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 fairy tales 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 chose 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
"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
"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 fairy tale 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, and is 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
"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
"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 favorite Nanny Nellie, and a host of lovable companions in a "spectacular show packed with amazing color, 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
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Tolü Makay makes her pantomime 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
"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 cozy 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
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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" 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
"Sleeping Booty" at the 3Olympia
And if you're planning on leaving the little ones at home this festive season, or you're organizing 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.
* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.
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