinderella — Venue Cymru (Llandudno, North Wales)
Dates: 12 Dec 2025, 7:00 pm – 3 Jan 2026, 5:00 pm
Tickets: Prices vary (generally £20–£40 range)
Book: Venue Cymru website
One of North Wales’ biggest festive shows, Venue Cymru’s traditional Cinderella offers a glittery ballroom, a hilarious Ugly Sisters double-act, magical transformations and plenty of family fun. It’s usually one of the most popular pantos in the region, attracting visitors from across North Wales and beyond. (Full 2025 dates to be confirmed by the venue.)
Summary: Wales Has a Panto for Everyone This Christmas
From the coastal creativity of Torch Theatre’s Rapunzel to the grand celebrity spectacles in Cardiff and Swansea, plus the welcoming community feel of Pontardawe and the classic tradition continuing in Llandudno, Wales offers a fantastic mix of pantomimes for Christmas 2025. With shows spanning different sizes, budgets and regions, families can find something magical no matter where they live. Early booking is recommended — festive favourites tend to sell out quickly, especially weekend performances and accessible shows.
Whether you’re in the mood for magic lamps, spinning wheels, fairy godmothers or towers perched above the sea, this year’s Welsh pantomime season promises laughter, sparkle and festive joy for all ages.
Looking for a pantomime in Wales near you? Look at this list of pantomimes in Wales below:
Wales Pantomimes 2025/26 – Region-by-Region Guide
SOUTH WALES
Milford Haven (Pembrokeshire)
- Rapunzel – Torch Theatre
Running 6–28 December 2025.
A magical family panto with music, mayhem and festive cheer.
Swansea
- Aladdin – Swansea Grand Theatre
Running 6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026.
A big-scale, high-energy Grand Theatre Christmas tradition.
Cardiff
- Sleeping Beauty – New Theatre Cardiff
Running 6 December 2025 – 4 January 2026.
Sparkly, star-studded and full of classic panto fun.
Pontardawe (Neath Port Talbot)
- Sleeping Beauty – Pontardawe Arts Centre
Family panto runs 6–14 December 2025; Adult-only shows 5–17 December 2025.
A cosy, great-value community favourite with something for all ages.
Newport
- Rapunzel – Riverfront Theatre
Running 27 November 2025 – 4 January 2026.
A vibrant city panto including accessible and relaxed show options.
MID WALES
Brecon
- Sleeping Beauty – Theatr Brycheiniog
Running 28–30 November 2025.
A short but popular weekend panto for Mid Wales audiences.
NORTH WALES
Llandudno
- Cinderella – Venue Cymru
Running 12 December 2025 – early January 2026.
A sparkling North Wales favourite with a classic fairy-tale feel.
Rhyl (Denbighshire)
- Sleeping Beauty – Rhyl Pavilion Theatre
Running 6–31 December 2025.
Big laughs and bright costumes at one of the region’s busiest festive venues.
Aberdare
- Jack and the Beanstalk – Coliseum Theatre
Running 28 November – 7 December 2025.
A fun, early-season pantomime perfect for families.
Are you going to see a panto this year? Which one will you be watching?
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Win £25 (via PayPal)Read more: Our Review of Rapunzel at the Torch Theatre 2025
What I adore here is the mix of big-stage sparkle and cosy community shows. It’s a reminder that panto isn’t just entertainment — it’s tradition, laughter, and togetherness
Author
So true xxx
I have not been to a panto for years – good fun though
Love a good old fashioned panto, fun for all the family
Author
Oh yes it is! xxx
this would come in very useful
This site is great
Some good pantos on that list
rapunzel looks good
Author
I can’t wait to see it 😍 xxx
Great panto ideas ! We love going every year
luckily we have a local theatre thats showing a pantomime or there’s another at a smaller theatre with no big names
Author
It’s so special being able
to go to your own local theatre 🥰
My work colleagues and I went for our Christmas do the other year to a pantomime and had great fun
Author
That sounds great! xxx
I only went to a panto once I think. It was fun
You cant beat a bit of Panto at Christmas.
I have never been to a panto before. I’m going to my first one this year in Norwich, as Joe Tracini is in it, has written it and I really like him.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
this would come in very useful!
I love the Panto season it puts a big smile on my face and has such nostalgia
Everyone loves a Panto!
I have not been to a pantomime for ages! I really must borrow someone’s kids and take them for a treat (for me!). No young un’s in our family at the moment!
I have never been to a panto
Thanks for this giveaway!
I loved pantomimes when I was younger
New Theater show was great as they had kids onstage like the old days.
Looks like a lot of entertainment and good times.
Merry Xmas & happy new year!
Love a good pantomine
I’m not seeing a panto this year but wish I had booked one. Some friends went to see one and thought it was hysterical.
Some really great pantos on this list
i love a good panto all the joining in never too old for a panto
I had no idea there are so many pantos to choose from in Wales!
Thanks for the giveaway, think everyone is feeling the pinch at the mo! My friend’s daughter was a princess last year at a local production which was fab to watch
Can also recommend the pantomime in Llanelli!
All fantastic Shows – Gotta love The Classic Cinderella though for wholesome family fun x
Haven’t been to a pantomime for many years.
My favourite thing about the Christmas season is panto! Fun for the whole family
How interesting! I love the sound of them all. What a super prize too.
Ah I love a small panto as much as the big ones (especially as my daughter was in local smaller panto this year – still hard work)
I haven’t been to a panto in years! They are so fun though!
I didn’t go to a Panto, didn’t get around to booking it! Have put a note in my new diary to look for tickets.
I love pantos, they are so special
We’re definitely due a Panto soon. We’ve not been for a couple of years now.
Great stuff
Happy New Year! I haven’t been to a pantomime in years (oh yes you have…)