Christmas shows at HOME: Which one is right for you?
Find your ideal Christmas show for 2026
Feel like Christmas isn't complete without a trip to the theatre?
If you’re hunting for a Christmas show in Manchester this year, HOME has you covered.
With four new festive shows to choose from, escape to our theatre for a feelgood trip this December. Take our quick quiz (or scroll to the bottom of this page) to reveal the perfect option for you…
I’d like my Christmas show to be:
A) Funny, heartwarming, and magical
B) Raucous, irreverent, and hilarious
C) Traditional, gothic, and a little spooky
D) Abstract, accessible, and child-friendly
I’d like the Christmas show to be suitable for:
A) Everyone – great for families (aged 6+), but just as fun without kids!
B) Adults only – bursting with daring humour
C) Adults and older teens – a mature and sophisticated show
D) Best for smaller children – I’d like to bring little ones (between 4-11) along
I’d like the script to be…
A) Empowering, emotive, and sprinkled with humour
B) Self-aware, cheeky, and full of gags
C) Traditional and gothic
D) Non-verbal and told entirely through visual storytelling
I’d like the soundtrack to be…
A) Filled with big, catchy musical numbers and soaring solos
B) Fierce drag lip syncs – cabaret style
C) Atmospheric and eerie
D) Filled with fun, original beats to dance along to with the kids
After the show, I’d like to feel…
A) Warm, fuzzy, and impressed by a captivating visual spectacle
B) Jaw ache from laughing so much
C) Totally transported to Victorian London, and a little spooked out
D) Bowled over by animal puppetry and mesmerising projection
I’d like the show to have a message about…
A) The importance of family, self-belief, and respect for our planet’s resources
B) The importance of chosen family and queer community
C) The importance of kindness and embodying the true spirit of Christmas
D) The importance of friendship, particularly for kids
I’d like the storyline to be…
A) A fresh, gender-swapped take on a timeless tale
B) A hilarious drag twist on a classic novel
C) A straight take on a story you already know and love
D) A totally original new story for kids
I’d like the stage, costume, and effects to be…
A) Filled with spectacles of magic – think brooms coming to life against a backdrop of Northern Lights
B) Focused on flawless outfits, drag, and makeup over anything else!
C) Stripped back, ghostly, and intimate
D) Totally immersive for kids – with plenty of lights, snow, and puppetry filling the stage
If you scored mostly 'A's:
You'll love The Sorcerer's Apprentice!
Against the backdrop of the Northern Lights, a small town has been pushed to the brink of collapse in a bid for progress and prosperity. To rescue Midgard from certain destruction, the sorcerer and his apprentice must work out how to make magic together, and fast! This gripping family-friendly story sees brooms coming to life and love blossoming anew, as apprentice Eva discovers the explosive possibilities of her newfound magical powers, leaving havoc, catastrophe and joy in her wake.
This enchanting new British musical explores the extraordinary world of a powerful sorcerer and his budding apprentice. This updated story is inspired by the classic Goethe poem that became an icon of Disney animation in Fantasia, which also featured Dukas’ classic symphony.
You can experience this breathtaking new musical between Fri 27 Nov - Sat 2 Jan
If you scored mostly 'B's:
You'll love A Queermas Carol!
A hilarious drag twist on a Christmas classic...
Scrooge has got it all, money, success, even a holiday home abroad. But still, he isn’t happy. What’s more is his business keeps being protested by pesky queers - don’t they know he donates to corporate Pride every year?
As the ghosts of Queermas Past, Present and Yet to Come take Scrooge on a journey revealing truths he is reluctant to face, prepare to be sleigh-ed with laughter and dazzled with dances and lipsyncs to make your baubles tingle in this christmas extravaganza that honours the importance of chosen family and queer community.
Book now for Thu 3 Dec - Sat 5 Dec
If you scored mostly 'C's:
You'll love A Christmas Carol!
The Book of Darkness & Light Theatre Company present their ghostly adaption of this most beloved festive classic. Join Ebenezer Scrooge on a supernatural journey into the past, present and yet-to-come. The chilly atmosphere of Victorian London is brought to life and the spirits of Christmas return from the dead – all through the spellbinding art of storytelling in this thrilling solo show.
See it at HOME from Wed 9 Dec - Sat 12 Dec
If you scored mostly 'D's:
You'll love Mika and the Polar Bear!
Featuring incredible animal puppetry, mesmerising projection and visual storytelling, Mika and the Polar Bear is a delight for audiences of all ages. This accessible, non-verbal, dance-theatre production tells the story of Mika who, lost in a storm, has to travel across land, sea and sky, meeting surprising animal helpers along the way, including a lone Polar Bear living in an icy wonderland.
You can catch this astonishing family-friendly show between Mon 21 - Tue 22 Dec