It’s the most wonderful time of the year; Time to start planning your fun, laugh-filled schedule for the 2026 festive period.

We don’t quite know what screams ‘Christmas’ more than a good panto, and luckily, there are more than a few dotted across the country to choose from.

Whether you’re into your Disney princesses and fairytales or you’re on the hunt for a late-night laugh, there’s something for everyone to sink their teeth into this year. Here’s a round-up of what’s on:

Robin Hood at The Gaiety Theatre

The Gaiety Theatre is marking a special anniversary this year, and so they choose a classic tale to tell to celebrate: Robin Hood.

Robin Hood is set to be extra magical, as it marks the 150th anniversary of the annual Christmas panto, which has been running since 1873.

Wild Youth’s David James Whelan stars as the title character, Tara Flanagan plays Maid Marian, Michael Joseph plays Dame Patsy, and David Crowley will take on the role of the Sheriff of Snottingham.

Robin Hood at The Gaiety Theatre runs from November 22, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Tickets are available here.

Rapunzel at The Ambassador Theatre

Shane Filan’s daughter, Nicole, looks every inch the Disney princess as she gets set to make her Panto debut.

The 21-year-old has been around music and performance her entire life, but is now stepping into the spotlight herself. She’s ready to let down her hair as Rapunzel in The Ambassador Theatre’s Panto this Christmas.

In the panto, Tracy Leonard Lipman stars opposite Nicole as the wicked Mother Gothel, while James Kelleher stars as Lord Mountjoy.

Rapunzel at The Ambassador Theatre runs from December 22, 2026, to January 10, 2027. Tickets are available here.

Cinderella – Olly and the Glass Slipper at the 3Olympia

Olly, Polly and Dolly return in Cinderella: Olly and the Glass Slipper at the 3Olympia. It’s been lauded as ‘Ireland’s funniest panto’.

It’s the beloved tale of Cinderella, a timeless fairytale where dreams really do come true. This rendition sees Olly and the gang cause mayhem and rescue the princess from her outrageous ugly sisters.

It stars Ryan Andrews, Michaela O’Neill, Erin McGregor, and James Patrice, written and directed by Al Porter and Ryan Andrews.

Cinderella at the 3Olympia runs from December 19, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Tickets are available here.

Neverland at The Helix

A spin on the classic tale of Peter Pan comes Neverland at The Helix. Irish actress and social media star Katie Rose Weir leads the cast on this magical adventure as Tinkerbell.

‘Join Lola, Buddy, Laurel and a host of new faces as they set off on an adventure filled with festive fun, magical mayhem, spectacular song and dance, and plenty of laughs for the whole family,’ The Helix said.

Rachel Gaughan plays Wendy, Brian Dalton plays Buddy, Chris Corroon plays the outrageous Dame Lola, Aidan Mannion plays the hilarious Laurel, Michael Kiersey will perform as the dastardly Captain Hook, while James Deegan returns as Kevin the Gnome.

Neverland at The Helix runs from November 20, 2026, to January 10, 2027. Tickets are available here.

Beauty and the Beast at The Cork Opera House

Be the Cork Opera House’s guest this Christmas as the venue has chosen Beauty and the Beast as the theme of its 2026 panto.

Join heroine Belle, everyone’s favourite Nanny Nellie, and a host of lovable companions in a ‘spectacular show packed with amazing colour, spellbinding costumes, exhilarating live music, breathtaking dance and a tonne of belly laughs’.

Beauty and the Beast at the Cork Opera House runs from November 25, 2026, to January 17, 2027. Tickets are available here.

Jack and the Beanstalk at The University Concert Hall, Limerick

Tolü Makay makes her panto debut, playing Fairy, in the University Concert Hall’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk.

The Dancing with the Stars contestant stars alongside Panto Dame Myles Breen as Dame Trort, and TV personality John Sharpson as Seamus.

Keeping them all in check, Voice of Ireland star Keith Hanley returns as Evil O’Reilly, the Giant’s right-hand man. Chris Currid also returns as Pat the Cow. Cian O’Riain returns in the title role as Jack, while Caoileann Faith joins the cast as Jill.

Jack and the Beanstalk at the University Concert Hall runs from December 17, 2026, to January 10, 2027. Tickets are available here.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears at The MAC, Belfast

Step into a magical wintery woodland for Goldilocks and the Three Bears at The MAC this Christmas. The newly adopted Baby Bear arrives with a tiny suitcase and a dream: to belong.

Waiting for him in their cosy cottage are Mummy Bear and Daddy Bear, and in determination to impress his new family, Baby Bear ‘stumbles into a series of hilarious mishaps as he tries to prove he can be truly perfect’.

By all accounts, there are ‘catchy songs, laugh-out-loud, fun-filled moments, and a few Home Alone-style gags’.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears at The MAC runs from November 25, 2026, to January 1, 2027. Tickets are available here.

Aladdin – Sammy & Buffy, and the Magic Lamp at The National Stadium

Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian are taking turns as the Genie in The National Stadium’s 2026 panto, Aladdin.

While Brian is no stranger to the panto scene, his hubby, Arthur, is set to make his Panto debut, and it’s safe to say he’s pretty excited about it.

Alan Hughes stars as Sammy Sausages, while Fair City’s Johnny Ward takes the reins as Jafar.

Aladdin at The National Stadium runs from December 8, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Tickets are available here.

Snow White at SETU Arena, Waterford

Snow White is coming to the SETU Arena, Waterford. Oh yes, she is!

The Waterford venue invites: ‘Join our star-studded cast for a laugh-out-loud adventure in the magical mayhem of Deiseville. Show-stopping songs, dazzling dance numbers, giggles, gasps, and glorious chaos.

Snow White at the SETU Arena runs from December 12, 2026, to December 30, 2026. Tickets are available here.

Sleeping Booty at the 3Olympia

And if you’re planning on leaving the little ones at home this festive season, or you’re organising a night out with your girls, allow us to introduce you to Sleeping Booty: It all starts with a prick.

‘The Late Night Panto is one of Dublin’s most outrageous Christmas traditions where some of the biggest names in Irish entertainment come together for a night where anything can happen… and probably will!,’ it’s been teased.

‘And this year, there are a few rules: No rehearsals, no filter, no refunds. Once those doors close, what happens inside the 3Olympia… stays inside the 3Olympia!’

Sleeping Booty at the 3Olympia takes place on December 21 and 30. Tickets are available here.