The Best Pantomimes in Dublin This Christmas
Published: 3rd December 2025
A festive guide by Dublin Express
Christmas in Dublin simply isn’t complete without a magical pantomime. Every year, theatres across the city burst to life with music, laughter, dazzling costumes and festive storytelling. Travelling with little ones, planning a seasonal day out, or visiting Dublin for the holidays, the panto tradition is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
What Makes a Pantomime Special?
Pantomimes are a cherished Irish Christmas tradition, packed with fairy-tale characters, big musical numbers, hilarious jokes, and plenty of audience participation. They combine comedy, storytelling, music and theatre magic in a way that delights both children and adults.
Expect:
- The famous “He’s behind you!” moments
- Colourful costumes and festive sets
- Slapstick comedy and larger-than-life characters
- A warm, joyful, family-friendly atmosphere
It’s no surprise pantos are a core part of Christmas for many Dublin families.
Top Dublin Pantomimes for Christmas 2025 ⭐
Beauty and the Beast
Gaiety Theatre
The Gaiety’s Christmas panto is one of the city’s longest-running festive traditions. This year’s Beauty and the Beast promises laughter, music, and magical storytelling in one of Dublin’s most iconic venues.
What to Expect
- Spectacular special effects
- A mix of comedy, romance and festive charm
- Energetic performances in a beautifully historic theatre
The Snow Queen
The Helix, Glasnevin
The Helix panto is a favourite among families looking for a modern, lively, and colourful Christmas show. The Snow Queen brings icy wonder and high-energy fun to the stage.
What to Expect
- Sparkling winter scenery
- Hilarious cast performances
- Family-friendly seating and facilities
- Sensory-friendly performance options
Olly Goes To Oz – A Wicked Panto
3Olympia Theatre, Dublin
This year, Dublin’s vibrant panto-scene welcomes Olly Goes To Oz – A Wicked Panto, taking place at the 3Olympia Theatre on Dame Street. It’s a fresh twist on the familiar “Yellow Brick Road” story, blending humour, audience interaction and musical fun.
What to expect:
- Running dates: Friday 19 December 2025 through Sunday 4 January 2026.
- Multiple morning, matinee and evening shows — meaning plenty of flexibility for families.
- A fun cast, lively staging and the kind of high-energy performance that makes panto such a festive outing.
- Suitable for all ages (under-3s may sit on a parent’s lap for free) and with thoughtful accommodations for family needs
Getting There with Dublin Express 🚌
Make your festive outing even easier by travelling with Dublin Express, the fastest, most convenient way to reach Dublin city centre, theatres, and major transport hubs this Christmas.
Travelling from Belfast to Dublin for the Pantomimes
Planning a Christmas trip from Belfast to enjoy a Dublin panto? Dublin Express makes the journey seamless. With direct coach services from Belfast to Dublin city centre, you can sit back, relax, and arrive right where the festive action begins.
Onboard, you can enjoy:
- Free 5G Wi-Fi for entertainment
- USB charging ports at your seat
- Onboard toilets for comfort
- Climate control for a cosy journey
- Ample luggage space for coats, gifts or overnight bags
Travel From Anywhere in Ireland
Travelling from outside Dublin? Dublin Express makes it easy to reach the city from across Ireland. With buses connecting to key stations, including Heuston Station, you can hop on a train from anywhere in the country and transfer effortlessly to a Dublin Express coach into the city.
It’s an ideal option for families, school groups, or day-trippers coming to experience the festive magic of a Dublin panto.
Airport to City Centre — Every 7.5 Minutes
Travelling through Dublin Airport for Christmas or collecting visiting family? Dublin Express operates services every 7.5 minutes, making it the fastest link between the airport and Dublin city centre.
Enjoy:
- Fast and frequent departures
- Comfortable coaches equipped with USB charging ports, 5G Wi-Fi, climate control
- Lots of luggage space — perfect for Christmas shopping bags and winter gear
Step off your flight and straight into the festive fun.
Why Choose Dublin Express for Your Panto Trip?
- Fast city access from the airport, Belfast, or anywhere nationwide
- Comfort-first travel with onboard toilets, USB charging ports,, 5G Wi-Fi and climate-controlled cabins
- Great for families with frequent services and plenty of luggage space
Perfect city connections to Dublin’s major theatres and festive attractions
