CHRISTMAS SHOWS & PANTOMIMES IN DORSET 2026
Watching a pantomime or Christmas show is a huge tradition for many families. In a pantomime there are always slapstick jokes aplenty, a funny dame, and the good guys always beat the baddies. The theatrical production is usually based on an age old fairy tale with a few topical jokes and modern songs thrown in. If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing a Christmas pantomime, you’re missing a treat. Expect live music, incredible costumes, sparkling sets and stunning special effects. It’s the perfect way to spend family time together over the festive season.
If a traditional panto isn't your thing, or it's too long for little one's, then there's some shorter shows which are aimed for younger children but still have the festive feeling throughout.
To see what's on near you this year, please see below.
BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE
ALADDIN PANTO
Dates: Saturday 5th December 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Website: Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
LIGHTHOUSE POOLE
THE ELVES AND THE SHOWMAKER
Dates: Saturday 21st November – Sunday 13th December 2026
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK PANTO
Dates: Thursday 10th December 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
WEYMOUTH PAVILION
CINDERELLA PANTO
Dates: Wednesday 16th December 2026 - Sunday 3rd January 2027
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Website: Weymouth Pavilion
THE ALLENDALE
BEST EVER CHRISTMAS PANTO
Dates: Friday 11th - Thursday 24th December 2026
Address: The Allendale, Hanham Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale
THE TIVOLI THEATRE
JACK AND THE BEASTALK PANTO
Dates: Saturday 12th December 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027
Address: The Tivoli Theatre, 19 West Borough, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1LT
Website: Tivoli Theatre Wimborne
THE REGENT CENTRE
CINDERELLA PANTO
Dates: Saturday 12th – Wednesday 30th December 2026
Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
Website: Regent Centre
THE MOWLEM
THE CHRISTMASSY CHRISTMAS SHOW
Date: Sunday 6th December 2026
SCROOGE
Dates: Tuesday 22nd – Thursday 24th December 2026
Address: The Mowlem, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1DD
Website: The Mowlem
BRIDPORT ELECTRIC PALACE
SANTA LIVE!
Dates: Sunday 20th & Monday 21st December 2026
Address: Bridport Electric Palace, 35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY
Website: Bridport Electric Palace
THE BARRINGTON CENTRE
DICK WHITTINGTON PANTO
Dates: Thursday 17th – Thursday 24th December 2026
Address: The Barrington Centre, Pennys Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH
Website: The Barrington Centre
VERWOOD HUB
SANTA LIVE!
Dates: Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th December 2026
Address: Verwood Hub, Brockway, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 7QE
Website: Verwood Hub
SHAFTESBURY ARTS CENTRE
SANTA’S BEST EVER CHRISTMAS
Date: Saturday 12th December 2026
Address: Shaftesbury Arts Centre, 13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8AR
Website: Shaftesbury Arts Centre
MARINE THEATRE
MIRICLE ON 34TH STREET
Dates: Friday 18th – Tuesday 22nd December 2026
Address: Marine Theatre, Church Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QB
Website: Marine Theatre
MORE SEASONAL EVENTS & PLACES TO GO
Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission. Please also note that an event or venue may cancel or close at any time and you should consider contacting beforehand to check an event is running.