Christmas at Wolverhampton Arts Centre: Something for everyone this festive season

From Muppet magic and a wonderfully bonkers family panto to live music, festive folk and storytelling, there’s plenty happening at Wolverhampton Arts Centre this Christmas.

Christmas means different things to different people. For some, it’s all about family traditions, favourite films and a little festive nostalgia. For others, it’s an excuse to enjoy live music, discover something new or simply spend an evening in good company.

This December, Wolverhampton Arts Centre has a wonderfully varied programme of Christmas events, with something for families, music lovers, theatre fans and anyone looking for a festive night out that’s a little different from the usual.

Here’s what’s coming up.

The Puppet Folk Experience with The Muppet Christmas Carol

Friday 4 December | 7pm

What could be more Christmassy than The Muppet Christmas Carol? How about an evening that combines the much-loved film with live puppetry, music and a generous helping of Muppet-inspired mischief?

The Puppet Folk Experience brings together two lifelong Muppet fans, a cast of lovingly handcrafted puppet characters and plenty of acoustic mayhem. Expect familiar songs, banjo music, comedy, audience interaction and festive surprises before settling down to enjoy The Muppet Christmas Carol on the big screen.

A lovely way to kick off the Christmas season, particularly for anyone who considers the Muppets an essential part of December.

Find out more and book tickets

Jack & The Beanstalk (Sort Of!)

Sunday 6 December | 11am & 2pm

If you’re looking for a traditional Christmas panto, this probably isn’t it. And that’s rather the point.

Presented by Half Moon, Kid Carpet & The Noisy Animals bring their brilliantly bonkers version of Jack & The Beanstalk to Wolverhampton Arts Centre for two performances.

Kid Carpet hates panto. The Noisy Animals love it. Naturally, they’ve decided to put one on anyway.

Expect a beanstalk, a collection of noisy animal characters, songs, silliness, surprise grannies and something resembling an air guitar workshop. It’s loud, funny and completely off its beanstalk, with plenty to keep younger audiences entertained.

Perfect for children aged 3–10 and their families.

A special offer for our neighbours: Families living within a 15-minute walk of Wolverhampton Arts Centre may be eligible for 66% off tickets through our Reans 66 scheme. That means a family of four can enjoy the show for just over £10!

Find out more and book tickets

Live & Picking: Christmas Edition

Friday 11 December | 7.30pm

Not everyone’s idea of Christmas involves carols and sleigh bells. Some would much rather have guitars, drums and a room full of live music.

Our regular Live & Picking night gets a festive makeover this December, giving the next generation of musicians another chance to take to the stage.

Featuring five young bands, Root 5, 5th Avenue, Snake Oil, Split Second Fiasco and Parley, this is an evening for anyone who likes discovering new music and supporting emerging talent.

Deck the stage. Ditch the silent night.

Find out more and book tickets

A Winter Union

Saturday 19 December | 8pm

For those who love the music and traditions of Christmas, A Winter Union offers something rather special.

Bringing together five leading lights of the UK folk scene, this acclaimed festive collaboration has become a much-loved annual tradition, sharing reimagined winter classics, lesser-known Yuletide gems and original songs with audiences across the country.

Described by Songlines as “The only Christmas album you’ll ever need”, A Winter Union return in 2026 with their biggest live show to date, alongside the release of their third studio album, Through The Western Door.

Expect beautiful musicianship, wonderful harmonies and a warm celebration of the season. The sort of evening that leaves you feeling properly Christmassy.

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Festive Story Bazaar

Sunday 20 December | 7.30pm

And finally, something for those who enjoy a good story, a little laughter and the company of others.

Our much-loved Story Bazaar returns for its festive edition, bringing storytelling, poetry, music and plenty of good cheer to the warmth of the Arts Centre café.

Hosted by storyteller Peter Chand, Story Bazaar has been sharing extraordinary tales and cultural perspectives with Wolverhampton audiences for six years. Its festive gathering promises thoughtful, funny and entertaining stories alongside snacks, camaraderie and a good old-fashioned Christmas knees-up.

A wonderfully relaxed way to round off the year, particularly if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual festive entertainment.

Suitable for ages 14+.

Find out more and book tickets

Get creative in the run-up to Christmas

And if you’d rather make something festive yourself, we’ve got that covered too!

Our creative workshops offer the chance to try something new and make something lovely to take home. Try your hand at creating a colourful set of decorations in our Dot Mandala Christmas Tree Decorations workshop, or get crafty with our Christmas Stocking Sewing Workshop.

A lovely way to spend a few creative hours and add a personal touch to Christmas this year.

Make Christmas a little different this year

Whether you’re introducing the children to live theatre, revisiting a favourite Christmas film, supporting young musicians or enjoying an evening of folk music and storytelling, there’s more than one way to celebrate the season.

We’re looking forward to welcoming familiar faces and new visitors alike to Wolverhampton Arts Centre this December.

Explore our full programme and plan your festive visit.