What’s on in December

Monthly entertainment guide, in partnership with Visit Hull

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.

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