Cambridge is packed with fun things to do over the festive period. With pantomimes, ballets, exciting exhibits at the museums and the new Christmas in Cambridge ice rink on Parker's Piece, theres something for everyone.
The Junction
Cambridge Junction has decided to do something slightly different for its Christmas season this year. Instead of bringing you one panto they’ve got a hamper full of guaranteed hits, Christmas goodies for you, for families, friends and schools.
Shows include the wonderfully engaging Buildy Uppy Snowy Show, charming circus theatre with A Tiger's Tale, and Circus Enchante, for a fabulously acrobatic Christmas treat for all the family.
Other festive treats include the return of folk outfit A Winter Union, and the inimitable Scummy Mummies with a new Christmas themed show.
Photo by Martin Bond
University of Cambridge Botanic Garden Winter Lights
Following the success of last year’s first ever lights trail in the Garden, Cambridge Botanic Lights will again bring the Garden to life afer dark with spectacular displays and artistic installations - creating a beautiful landscape for visitors to enjoy in the Garden after dark.
Ice Rink
Brand-new for 2024, Seventa Events is delighted to bring ‘Christmas in Cambridge’ to the historic Parker’s Piece.
Having collaborated closely with Cambridge City Council, ‘Christmas in Cambridge’ will run from November 14th 2024 to January 5th 2025, and will be the first of a seven-year deal agreed with the Council.
CB1 Christmas Market
10th & 11th December. 12.00 –3.30pm. 3-4 Station Square.
A festive event for all the community, and a welcome to Cambridge for anyone stepping off the train! Take your photo in the glowing Christmas bauble and check items off your Christmas shopping list. Our stalls will sell quality festive gifts, food & drink, arts and crafts by talented local artists and retailers. Entertainment and music is being planned for the event along with free mince pies on Tuesday lunch. Organised by CB1 Community and Cambridge BID. Check @lovecambridge_ for full schedule.
Image: Glenn Ligon, 'Waiting for the Barbarians' (installation view), 2021, on The Fitzwilliam Museum portico, Cambridge © Glenn Ligon; Courtesy of the artist and Thomas Dane Gallery, London. Photographer Credit: Lewis Ronald
ADC Theatre – Snow White
Running from November 27th to December 7th
The 2024 Footlights/CUADC Pantomime: Snow White, written by Lizzy Riley and Alice Roberts.
A long time ago in a kingdom far far away, Snow White is celebrating her eighteenth birthday surrounded by bags of dirty washing. With Dame Trudy Wench at her side, she makes sure that the palace is spick and span for Queen Grismerelda and her handsome son Prince Charming.
That is until Snow is banished into the Fantasy Forest, all thanks to the Magic Mirror, with nowhere to go and no pennies to her name. Join her, Trudy, Grismerelda, Prince Charming, Hemingway the Huntsman and the Stardom Seven as the magical story unfolds in the fairest panto of them all!
This original panto with a full score is bound to start your Christmas season off on a high. Appropriate for all ages with tickets from £11.50.
Cambridge Corn Exchange
What better way to enjoy the festive season and make it even more special, than a night out in the heart of the city at the Corn Exchange. And what a choice of Christmas shows!
New for 2024 is the phenomenally popular Bongo Bingo; with so many racing to book for the Christmas special - packed with music, fantastic prizes plus the usual dose of dance offs, singalongs and of course, a bit of bingo – the event sold out in record time!
Saturday 7th December
Held on the first Saturday of December each year, the Mill Road Winter Fair is a beloved event in the Cambridge calendar. This festive celebration showcases the best of Mill Road, featuring a delightful mix of food, gifts, and abundant live music. Stroll along Mill Road from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
For more information about the fair’s history and details of the day’s events, visit our website by clicking the button below.
Arts Theatre Pantomime
Your carriage awaits... The Arts Theatre's spectacular family pantomime returns with the most magical rags-to-riches tale of all: CINDERELLA.
Leading the cast is Cambridge panto legend Matt Crosby, back for his 19th Arts Theatre pantomime and starring as the lovable Buttons. Joining him will be Chloe Gentles (Beauty and the Beast, The Addams Family), Harry Howle (Cinderella, Imagine Theatre) and Steven Roberts, who will be returning for his second Christmas in Cambridge after last year's performance as Sammy Goose!
Town & Gown Cambridge
Monday 9th December
Experience the best of the festive season at Happy Christmas East Anglia 2024! After four years of success with our Happy Christmas Ipswich event, we’re back in 2024 bigger and better than ever, with shows in Ipswich, Norwich and Cambridge on Monday 9th December. In Cambridge, enjoy the talents of Rory McGrath, Tom Alban, Esther Manito, and Jason Stampe (MC).
With a line up this stellar already, and more names yet to be announced, you don’t want to miss out. £10pp with all proceeds going directly to the East Anglia's Children's Hospices.