Christmas is a great time to go to the theatre to see a panto or a family Christmas show. Here’s my guide to the best 2025 pantomimes in Oxfordshire, as well as the best ‘non panto’ family Christmas theatre shows. If you live close to county boarders, why not check what 2024 pantos are nearby in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire and Gloucestershire too.
SPOTLIGHT PANTOMIME
If you’re looking for the best Panto in Oxfordshire, head to The Theatre Chipping Norton. An intimate theatre, with lots of personality, the Chipping Norton panto always has the perfect mix of colourful characters and lots of laughs.
2025 Panto to be announced
Check out our review of last year’s Chippy Theatre panto
2025 Pantomimes in Oxfordshire
He’s behind you, oh no he isn’t, oh yes he is. A great pantomime is full of larger than life characters, lots of laughs, a villain that everyone hates, a comical dame and young love. A very British tradition a Christmas, here’s the definitive list of pantomimes in Oxford, Didcot, Banbury, Henley and more in 2024.
Chipping Norton Theatre – tbc
Easter Pantomime at Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames 5th – 8th April
With heaps of audience participation, thrilling sword fights, archery contests, spirited heroes and dastardly villains, experience an Easter treat like no other as this much-loved tale is given an exhilarating twist in true Immersion style
Peter Pan at Kenton Theatre in Henley-on-Thames 6th to 30th Dec
Featuring all the signature touches that have made Immersion Theatre a family favourite: dazzling costumes, spectacular choreography, special effects, a hilarious script, bags of audience interaction, sweets, and who knows, maybe even the odd water gun or two!
Dick Whittington at the Oxford Playhouse 21st Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
This year’s fantastic pantomime adventure is the purrrfect festive treat with sensational singing, dazzling dancing and oodles of silliness.
Check out last year’s Oxford Playhouse panto review
Cornerstone Arts – Didcot tbc
Jack & the Beanstalk Panto at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 5th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
This is the pantomime you’ve BEAN waiting for with a jovial Jack, a punch-packing princess, a feisty fairy, a silly sibling, a witty widow, a slippery servant, a kind-hearted king… and a cow with some beef. Oh… and a very large magical plant, of course!
Launton Village Players – Bicester
Launton Village Players pantomime usually runs in February, details for 2026 to be confirmed
2025 Family Festive Theatre Shows (not pantos) in Oxfordshire
Pantomimes can be a little overwhelming for young kids or not your cup of tea. A family outing to the theatre over the Christmas holidays is a lovely treat. Often experiences make the best presents. Here’s a lineup of some great children’s theatre around Oxfordshire in 2025.
North Wall Arts Centre (Oxford) tbc
Didcot Railway Centre (Didcot) tbc
Dear Santa at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (Aylesbury) 16th – 24th Dec
What better way to celebrate Christmas than with Rod Campbell’s festive story Dear Santa! From the author of the beloved children’s classic Dear Zoo, Dear Santa is the perfect holiday treat for children of all ages. Packed with Christmas songs and plenty of audience participation, it even includes the chance to meet Santa himself and receive a special Christmas gift!
Kenton Theatre (Henley-on-Thames) tbc
Cornerstone (Didcot) tbc
Pegasus Theatre (Oxford) 1tbc
Millets Farm tbc
The Story Museum (Oxford) tbc
The Snowman Live at Amey Theatre (Abingdon) tbc
Nativity the Musical at Wykham Theatre (Banbury) tbc
Mill Arts Centre (Banbury) tbc
Feeling festive? Find out what Christmas events are on for kids in Oxfordshire 2025
