Festive Theatre Guide

The Theatre Royal’s panto this year is Dick Whittington written by Chris Hannon, directed by Owen Calvert-Lyons and packed with music, laughter and plenty of audience participation fun.

Has anyone seen the Queen? Last night she went missing and now the streets of London are filled with rats who want the throne for themselves. The time has come – humanity must find a hero. This Christmas join Dick Whittington and the rebel army as they fight for liberty, equality and cheese.

Dick Whittington at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Friday 20th November 2026 - Sunday 17th January 2027.

For more information visit Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds website.

Little ones can enjoy a delightful festive adventure at the Theatre Royal’s Christmas Cabin nestled in Charter Square at The arc Shopping Centre.

Step into a magical world where the spirit of Christmas comes alive. Perfect for children aged 2-7, the Christmas Cabin offers a 20 minute interactive performance full of seasonal surprises and memorable moments.

Written by Kitty Morgan.

For more information visit Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds website.

Enjoy a magical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale, The Snow Queen, performed by Ballet Theatre UK. Follow Gerda on her adventure across the frozen north as she searches for her friend Kay, who has been placed under the Snow Queen’s spell. With international dancers, beautiful costumes and glittering sets, this enchanting ballet is perfect for lovers of fairytales.

For more information visit Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds website.

Get ready for a glittering evening of festive fun as Ashley Fox, West End performer and renowned Lady Gaga impersonator, returns to ICE for a Christmas drag show packed with iconic lip-syncs, fabulous looks and plenty of sass. Enjoy live entertainment alongside a meal, with the option to add a bottomless drinks package to your evening.

For more information visit ICE Restaurant website.

Get into the Christmas spirit with an evening of festive favourites at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Featuring a spectacular cast of West End singers and a live band, this candlelit concert includes much-loved classics such as White Christmas, Winter Wonderland and O Holy Night. There are two performances to choose from, at 1.30pm and 7.30pm.

For more information visit Bury St Edmunds & Beyond website.

If you love a little Michael Bublé at Christmas, this festive concert at St Edmundsbury Cathedral is sure to hit the right note. Featuring a live big band and a tribute to the Canadian crooner, expect a feel-good evening of Christmas hits and plenty of opportunities to sing along.

For more information visit Bury St Edmunds & Beyond website.

Enjoy an afternoon of traditional Christmas music at the beautiful St Mary’s Church, sung by the choristers of Selwyn College Chapel Choir and conducted by Sarah MacDonald. This popular annual concert is a wonderful opportunity to pause amid the festive bustle and enjoy some seasonal favourites.

For more information visit Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds website.

Bring a touch of Viennese elegance to your Christmas celebrations with this dazzling concert at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Featuring orchestral and vocal favourites, the programme includes music by Johann Strauss II, Tchaikovsky and other celebrated composers, from The Blue Danube to selections from The Nutcracker. Expect waltzes, operetta favourites and festive musical magic.

For more information visit Bury St Edmunds & Beyond website.

A Bury St Edmunds festive tradition, A Swinging Christmas returns to The Apex with the Chris Ingham Quintet featuring vocalist Joanna Eden. Enjoy a stocking-full of 20th-century holiday classics and musical curiosities, delivered with a little jazz, plenty of personality and a generous helping of seasonal cheer.

For more information visit The Apex website.

Singer Cara Dillon brings her much-loved Christmas tour to The Apex, blending ancient carols, modern songs and Celtic rhythms into a beautiful celebration of the season. With her celebrated voice and exceptional band, this is a more reflective festive performance, offering a chance to slow down and enjoy the quieter magic of Christmas.

For more information visit The Apex website.

Get ready to sing and dance along to the sounds of Motown with this festive concert at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Featuring a live band and a cast of talented vocalists, the show celebrates classics from The Supremes, The Temptations, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and more, all with a little Christmas sparkle.

For more information visit Bury St Edmunds & Beyond website.

Celebrate 20 years of The Fillers with their annual hometown Christmas show at The Apex. The Bury St Edmunds band, known as the world’s first official tribute to The Killers, will bring the sound of the Las Vegas rockers to the stage. They’ll be joined by The Phonics, performing favourites from the Stereophonics catalogue, for a lively night of live music.

For more information visit The Apex website.

Head to the beautiful Lavenham Parish Church for an evening of seasonal music and familiar carols with Bury Bach Choir. Accompanied by organ and brass musicians, the choir will perform a festive programme and invite the audience to join in with some much-loved carols. Mince pies and mulled wine are included in the ticket price.

For more information visit Bury St Edmunds & Beyond website.

Vocal group G4 brings its popular Christmas tour to St Edmundsbury Cathedral for an evening of soaring harmonies and festive favourites. The programme combines traditional carols, classical music and modern Christmas hits, including Silent Night, O Holy Night and All I Want for Christmas, in the atmospheric surroundings of the cathedral.

For more information visit Bury St Edmunds & Beyond website.

Enjoy an evening of beautiful choral music as The Sixteen returns to The Apex with a Christmas programme spanning medieval carols and modern masterpieces. Marking the 50th anniversary of Benjamin Britten’s death, the concert culminates in his celebrated A Ceremony of Carols, making this a special seasonal treat for classical music lovers.

For more information visit The Apex website.