There is no better time of the year for families than Christmas.
Whether you're looking for something to build a buzz for the big day, or something to do over the Christmas holidays, there’s plenty going on around the country.
Here are ten of the best family-friendly shows taking place across Ireland this festive season...
1. A Christmas Carol - The Gate, Dublin (until January 18th 2026)
The enduring festive classic gets an Irish update, while remaining faithful to Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella. This adaptation by Neil Bartlett, directed by Claire O’Reilly and featuring an Irish cast including Emmet Kirwan as Bob Cratchit and Lloyd Hutchinson as Scrooge, is aimed at kids 8+ and is both entertaining, thought-provoking and a little spooky in equal measure.
2. An Fathach Leithleasach - An Taibhdhearc, Galway (December 2nd - 19th)
Muireann Kelly directs this new Irish-language adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s beautiful children’s story The Selfish Giant, about a giant who forbids children to enter his garden by building a high wall to keep them out - until one day, a small boy finds his way in. Whether you’re a Gaeilgeoir or Gaeilge-curious, this universally-understood story is a lovely gateway into Irish language theatre for all ages.
4. How to Catch a Star - The Ark, Dublin (December 4th - 30th)
If you’re familiar with Oliver Jeffers’ gorgeous book of the same name, you’ll be aware of what a special story it is. Jeffers’ story about a young boy determined to follow his dreams is brought to magical life by Branar, the Irish theatre company making work for children, via puppetry by Neasa Ní Chuanaigh and Cillian O Donnachadha and an original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire.
3. Jack and the Beanstalk - Waterfront Studio, Belfast (until January 4th, 2026)
Fee, fi, fo, fum! It's panto season all over the country and this year, Belfast audiences will be entertained by the timeless tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, promising audiences a 'GIANT fairytale adventure’ with Warren McCook as the titular Jack and Colm McCready as the Dame. A short hop, skip and jump away, The Adventures of Pinocchio runs at the city’s Grand Opera House until January 11th, and the Lyric Theatre offer their own take on Scrooge's adventures in A Christmas Carol until January 10th.
5. The Snow Queen - The Helix, Dublin (until January 11th, 2026)
Whether you’re a fan of pantos or not, there’s no escaping them at this time of year - and Dubliners are spoiled for choice this Christmas (oh yes they are, etc.) The pick of the bunch is The Snow Queen at The Helix, which fans of Frozen will surely enjoy; elsewhere, Cinderella (which heralds the return of panto queen Twink) runs at the National Stadium until January 4th, Beauty and the Beast runs at the Gaiety Theatre until January 18th, and Olly Goes to Oz - pitched as ‘Wicked meets The Wizard of Oz’ - runs at the 3Olympia Theatre from December 19th - January 4th.
6. Starlight by Luxmuralis - St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny (December 14th - 21st)
If singing and dancing isn’t the kind of merriment you’re looking for, Starlight might be the thing to spark your festive cheer. The 360-degree light and sound experience will see the interior of the magnificent St. Canice’s Cathedral utilised as a canvas for the awe-inspiring work of Luxmuralis, an artistic collaboration between sculptor Peter Walker and composer David Harper. The installation, inspired by the guiding star of The Nativity, plays on a 35-minute loop, while the collective’s work has been described as "the stained-glass windows of our time".
7. This Way to Christmas! featuring The Snowman - National Concert Hall, Dublin (December 19th - 21st)
It’s not Christmas until you’ve had at least one viewing of The Snowman, preferably with a tub of sweets in your lap and a warm drink in your hand. This year, however, you can go one better with the NCH’s family-friendly spectacle featuring "parading nutcrackers, classic Christmas songs and festive dance". The show will be followed by a screening of the animated film based on Raymond Briggs’ picture book, with its timeless score performed live by the NCH Christmas Orchestra.
8. Aladdin - Cork Opera House (runs until January 18th, 2026)
The Opera House panto has been a longstanding Christmas tradition for generations of Leesiders, and this year will see Corkonians of all ages entertained by the story of Aladdin. London actor Anthony Sahota will play the young man who discovers the genie’s lamp, while his fellow West End alumnus Issy Khogali will play Princess Jasmine, with some local talent on display in the form of Youghal native Callum Martin as the Genie. At the nearby Everyman Theatre, Cinderella will run until January 11th, while the Cork Youth Orchestra will soundtrack special matinee screenings of The Snowman at City Hall on December 13th and 14th.
9. The Smeds and the Smoos - Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire (December 16th - 28th)
Any parent of a small child will be aware that Julia Donaldson stories are both endlessly entertaining and full of heart and wise words - making them ideal non-traditional festive fare. Now, you have a chance to see the legendary author’s story about The Smeds and the Smoos - two warring factions who are forced to find common ground when two of them fall in love - brought to life. This Olivier-award winning production for ages 3+ is a bit like Romeo and Juliet, except with aliens, words like ‘jerberrycoot’ and lots of amusing rhymes - but with a really heartwarming message at its core.
10. Merry Mayhem - King John’s Castle, Limerick (December 7th and 14th)
If there was an award for ‘most impressive setting of a Christmas show’, this event at King John’s Castle would certainly be up there. The iconic Limerick castle will stage this brand new show, which invites families to "join the festive search for Santa’s beloved Mrs. Claus" (played by Roisin Meaney). Written by Limerick theatremaker Margaret Hough and aimed at kids from the ages of 4 to 9, you can expect an hour-long interactive show filled with ‘songs, sparkle and surprises’ as they hunt for Mrs. Claus and her secret cookie recipe - which Santa simply cannot do without!
