What’s on in December
The Borrowers
Hull Truck Theatre
November 29-January 4
Discover a magical hidden world under the floorboards.
Arrietty Clock is an adventurous and spritely “Borrower,” secretly living under the floorboards of a country house in rural East Yorkshire with her family. This small but perfectly formed family borrow from the humans above – furnishing their home and fuelling their appetites with their finds. But Arrietty longs for freedom and fresh air.
As Arrietty hits her teenage years, she begins to join her father, Pod, on special borrowing quests – much to the dismay of her mother. However, the Borrowers have one simple rule: to remain hidden from the “human-beans,” especially Mrs Driver, a bad-tempered housekeeper and Crampfurl, the rebellious gardener.
When an evacuee, a human boy from neighbouring Hull, arrives in the main house, Arrietty becomes curious – and starts making mistakes. This results in the family undertaking an epic journey into the unknown to find a new home.
Set against a backdrop of Christmas in East Yorkshire during the 1940s Blitz, this enchanting family friendly production explores themes of adventure, friendship and the joy of love and togetherness.
A perfect alternative to pantomime during the festive season, magically captivating audiences of all ages.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Hull New Theatre
December 11-31
Enter a world of wonder at the region’s largest pantomime, as the magical Goldilocks and the Three Bears comes to Hull New Theatre for Christmas 2024!
For three weeks only the theatre will be transformed into a sensational circus, where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen.
This festive extravaganza is packed with riotous comedy, extraordinary special effects, hair-raising stunts and international circus acts!
Goldilocks’ circus is under threat from an evil rival circus owner and, with the help of their madcap circus friends, they’re battling to rescue their Big Top from ruin. Will they succeed? All seems lost, until three brilliant bears join the gang…
Roll up, roll up to see panto join the circus, and be swept away by a pantomime spectacular that’s just right!
Rapunzel
Hull Truck Theatre
December 12-29
Fairytales, mysteries, short stories, poems, cookbooks, puzzle books, you name it, and Rapunzel has read it!
A complete book worm and lover of Christmas time, Rapunzel can get lost in a make-believe world for days on end, stopping only for snacks, to decorate her tree and to brush her long unruly hair!
But this year, Rapunzel finds herself in a bit of a festive funk. As much as she longs to step outside her front door and find an adventure of her own, there is something holding her back.
After years of keeping herself locked away, a sudden and unexpected opportunity presents itself, and Rapunzel finds that she may have bitten off more than she can chew as she embarks on a new friendship.
Can her new friend persuade Rapunzel to face her fears? Or will she be stuck inside to welcome in yet another New Year?
Celebrating and exploring themes of friendship, bravery and adventure, this heart-warming festive production will have young audiences and their families beaming from ear to ear long after the applause.
From the team that brought you Princess and the Frog, Jack, Mum and The Beanstalk and Tortoise and the Hare.
Recommended age: 3+
Treasure Island
Social
December 19-29
Middle Child’s rock n’ roll Hull panto returns to Social on Humber Street.
Wannabe pirate Jim Hawkins-Breadcake is out for adventure, be it sailing the seven seas or hammering it along the Humber. Problem is, he doesn’t have a ship, a map, or a crew of properly gnarly pirates.
But all that is about to change, when veteran sailor Bill Bones stumbles into The Sunken Poopdeck tavern to kickstart the voyage of a lifetime.
Can Jim find Captain Flint’s long-lost treasure and finally graduate to fully-fledged, ferocious pirate? Or will he be forced to walk the plank by Long John Silver and his gang of rambunctious rogues and rapscallions?
Find out in Hull’s alternative Christmas night out, featuring live music and raucous comedy from the award-winning Middle Child.
First performed in 2011, Middle Child’s alternative panto is a homegrown hit, with a different story chosen every year by our audience.
Catch us down Humber Street this Christmas to jump aboard and kickstart a swashbuckling new tradition, with family and late-night versions running from December 19-29.
THEATRE, FILM AND MUSICALS
December 1-2
Rod Campbell’s Dear Santa Live
Hull City Hall
From the author of the well-loved children’s book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell, comes Dear Santa and it’s LIVE! This show is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over.
December 27
Elf the Musical
Connexin Live
Featuring Santa’s flying sleigh, audience snowball fight, indoor snowstorm, a giant candy cane journey from the North Pole, aerial cirque stars and giant TV screens!
COMEDY
December 13
Lucy Beaumont: The Trouble and Strife
Connexin Live
Lucy Beaumont is going to let loose and slip on her roller coaster world.
December 20
LOL Comedy Club
Hull City Hall
Come see some brilliant comedians in the Hull City Hall’s Mortimer Suite!
MUSIC
December 3
Midge Ure - Catalogue
Hull City Hall
Experience a spectacular musical journey with Midge Ure’s Catalogue: The Hits Tour.
December 4
Afternoon Tea Dance
Hull City Hall
Dance the afternoon away with renowned Blackpool Tower organist John Bowdler.
December 5
The Unthanks in Winter
Hull City Hall
Touring their new double album In Winter, a dream-like winter fantasia.
A Grand Georgian Christmas
Hull Minster
Over 4,000 late-primary and secondary students will join Gabrieli’s world-class musicians across 11 performances in regional cathedrals around the UK.
December 6
The Illegal Eagles
Hull City Hall
Celebrating more than 50 years since the formation of the legendary West Coast Country rock band The Eagles in 1971.
Russell Watson Magnificent Buildings Concert Tour
Hull Minster
Come join multi award-winning tenor Russell Watson accompanied by world renowned pianist/arranger/writer Mike Moran in the magnificent setting of Hull Minster.
Hull Dub Club
Polar Bear Music Club
Roots reggae and digital dubwise all night long played through a bespoke bass-heavy speaker stack, featuring some of the UK’s best grassroots talent!
December 7
Voodoo Room – A Night of Hendrix, Clapton and Cream
Wrecking Ball Arts Centre
Voodoo Room are a stunning high energy ‘power trio,’ featuring some of the UK’s finest musicians.
Anything For Love – The Meatloaf Story
Connexin Live
The critically acclaimed Steve Steinman, now in his 30th year of continuous touring will be joined onstage by Lorraine Crosby.
Fairytale of New York
Hull City Hall
After three sell out tours, the ultimate Irish-inspired Christmas concert is back with an even bigger production for 2024.
Saturday Concert Series – Visages, Rachel Miller and Caroline Blair
Hull Minster
This programme is centred around Darius Milhaud’s series of miniatures for viola and piano, Quatre Visages.
A Very Eclectic Christmas
Hull City Hall
Featuring both our wind orchestra and symphony orchestra along with the Hull Freedom Chorus.
Collaging Workshop with Maddie Morris
Ferens Art Gallery
A collaging session using a mixture of queer iconography from magazines, books, and prints relating to Ulysses and the Sirens.
December 7-8
A Very Eclectic Christmas 2024
Hull Minster
Join the Eclectic Orchestra and Wind Orchestra with the Hull Freedom Chorus performing a whole host of festive favourites for you to enjoy this Christmas time!
December 8
Carols at Hull City Hall
Hull City Hall
You are invited to celebrate Christmas with those you love at Carols at Hull City Hall.
Albermarle Music Centre Christmas Celebration
Hull City Hall
This concert gives our young musicians the opportunity to perform in the City Hall showcasing a wide variety of festive music.
December 9
Christmas Memories
Hull City Hall
Neil Sands and his wonderful cast are back with the new 2024 production of their hit show.
December 10
Rock Anthems
Middleton Hall
Promising an evening of classic rock songs, with soaring vocal harmonies and epic guitar solos.
December 11
G4 Christmas
Hull Minster
Escape into their world of mesmerising harmonies, beautifully blended voices and impeccable showmanship within an idyllic festive setting.
AFO Choir
Hull City Hall
Join AFO Choir for an unforgettable evening as 350 talented singers and the renowned Humberside Police Band take the stage to kickstart your Christmas like never before!
December 12
Bowiesque
Wrecking Ball Arts Centre
Playing all the Bowie hits and choice album cuts with skill and precision.
December 13
Fever by Candlelight Concert – Coldplay vs Ed Sheeran
Hull Minster
Get your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay vs Ed Sheeran at Hull Minster under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Fever by Candlelight Concert – Christmas Films
Hull Minster
Discover the music of Christmas Films: Love Actually, Home Alone and more!
December 14
International Rescue
Wrecking Ball Arts Centre
A new album preview with the first 100 tickets getting a free limited-edition badge.
Chris Moyles 90s Hangover
Connexin Live
Iconic indie DJ Chris Moyles is bringing his live show to Hull this December.
City of Hull Band Christmas Concert
Hull Minster
An evening of festive favourites with the City of Hull Band.
December 15
Step into Christmas
DoubleTree by Hilton Hull
A sensational show packed with classic feel-good Christmas hits and a sprinkle of your favourite party anthems!
December 18
Lunchtime Organ Showcase
Hull City Hall
A great afternoon of music played on the Hull City Hall organ.
December 19
Swing Into Christmas with Down for the Count Orchestra
Hull City Hall
The 30-piece orchestra and vocalists present timeless songs from the golden age of swing music.
December 20
Mad Friday
Polar Bear Music Club
Get ready for the wildest night of December! It’s time for Mad Friday, with high-energy beats, non-stop dancing, and unforgettably good vibes.
Katie Spencer and Henry Parker
Wrecking Ball Art Centre
A sense of space and movement flows through Katie Spencer’s music.
Las Vegas Experience
Hull Minster
Join us for an unforgettable night filled with all your favourite Christmas songs, performed with a Las Vegas twist that will have you singing along and celebrating Christmas in style.
December 21
Christmas Ceilidh at Hull Minster
Hull Minster
Let your hair down and enjoy a fun filled evening in what has proven to be one of the most unique Christmas events in the city.
The Non-Stop Sixties Christmas Show
Hull City Hall
Tim Jibson presents the Non-Stop Sixties Christmas Show starring Spencer James, The Shakers, and Hull’s favourites The Aces featuring Dr Jive.
December 30
The Orchestra of Opera North – Viennese Whirl
Hull City Hall
A sparkling musical journey through some of the finest music from the Strauss family, as well as other classical masterpieces.
December 31
The Sesh NYE Party!
Polar Bear Music Club
Ringing in 2025 with live music and good vibes!
FESTIVALS, MARKETS AND MORE
December 1
Good Things Market
Fruit Market
Bringing you traders from across Hull, the North and even further!
December 3-21
Lord Mayor’s Christmas Tree Festival
Hull Minster
Dozens of decorated Christmas trees will again fill the Minster, available to view Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm.
December 4
Slavery In Our Communities
Wilberforce House Museum
In this talk, Louise Gleich will explore the evolving nature of modern slavery in the UK.
December 6, 14, 20
Bongo’s Bingo
Asylum
Your classic mad hat bingo, with raves, singalongs and prizes galore!
December 7
Christmas Market: A Day with the Elves
Trinity Square/Hull Minster
A market filled with arts, crafts and food from 11am-4pm!
December 10
Christmas Ghost Stories: The Ghosts of Hull History Centre
Hull History Centre
Led by Mike Covell and admission is first come first served, with a max capacity of 100.
December 14
Yuletide Gifts Market
Trinity Square/Hull Minster
Rock around the Christmas tree from 11am-4pm, along with annual pub carols from 5pm.
December 21
Sound Bath @ Humber Street Gallery
Humber Street Gallery
For those in need of a digital detox, lie back and relax as you ‘bathe’ your mind and body in the symphony and soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls and other instruments.
A Christingle Christmas Market
Trinity Square/Hull Minster
From 11am -4pm, with a Christingle service at 2pm.
December 21, 29
Old Town Tudor Guided Walking Tour
Old Town
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Hull’s Old Town with a guided walking tour led by local expert, Paul Schofield.
December 22
Santa Sunday 2024
Citywide
Meeting at The Kingston Pub at 2pm, join us for the biggest pub crawl of the year! Don’t forget to wear your best Santa suit!
December 31
New Year’s Eve Ball
DoubleTree by Hilton
Get those sparkly outfits on and party the night away for a night to remember!
EXHIBITIONS
Running until December 20
Outwith by Kialy Tihngang
87 Gallery
Kialy Tihngang is a multidisciplinary artist based in Glasgow who draws on her British-Cameroonian identity to explore Blackness, queerness, Britishness, and the crushing structural oppressions that surround these personal themes.
Running until December 31
Lionesses of Hull Exhibition
Streetlife Museum
Explore the rich history of women’s football in Hull through the lives of Carol Thomas and Flo Bilton.
Running until January 25
Gifted
Studio Eleven
This Christmas exhibition hosts the ceramic works and paintings of such artists as Shirley Vauvelle, Shelton Pottery, Kirsty Adams, Nathan Mullis and Myles Linley.
Running until January 26
Echoes of Our Heritage
Wilberforce House Museum
Echoes of Our Heritage is a captivating exhibition that explores the rich history of Black music.
Seen and Unseen Exhibition
Ferens Art Gallery
Seen and Unseen is a contemporary figurative art exhibition that explores the themes of race, identity, gender and diversity, nature and climate change, through the works of outstanding artists.
I’m Sorry, Annabel McCourt
Humber Street Gallery
Inspired by the artist’s own deeply personal experience of loss, this exhibition is centred on the powerful, restorative and healing experience of saying ‘I’m Sorry.’
Waves of Wonder: An Exhibition by Hull’s Young Maritime Creatives
Ferens Art Gallery
This exhibition is part of Hull Maritime’s ‘Young Maritime Creatives’ project. The project launched in May 2023 and has given grants to eight secondary schools across Hull to create an artistic response to Hull’s maritime story.
Running until March 31
Deanio X – To Heal A Butterfly
Wilberforce House Museum
To Heal A Butterfly creates a visual response to the Wilberforce Institute’s research on the ‘Sea Islands and Jamaica’ enslavement records, through a combination of improvisational portraiture, digital animation and sculptural installation.
Big events coming next month
JANUARY 10
ELO Experience
Hull New Theatre
JANUARY 10-11
Oh What A Night!
Hull Truck Theatre
JANUARY 18
Elvis The King’s Voice – Starring Gordon Hendricks
Connexin Live
Not The BBC Panto: Robinson Crusoe
Hull City Hull
JANUARY 22-25
‘Science’ by Luxmuralis
Hull Minster
JANUARY 24
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Hull City Hall
Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock Eternal Love – The Musical
Hull New Theatre
JANUARY 31
Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons
Hull City Hall
La Boheme
Hull New Theatre
Hosting an event? Send us all of the details via the form on the Visit Hull website.
While Visit Hull and Hull City Council take care in providing up to date and accurate listing and event information, details should be checked with the organiser at the time of booking.