Christmas Shows in Cardiff & Newport 2026: Our Top Picks

Looking for the best Christmas shows in Cardiff and Newport for 2026? Whether you’re planning a magical family day out, 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 Neverland story just 20 minutes away in Newport, here are our top picks for Christmas theatre this year.

Contents:

• Peter Pan at ICC Wales
• Family Christmas Shows in Cardiff 
• Beauty and the Beast at New Theatre Cardiff
• Matilda The Musical at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
• Cinderella at The Riverfront, Newport
• The Magic of Christmas at BBC Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff
• The Christmas Festival at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff 
• When Should I Book?

Looking for a Christmas Show Near Cardiff? Peter Pan at ICC Wales

Peter Pan is a brand-new family Christmas show at ICC Wales in Newport this December, just off Junction 24 of the M4 and around 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre. 

Blending the classic Neverland story with circus artistry, the production features aerial performers, acrobatics, a full-size pirate galleon and plenty of family-friendly adventure. 

Whether you're planning a festive day out with the children or looking for a Christmas theatre experience near Cardiff, Peter Pan offers a fresh take on the much-loved classic.

Key details:

• Dates: 12 December 2026 - 2 January 2027
• Venue: ICC Wales Theatre, Celtic Manor Resort, Newport (near Cardiff, just off M4 J24)
• Age: 4+ (family-friendly - all children need their own seat)
• Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes including interval
• Complimentary carer tickets are available for those with Hynt cards
• Accessible performances on set days and 25 wheelchair spaces available per show
• Tickets from: £26 per person (check event page for latest pricing and offers)

What to expect

Peter whisks Wendy from her London bedroom into the timeless world of Neverland, joined by his sparkling fairy friend Tinker Bell - while the fearsome Captain Hook commands a magnificent full-size galleon and a crew of pirates bursting with acrobatics and circus skills. Expect:

• Soaring aerial stunts as Peter, Tinker Bell and the Lost Children fly overhead
• A story every child already knows, so nobody's lost five minutes in
• Big laughs from comedy pirate Mr Smee, plus a magical mermaid and the ever-persistent Mr Crocodile
• A showdown between good and bad that sends everyone home in a festive mood

Why families love it

• High spectacle, low stress: The aerial work keeps little ones transfixed, while the comedy and set pieces keep older children and adults engaged.
• Perfect "first theatre" experience: Easy to follow, not too scary, plenty of light and colour.
• Easy access: Underground parking, step-free access, 25 wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets on every level.
• Relaxed performance: A relaxed show takes place on Sunday 20 December at 11:00am, ideal for families with sensory needs or anyone who'd prefer a gentler theatre experience. Guests can enter and exit freely throughout.
• BSL performance: A British Sign Language interpreted performance takes place on Sunday 27 December at 1:00pm.
• Audio-described performance: A live, spoken narrative of the visual performance takes place on Monday 28th December at 1pm.

Make a day (or night) of it:

Turn your visit into a full festive experience:

• The Great SKATE - Real Ice, Real Magic: Indoor, real ice skating in the ICC Wales Main Hall from 11 December to 2 January - ideal before or after the show.
• Winter Wonderland Afternoon Tea: Enjoy a festive treat between 12 - 31 December for an extra sprinkle of magic. 
• Stay over: Choose from festive overnight packages at Celtic Manor Resort, Coldra Court Hotel or Tŷ Newport that bundle accommodation with Peter Pan tickets - perfect if you'd rather skip the late-night drive home.

How do I get to ICC Wales for Peter Pan?

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

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 Cardiff bay.

Beauty and the Beast at New Theatre Cardiff

The New Theatre's annual pantomime is a Cardiff Christmas tradition, and in 2026 it's the turn of Beauty and the Beast - with Gethin Jones and Cardiff favourite Mike Doyle leading the cast. Expect slapstick, singalongs, dazzling costumes and plenty of chances to shout at the baddie.

Key details:

• Dates: 5 December 2026 - 3 January 2027
• Venue: New Theatre, Cardiff city centre
• Relaxed performance: 15 December, 6:00pm

Visit their website. 

Matilda The Musical at Wales Millennium Centre

The Royal Shakespeare Company's multi-award-winning musical returns to Cardiff Bay for the 2026 festive season. Roald Dahl's story of a small girl with a very big mind, a truly monstrous Miss Trunchbull, and songs that stay with you long after the curtain.

Key details:

• Dates: 9 December 2026 - 17 January 2027
• Venue: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
• Recommended age: 6+ (no under 2s)
• Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes including interval
• Note: contains flashing lights, lasers, haze and loud sound effects

Visit their website. 

Cinderella - Riverfront Panto 2026

The Riverfront's pantomime is a popular option, and 2026 brings Cinderella. Locally produced, warmly written and built around audience participation - with easy parking and genuinely good value tickets.

Key details:

• Dates: 27 November - 31 December 2026
• Venue: The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre, Newport
• Tickets from: £18 on selected "Christmas Cracker" performances

Visit their website. 

The Magic of Christmas at BBC Hoddinott Hall

An evening of seasonal orchestral favourites in one of Wales's finest concert halls - warmth, sparkle, and the kind of programme that makes the season feel like it's properly started.

Key details:

• Date: 18 December 2026, 3:00pm and 7:30pm
• Venue: BBC Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millennium Centre
• Tickets: concessions from £7 (under 26s and students); free carer tickets via the Hynt scheme

Visit their website. 

The Christmas Festival at Sophia Gardens

The Spiegeltent returns to Sophia Gardens for December 2026 - fully seated, heated and a short walk from the city centre. The family highlight is Basil & The Ice Witch: A Magical Musical Adventure (3-24 December), with Dickens Theatre Company's A Christmas Carol (8-10 December) for older children and adults.

Key details:

• Venue: Spiegeltent, Sophia Gardens, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9FH

Visit their website.

When should I book Christmas shows in Cardiff and Newport?

• Big-name productions 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.