Please find below details of shows and events at Lighthouse Poole for December 2026.
The Elves and the Shoemaker
until Sunday 13 December, various times, The Sherling Studio
Exeter Northcott Theatre and Paddleboat Theatre Company are excited to present a brand-new version of the beloved fairytale The Elves and the Shoemaker. Age guidance: 3-7
The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
Tuesday 1 December, 7.15pm, Cinema
Peter Wright’s production of this festive family favourite sparkles to the wondrous swell of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral score, alongside the glow and grandeur of Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs.
Encore: Sunday 13 December, 2pm
BSO: Eternal Heaven
Wednesday 2 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Mark Wigglesworth conducts Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem and Mahler’s Fourth Symphony.
Moscow Drug Club
Thursday 3 December, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Lighthouse favourites curate a curious musical place where elements of Berlin Cabaret, Latin Tinge, French musette and storytelling meet… Originals combined with songs by the likes of Jaques Brel, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen and Eartha Kitt.
The Holiday – In Concert
Friday 4 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
The cherished festive romcom presented on the big screen with a live orchestra playing Hans Zimmer’s enchanting score.
Studio Jazz & SoundCellar: Tom Ollendorff Quartet
Friday 4 December, 7.45pm, The Sherling Studio
Best known for his singular guitar voice, melodic imagination, and emotional clarity, Ollendorff has become one of the most compelling young artists of his generation.
Live at Christmas with Sara Pascoe, Bridget Christie, Milton Jones & More
Sunday 6 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Catch comedy all-stars live in Poole for a spectacular festive show with Sara Pascoe, Bridget Christie, Toussaint Douglas, Milton Jones and Jen Brister. Age guidance: 16+
BSO: Winter Warmers
Wednesday 9 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Violinist Maria Włoszczowska joins the BSO in a programme of music by Corelli, Vivaldi, Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky.
Jack and the Beanstalk
Thursday 10 December – Sunday 3 January, various times, Theatre
Made in Poole especially for Lighthouse audiences, from the same creative tea that brough us Dick Whittington, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin and Cinderella in recent years comes this brand-new telling of the classic panto Jack and the Beanstalk. Chris Jarvis returns as the Dame with last year’s stars Sarah-Louise Young, Bernadette Bangura, Kieran Morris and Robert Rees.
Step Into Christmas
Friday 11 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Packed with everyone’s favourite Christmas classics, the show brings the spirit of the season to life with dazzling performances, stunning festive visuals, and a sensational live band.
Lucid Cabaret: No Ho Ho Ho Mo
Friday 11 December, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
The Lucid Cabaret returns under the guiding hand of Father Twistmas (who is definitely not þ in a false beard!) so while the kids are at panto, sneak down to our adults-only cabaret, where your stocking will not be the only thing getting stuffed!
Cara Dillon – Upon a Winter’s Night
Saturday 12 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Cara Dillon, whose ethereal voice has long been heralded as one of the finest to emerge from Ireland’s rich folk tradition, brings us her much-loved Christmas annual, Upon A Winter’s Night.
Coastal Comedy
Saturday 12 December, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Our monthly comedy club returns with headliner Nathan Caton, Joe Wells and inveterate over-sharer Dani Johns. Age guidance: 18+
Classically Kate Bush
Sunday 13 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
Performed by The Hounds of Love, leading interpreters of Kate Bush’s songbook, a rare opportunity to experience her music performed live with full orchestral arrangements, honouring both Kate’s experimental spirit and her catalogue’s classical influences.
Lunchtime Recital: Jesper Svedberg and Hugo Svedberg
Tuesday 15 December, 1.05pm, The Sherling Studio
The BSO’s principal cellist Jesper and his cellist son Hugo perform two Bach solo suites.
A Warning to the Curious
Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16, Thursday 17 December, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Two of M R James’ eeriest and most entertaining ghost stories are brought back to life – Lost Hearts and A Warning to the Curious. Age guidance: 12+
BSO: Handel’s Messiah
Wednesday 16 December, 7pm, Concert Hall
Laurence Cummings conducts one of the most celebrated pieces in the classical canon, Handel’s jubilant oratorio.
Dementia Friendly: White Christmas (U)
Thursday 17 December, 2pm, Cinema
Festive classic about a successful song-and-dance team that become romantically involved with a sister act. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney star.
Studio Jazz: Simon Spillett Quartet
Friday 18 December, 7.45pm, The Sherling Studio
Bring in Christmas with some classic, nostalgic Brit-bop sounds by a quartet packed with the finest in the business as Simon Spillett returns to Lighthouse after a few years’ absence with his Quartet featuring Pete Billington (piano), Alec Dankworth (bass) and Pete Cater (drums).
BSO: Last Night of the Christmas Proms
Saturday 19 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
What is Christmas if not a time to reconnect with old friends… so we’re thrilled to be joined once more by the wonderful pianist and singer extraordinaire Joe Stilgoe who will be showcasing his musical talents with a hamper full of Christmas musical goodies alongside festive orchestral favourites, and a first half of classic jazzy treats.
Coastal Comedy Christmas
Saturday 19 December, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
A special festive edition of our monthly comedy club with headliner Paul McCaffrey, the hilarious Paul Pirie and comedy magician Wayne the Weird.
Love Actually In Concert
Sunday 20 December, 7.30pm, Concert Hall
The much-loved Christmas heart warmer on the big screen accompanied by the power of a live orchestra performing Craig Armstrong’s unforgettable score.
BSO: The Snowman Family Matinee
Tuesday 22 December, 11am, Concert Hall
We’re walking in the air… Join the Snowman and James on their magical journey through the winter sky in this special showing of the festive classic on the large screen, accompanied by the BSO. Guaranteed to send tingles down your spine.
BSO: The Snowman and the BSO Voices
Tuesday 22 December, 11am, Concert Hall
Following a special showing of the festive classic on the large screen, accompanied by the BSO, the Orchestra is joined by BSO Voices for a selection of Christmas classics.
Miranda Sykes & Jim Causley – Midwinter Tour
Tuesday 22 December, 8pm, The Sherling Studio
Two of the UK’s most iconic folk voices come together for a festive celebration as Miranda Sykes and Jim Causley perform West Country carols, medieval and secular carols from around the British Isles, as well as moving settings of Christmas poems by Cornish poet Charles Causley.
BSO: Celebration of Christmas Carols
Wednesday 23 December, 7pm, Concert Hall
Gavin Carr conducts Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Youth Chorus in a concert devoted to the best traditional carols ever written.
Tickets and information: 01202 280000
