What's on in Glasgow: Here are 7 festive shows to see in Glasgow during Christmas 2026
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Looking for some entertainment over the festive period?
The festive period seemingly arrives earlier and earlier each year, with just a number of weeks to go until Christmas.
Seasonal adverts have taken over the television, and thoughts will soon be turning to Christmas trees, presents and plans. If you have some time off coming up for the holidays and are looking for something to occupy yourself - or the family - we can help.
Here are 7 shows you can see in Glasgow to celebrate Christmas this year.
Aladdin (pantomime), King’s Theatre
Saturday, November 21 to Sunday, January 3 2027
Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac will entertain King’s Theatre audiences in Aladdin for more than a month this Christmas.
Smith stars as Mother Goose, while Mac will play the titular character in this pantomime adventure which will see the performers embark on an adventure to find a magical lamp, and see good triumph over evil.
The cast also includes Darren Brownlie, Hannah Jarrett-Scott, Blythe Jandoo, Gordon Cooper and Rushand Chambers.
You can purchase tickets for Aladdin, here.
Scottish Ballet — Cinders!, Theatre Royal Glasgow
Wednesday, December 30 to Saturday, January 16
The Scottish Ballet’s playful retelling of Cinderella will be on at Theatre Royal Glasgow from late December into the early new year.
Depending on which night you see, Cinders will be a woman swept off her feet by a handsome prince, or the roles will be reversed and Cinders will be a man swept off his feet by a beautiful princess.
The description reads: “Set at the turn of the 20th century in Cinders' family-run emporium, life is sweet until tragedy strikes, leaving Cinders an orphan. Enter the new proprietor, Mrs Thorne, an intimidating mother of three ghastly children. Treating Cinders with contempt, they turn the store into a garish version of its former self. When the Royal Ball is announced, hilarity, excitement and chaos ensue as the Thorne family begin their frenzied preparations to attend.”
You can purchase tickets for the Scottish Ballet’s Cinders!, here.
READ MORE: The Scottish theatre named Great British Theatre of the Year after £40m renovation project
Cinderella, Citizens Theatre
Saturday, November 28 to Thursday, December 31
Alternatively, Citizens Theatre is inviting audiences to celebrate Christmas with Stuart Paterson’s take on Cinderella. Expect lavish costumes and a show full of theatrical tricks with this production which is described as “full of magic and mischief”.
Show director Joanna Bowman said: “Stuart’s version delivers everything you would expect from Cinderella and still manages to surprise and thrill.”
You can purchase tickets for Cinderella, here.
Goldilocks and the Three Bonnie Bears, Pavilion Theatre
Thursday, November 26 to Sunday, January 10 2027
Over at the Pavilion Theatre, the pantomime on offer for Christmas 2026 is Goldilocks and the Three Bonnie Bears, featuring Liam Dolan, Grado, Stephen Purdon, Scott Fletcher, Jack Jester, Jennifer Neil, Valissa Scott and Craig Glover.
Heroine Goldilocks is the daughter of Gertie, who runs the circus, and stumbles upon a family of three bonnie bears. However when the wicked ringmaster threatens to ruin Gertie’s circus, Goldilocks must team up with her furry friends.
You can purchase tickets for Goldilocks and the Three Bonnie Bears, here.
Poggle's Christmas Adventure - Citizens Theatre
Saturday, December 12 to Thursday, December 24
Barrowland Ballet will tell the story of Vince, a young boy who wants to explore the forest but is too scared to try. Then one day he meets Poggle, a friendly creature who helps him on a magical adventure.
Poggle's Christmas Adventure is perfect for younger children, specifically those aged between 18 months and 7 years old.
You can purchase tickets for Poggle's Christmas Adventure, here.
The Snaw Queen - Tron Theatre
Wednesday, November 18 to Thursday, December 31
Johnny McKnight writes, directs and stars in The Snaw Queen, which will help celebrate 40 years of pantomime at the Tron.
The show will follow the team at Santa’s workshop as they face disaster after a broken magic mirror turns Rudie The Red Nosed Reindeer into the terrifying Snaw Queen. With Christmas on the verge of being cancelled, Santa - AKA Kristine Cagney Kringle - must team up with Olive, another reindeer, on a dangerous quest to save the holiday.
With previews kicking off from mid-November, the show also stars Julie Wilson Nimmo, Marc Mackinnon, Caroline Deyga, Ciara Flynn, Craig Hunter and Katie Weir.
You can purchase tickets for The Snaw Queen, here.
Scrooge the Musical - SEC Armadillo
Saturday, December 12 to Sunday, January 10 2027
Last but certainly not least is Scrooge the Musical at the SEC Armadillo. Former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow will bring Charles Dickens’ iconic Christmas Carol character to life in this festive show directed by Thom Southerland.
Also starring Gavin Mitchell as Jacob Marley and Karen Dunbar as the Ghost of Christmas Past, the adaptation is based on the 1970 film which featured music from British composer and lyricist Leslie Bricusse.
You can purchase tickets for Scrooge the Musical, here.
Sign up to The Scotsman’s arts and culture newsletter for all of the latest news, reviews and more, here.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.