Christmas Shows in Cardiff & Newport 2025: Our Top Picks

Looking for the best Christmas shows in Cardiff and Newport for 2025? Whether you’re planning a big family outing, a festive date night, or a Christmas treat with friends, South Wales is packed with pantomimes, heart-warming musicals and dazzling family Christmas shows.

From Cardiff city centre theatres to a spectacular circus-style Scrooge just 20 minutes away in Newport, here are our top picks for Christmas theatre this year – with Scrooge: A Cirque Spectacular at ICC Wales as our must-see show.

Our Top Pick Near Cardiff: Scrooge – A Cirque Spectacular at ICC Wales

If you only book one Christmas show this year, make it this one.

Scrooge: A Cirque Spectacular is a brand-new family Christmas show at ICC Wales in Newport – just off Junction 24 of the M4 and around 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre.

Blending the classic A Christmas Carol story with breathtaking circus artistry, it’s packed with aerial performers, acrobats, music and plenty of “how did they do that?” moments for all ages.

Key details:

• Dates: 12 December 2025 – 3 January 2026
• Venue: ICC Wales Theatre, The Celtic Collection, Newport (near Cardiff, just off M4 J24)
• Recommended age: 4+ (family friendly)
• Duration: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes including interval
• Tickets from: £25 per person (check event page for latest pricing and offers) 

What to expect

Charles Dickens narrates his famous story live, while extraordinary cirque artists bring Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to life – from ghostly visits to show-stopping finales. Expect:

• Soaring aerial acts and gravity-defying stunts
• A clear, easy-to-follow Christmas story that younger children recognise
• Big musical numbers and wow-moment set pieces for older kids and grown-ups
• A feel-good ending that sends everyone home in a festive mood

Why families love it

• High spectacle, low stress: The visuals keep little ones transfixed, while the story keeps older children and adults engaged.
• Perfect “first theatre” experience: Easy to follow, not too scary, plenty of light and colour.
• Easy access: On-site parking, step-free access, wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets throughout the venue.
• Relaxed performance: A designated relaxed show date is ideal for families with sensory needs or those who prefer a gentler theatre experience. 

Make a day (or night) of it

Turn your visit into a full festive day out:

• The Great SKATE – Real Ice, Real Magic: Real-ice skating in the ICC Wales Main Hall from early December to early January – ideal before or after the show
• Festive Domes: Cosy, heated domes on the outdoor plaza for hot chocolate, festive drinks or treats.
• Stay over: Choose from festive overnight packages at Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Court Hotel or Tŷ Newport that bundle accommodation with Scrooge tickets – perfect if you’d rather skip the late-night drive home. 

Family Christmas Shows in Cardiff

Cardiff is spoiled for choice when it comes to family Christmas shows – from the big city-centre pantomime to West End-style musicals by the bay.

Sleeping Beauty at New Theatre Cardiff

New Theatre’s annual pantomime is a Cardiff Christmas tradition, and in 2025 it’s the turn of Sleeping Beauty to take centre stage. Expect big laughs, glittering costumes, and plenty of chances to shout at the baddie.

Key details:

• Dates: Early December 2025 – early January 2026
• Venue: New Theatre, Cardiff city centre
• Type: Classic family pantomime

Why go

• A great option if you want the classic panto formula – slapstick comedy, sing-alongs and local in-jokes.
• Perfect for families who want to combine Christmas shows in Cardiff with shopping, the Christmas Market or the Bute Park light trail.

Getting there

New Theatre is a short walk from both Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street stations, and close to city-centre car parks and bus routes. 

Mary Poppins at Wales Millennium Centre

For a big-ticket musical that still feels wonderfully Christmassy, Mary Poppins is flying into Wales Millennium Centre for the 2025 festive season. 

Key details:

• Dates: 3 December 2025 – 10 January 2026
• Venue: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
• Type: West End musical, suitable for older children, teens and adults

Why go

• Perfect if you want a big, cinematic musical with songs the whole family already knows.
• Ideal as a “main event” if you’re spending the day at Cardiff Bay – combine it with restaurants, the waterfront and attractions nearby.

A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at Wales Millennium Centre

If your family loves slapstick and clever comedy, A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong offers a very different take on Dickens – with deliberately disastrous staging, mishaps and mayhem.

Key details:

• Dates: Mid–late November 2025 (a brilliant early-Christmas outing before December gets too busy)
• Venue: Wales Millennium Centre
• Type: Comedy Christmas show, great for older children, teens and adults

Family Christmas Shows in Newport (Near Cardiff)

Newport makes it easy to mix a Christmas show near Cardiff with more space, easier parking and great value tickets.

Rapunzel – Riverfront Panto 2025/26

The Riverfront’s 2025/26 pantomime is Rapunzel – a brand-new production full of magic, mischief and audience participation. 

Key details:

• Dates: 27 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
• Venue: The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre, Kingsway, Newport
• Type: Family pantomime

Why go

• Often slightly quieter (and better value) than some big city shows – ideal if you’re bringing a larger group or younger children.
• A fun option if you’re staying overnight for Scrooge at ICC Wales and want a second show during your festive break.

Getting there from Cardiff

Newport is around 10–20 minutes by train from Cardiff, with The Riverfront a short walk or taxi ride from the station. If you’re driving, there is city-centre parking close by. 

Festive Concerts & One-Off Christmas Events

As well as full-scale Christmas shows in Cardiff and Newport, there are plenty of concerts and one-night-only events that are perfect for adding extra sparkle to your festive plans.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales – Christmas Concerts

At Wales Millennium Centre and BBC Hoddinott Hall, BBC National Orchestra of Wales hosts special Christmas concerts featuring carols, festive film favourites and seasonal classics – great if your family loves live music. 

Look out for:

• A main Christmas Celebrations concert in mid-December
• One-night festive specials like One Amazing Night

These can work brilliantly as a lower-pressure option for younger children who might find a full musical a bit long.

The Christmas Festival at Sophia Gardens

Cardiff’s Christmas Festival is due to return to a Spiegeltent at Sophia Gardens, bringing a mix of festive shows, cabaret and family performances in a magical tented setting. 

It’s a great choice if you’d like:

• A more intimate, immersive Christmas show experience
• To combine a theatre visit with a wander through Bute Park or a trip into the city centre

Essential FAQs: Tickets, Travel & Planning Your Christmas Show

When should I book Christmas shows in Cardiff and Newport?

• Big-name productions (like Mary Poppins or prime pantomime dates) often sell out well in advance.
• Weekends and late-afternoon shows are the first to go – look at weekday matinees or early-evening performances for better availability and value. 

Which shows are best for younger children?

• Scrooge – A Cirque Spectacular (age guidance 4+) – high visual impact, clear story and lots for little ones to look at.
• Sleeping Beauty at New Theatre Cardiff – classic panto with simple storytelling and plenty of interaction.
• Rapunzel at The Riverfront – family panto with strong visual storytelling and audience participation. 

How do I get to ICC Wales for Scrooge?

• By car: ICC Wales is just off Junction 24 of the M4, with pre-bookable on-site parking at a flat festive rate.
• By public transport: Take the train to Newport from Cardiff (around 10–20 minutes), then a short taxi ride to the venue.

Can I make a short break out of it?

Yes – if you’re travelling into South Wales or simply want to extend the magic:

• Book an overnight package including Scrooge tickets and hotel stay at Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Court or Tŷ Newport.
• Combine your chosen show with ice skating, festive domes, afternoon tea or Christmas markets in Cardiff and Newport.