VillaGaiety and the Isle of Man Arts Council has unveiled its line-up of entertainment and activities for Christmas 2025, featuring an exciting mix of new shows, festive favourites and affordable family fun. Programme highlights include returning festive staples such as Retro Night featuring Retrospect,
Manannan’s Winterfest, A Wurlitzer Christmas Spectacular with Dr Peter Litman and the Cathedral Choir and The Manx Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert. December will also feature the return of popular acts including Sophie McCartney’s festively themed One Foot in the Raveon the 12th December, plus The Chicago Blues Brothers on the 19th December.
VillaGaiety invites families to ‘Kickstart your Christmas’ with a weekend of events and activities on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th November. Younger children can enjoy Singing Jo & Co’s Christmas Parties, partake in a Dragon’s Castle Pop In & Play session or join Manx Family Concerts for one of two performances of Jonty Gentoo, based on the popular Julia Donaldson novel. Broadway Cinema will be screening the Christmas classic Home Alone with complimentary hot chocolate, and to round off a day of festive fun for the first time there’ll be a Christmas Family Disco where some special guests from this year’s pantomime, Cinderella, will be in attendance.
The Isle of Man Arts Council’s “Arts in the Arcade” also returns, offering festive workshops for all ages. Adults can start the festive season at the Bubbles & Baubles evenings on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th November from 6 to 8pm at the Villa Marina Arcade. These relaxed sessions give participants the chance to sip prosecco while painting their own unique festive bauble under the expert guidance of artist Kate Summerville. Tickets are £12 per person, with a
complimentary glass of prosecco included, and spaces are limited to 20 per evening. The festive magic continues on Sunday 30th November with two hands-on workshops led by Felicity Wood. From 10am to 12pm, families can create their own handmade festive garland, and in the afternoon, from 2pm to 4pm, they can craft a traditional Manx ‘Kissing Bush’, a Nollick Ghennal
tradition with a modern twist.
A festive treasure hunt, in partnership with Douglas City Council, will also run from 20th November – 7th December in Douglas City Centre, giving families the opportunity to head into town, spot the clues to try and win one of the brilliant prizes on offer - including one of three family panto tickets, all whilst supporting local retailers.
The highlight of the festive programme is VillaGaiety’s flagship family event of the year - the annual pantomime. This year, Stage-Ed returns with the magical tale of Cinderella, running from 19th -31st December in the Gaiety Theatre.
Stephen Palfreman, Director of Stage-Ed, said:
“We can’t wait to return to the Gaiety stage with Cinderella this Christmas. As one of the most beloved pantomimes of all time audiences can look forward to plenty of sparkle, laughter and Manx magic throughout. Our wonderful cast will also be out and about across the Island during December, so keep an eye out and be sure to say hello if you spot them!”
Tickets for all shows and events are on sale now and are available online at villagaiety.com, in person at the Villa Marina or Welcome Centre, or by calling the VillaGaiety Box Office on 600555.