Our top picks for where to join in the festive spirit in the run-up to the big day in Sheffield's cultural venues. Whether it's by getting cosy in front of a festive film on the big screen, enjoying a magical show at the theatre, or making merry at a market.
What's On
Our Sheffield culture calendar. Filled with picks of the city’s arts, culture and heritage events, both in-person and virtual. Plus reviews and festival guides.
Music picks
Make some dates with excellent bands and artists in Sheffield, with a hand from our Tom's choice of upcoming gigs.
Theatre picks
Our picks of the shows that are taking to the Sheffield stage over the coming weeks and months.
Film picks
Our picks of the cinematic delights on Sheffield's screens and online this month.
Art picks
Take a Sheffield art tour with our picks of the exhibitions and artists' events on now and coming soon – both online and in person.
Young Critics 2022
In May–June 2022, 12 students from Brinsworth Academy joined us for our first Young Critics programme. They went on trips to cultural places, met staff behind the scenes and took part in workshops to write about their experiences. Read their reviews.
Sound Junction – Mariana Vieira and guests
Fri. 1 December 2023
Firth Hall
An immersive showcase of experimental electronic sound. With special guest, Portuguese composer Mariana Vieira.
New Era Square Christmas Market
Fri. 1 December 2023
New Era Square, S2 4BF
Step into a festive wonderland at New Era Square. With twinkling lights, the aroma of spiced treats, and the joyful sounds of carollers. Followed by a children's event with Santa, crafts and performances.
Peddler
Multiple dates
Peddler Warehouse, 92 Burton Road, S3 8DA
Food, music and art in a former warehouse, one weekend a month. Plus kids craft activities on the Saturday afternoons. With bonus Christmas crafts for their festive edition.
PostNatures
Thu. 16 March 2023 — Sat. 2 December 2023
Graves Gallery
An exhibition curated by artist Victoria Lucas, centred around a painting of an imaginary landscape by JMW Turner. Exploring perceptions of reality and representations of the relationship between women and nature.
Guitar Classics: Craig Ogden
Sat. 2 December 2023
Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse
Join Music in the Round for an afternoon with the great classical guitarist Craig Ogden.
Sounds Of Now: The Hermes Experiment
Sat. 2 December 2023
Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse
Fronted by singer Heloïse Werner, this quartet presents a wildly imaginative programme of music – by the likes of Hannah Peel, Emily Hall, Meredith Monk and more.
Collection Display: Identity
Thu. 31 March 2022 — Sat. 2 December 2023
Graves Gallery
See how ideas around identity have been explored by a range of notable artists. Many artists examine aspects of both personal and social identity in their work, exploring themes such as race, gender, politics, class, sexuality, heritage and the body.
Winter Gala Concert
Sat. 2 December 2023
All Saints Church, Ringinglow Road, S11 7PP
Join Sheffield Chamber Orchestra for their Winter Gala Concert. Taking you on a festive, classical music tour to Spain, Italy, Hungary and Germany.
A Playground in the Factory
Fri. 10 November 2023 — Sat. 2 December 2023
Yorkshire Artspace
Renowned artist Paul Housley brings new paintings to Sheffield's very own art factory: Yorkshire Artspace.
Victorian Christmas Market
Multiple dates
Kelham Island Museum
Gather under the gaslamps and celebrate the start of the festive season as the much-loved Victorian Christmas Market returns to Kelham Island Museum.
Festive Makers Market
Sat. 2 December 2023
The Pavilion, Hillsborough Park, Middlewood Road, S6 4HD
Join RivelinCo in Hillsborough for their 2023 Festive Makers’ Market. Local artists, makers and creatives will share a wide range of products that are perfect for gifts.
Christmas Makers' Market
Sat. 2 December 2023
Orchard Square, S1 2FB
Head to Orchard Square and browse the wares of local Sheffield artists – with everything from bespoke jewellery to photography prints, children's clothes to cheese, ceramics, and much more. And enjoy some live music in the square while you're there.
Music of the Movies
Sun. 3 December 2023
OEC Sheffield, Penistone Road, S6 2DE
Watch the classics come to life in an afternoon tribute to the music of the movies.
Sheffield University Symphony Orchestra
Sun. 3 December 2023
Firth Hall
An evening of classical and modern music, bringing together the best orchestral players from around the university.
The Mowbray & Friends Christmas Market
Sun. 3 December 2023
The Mowbray, 118 Mowbray Street, Neepsend, S3 8EN
The Mowbray will be a cosy, twinkling candlelit hive of all things beautiful and delicious – with presents, music, food and yuletide tipples.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Christmas Kitchen Disco
Sun. 3 December 2023
Sheffield City Hall
Sophie Ellis-Bextor brings her online lockdown event from her kitchen to the stage, with a special Christmas Kitchen Disco tour.
Lunchtime Concert: Historically Informed Performances
Multiple dates
Firth Hall
A free, informal performances of early music and classical pieces that have been researched by students.
Graphic Novel Reading Room
Multiple dates
The Treehouse Board Game Cafe
Delve into graphic novels further, or perhaps for the first time, at this relaxed social event.
New Music Ensemble
Wed. 6 December 2023
Firth Hall
A rush-hour concert from an ensemble who perform new compositions written in the Department of Music at Sheffield Uni and with collaborators.
Community Kino: Made In Dagenham
Wed. 6 December 2023
Theatre Deli
Join Community Kino to learn about the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination. Do some collaging, pick up a zine, and stick around for a panel discussion after the film.
Elf
Multiple dates
After realising he doesn't fit in with the other elves, Buddy sets out to find a place where he belongs – in search of his dad in New York City.
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Fri. 20 October 2023 — Thu. 7 December 2023
The true story of the serial murder of members of the oil-wealthy Osage Nation in 1920s Oklahoma, one of the most gruesome events in American history. Legendary director Martin Scorsese presents an epic western crime saga, with unspeakable betrayal.
Key Of She: Musical Improvisation Jam Night
Multiple dates
Theatre Deli
A jam night for women and marginalised genders to explore musical improvisation. Held every first Thursday of the month.
Femme
Fri. 1 December 2023 — Thu. 7 December 2023
The Light, The Moor, S1 4PF
Jules's life and career as a drag queen is destroyed one night by a homophobic attack. Months later, Jules has a chance encounter with his attacker at a gay sauna, and crosses the line between seduction and power to exact revenge.
Offbeat: Christmas Special
Fri. 8 December 2023
Raynor Lounge, Sheffield University Student Union, Glossop Road, S10 2TN
Join Sheffield's legendary indie-pop club night Offbeat for its 2023 Christmas Special. Expect classic, current and Christmassy left-field indie tunes, plus the top 10 songs of the year as voted for by Offbeat fans.
Focus on the Viola
Fri. 8 December 2023
Upper Chapel, Norfolk St, Sheffield S1 2JD
Ensemble 360's Rachel Roberts pairs two great works for viola: Vieuxtemps’s expressive sonata and Rebecca Clarke’s hauntingly beautiful meditation.
Photomarathon Sheffield exhibition
Sat. 25 November 2023 — Fri. 8 December 2023
Sheffield Winter Garden, 90 Surrey Street, S1 2LH
An exhibition showing one day in the life of a city from hundreds of perspectives. Featuring photos from every entrant in this year's Photomarathon Sheffield, including the prize-winning snaps.
Colour and Light: Scottish Colourists from the Fleming Collection
Fri. 14 July 2023 — Sat. 9 December 2023
Graves Gallery
The four artists known as the Scottish Colourists were one of the most talented, experimental and distinctive groups in 20th century British art. Discover their dazzling interiors, landscapes, portraits and still lifes.
Bean Weevil
Sat. 9 December 2023
Delicious Clam
Delicious Clam's alternative Christmas do. With infectiously catchy grunge-pop band Bean Weevil and their sweet harmonies, odd-ball storytelling and shambolic sing-alongs. Plus punk rockers Rivalry, powerpoppers Post Archives, and no-fi dudes Jeuce.
The Sheffield Beatles Project: Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band & (The Beach Boys’) Pet Sounds
Sat. 9 December 2023
Octagon Centre, University Of Sheffield, S10 2TQ
A 30-person supergroup of Sheffield’s finest musicians celebrate two iconic albums of the 1960s.
Queermageddon: The Sequel
Sat. 9 December 2023
Theatre Deli
A night of queer joy and hilarious Sheffield-based comedians.
VHS Head, hellocatfood + support
Sat. 9 December 2023
Sidney & Matilda
An evening of live glitch- and sample-based music and visuals pumped through stacks of cathode ray tube TVs.
Firth Park Makers' Market
Sat. 9 December 2023
Firth Park, S5 6HH
Join local makers, bakers and growers for Firth Park's first Community Makers' Market this December. With mince pies, mulled wine, Santa and the Christmas lights switch-on.
Hagglers Corner Festive Market
Sun. 10 December 2023
Hagglers Corner
Get cosy and pick up locally made presents at Hagglers Corner. As well as the stalls. there'll be food from Corner Jammers, mulled stuff, Baileys chai lattes, and live music.
Joanna Whittle: Ghosted Ground
Mon. 24 July 2023 — Sun. 10 December 2023
Western Bank Library
Paintings inspired by research on travelling showmen and the traces they leave behind in the landscape. With documents from the National Fairground and Circus Archive.
Indie Kids
Sun. 10 December 2023
Picture House Social
Calling all indie-loving families with babies and toddlers: bop on down to the next Indie Kids disco. Playing indie and alternative music for little feet to shuffle to and parents to get nostalgic about. December's will be a Christmas special.
Home Alone
Sun. 10 December 2023 — Mon. 11 December 2023
The Light, The Moor, S1 4PF
A festive film favourite. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is mistakenly left behind when his family flies to Paris for the holidays in this action-packed adventure. Screening at The Leadmill and The Light for Christmas 2021.
Martin Simpson
Multiple dates
The Greystones
47 years after he recorded his first album, Martin Simpson is one of the most well-regarded and decorated folk musicians around. Expect this special Christmas show to be spellbinding, fun, festive and full of special guests.
Madness
Thu. 14 December 2023
Sheffield Arena, Broughton Lane, S9 2DF
Since their emergence in the late 70s ska revival, Madness have become one of the most loved and most fun British bands of all time. They'll be playing songs from their new record and hits from their back catalogue.
Mullstock
Fri. 15 December 2023
Delicious Clam
Join DIY music venue Delicious Clam as they throw a Christmas party with Sammartino, Thee Mightees, R. Loomes, and Bebo. Plus karaoke and mulled drinks to carry you on til late. All money raised from ticket sales will be going towards Palestine.
The Good Readers Club: Memoir & Biography
Multiple dates
The Writers Workshop, 14 Orchard Square, S1 2FB
A book club for writers, with editor Hannah Boursnell.
The Christmas Festival of Music – John Reilly and Friends
Sat. 16 December 2023
Octagon Centre, S10 2TQ
Singer-songwriter John Reilly and musical director Lewis Nitikman host their annual Christmas concert. With guests John Parr (of St Elmo’s Fire fame), Stannington Brass Band, Janine Dyer with Sheffield Community Choir, tenor Gareth Lloyd, and more.
University of Sheffield Chamber Choir
Sat. 16 December 2023
Firth Hall
A Christmas concert from the uni's dynamic choir, led by new student musical director Joseph Banerjee. Performing Mendelssohn’s 6 Motets (Op 79), Gabriel’s Message by Jim Clements, and Puer Nobis by Richard Rodney Bennett.
Open Up Sheffield: Winter Exhibition
Thu. 16 November 2023 — Sat. 16 December 2023
The Art House
Join Open Up for a Winter Exhibition featuring work from the artists who took part their open studios event this year.
Walkley Christmas Market
Sat. 16 December 2023
St Mary's Church, South Road, Walkley, S6 3RX
A warm Walkley welcome and festive cheer, with over 30 local makers and creators – plus posh hot chocolates, live music, kids Christmas crafts, and a Search for Santa trail.
Oughtibridge Brass Band Christmas Carol Tour
Sat. 16 December 2023
Join in the joy as Oughtibridge Brass Band perform carols in boozers around Kelham Island and Sheffield city centre. Stopping at The Millowners Arms, Riverside Kelham, Kelham Island Tavern, Shakespeare’s, Two & Six Micropub, and The Dorothy Pax.
Meersbrook & Heeley Christmas Yard Sale
Sat. 16 December 2023
Have yourself an eco friendly Christmas and stock up on pre-loved gifts at the Meersbrook and Heeley Christmas Yard Sale.
Comedy Drag Show
Sun. 17 December 2023
OEC Sheffield, Penistone Road, S6 2DE
An afternoon filled with fun and laughter with the Funky Beavers.
Pattern Club Live
Sun. 17 December 2023
Theatre Deli
A solstice special of experimental, "pattern-based" performance. Featuring Leafcutter John, Tante Verte (Robyn Haddon, DS and Eye Measure), Peter K Rollings and his Experimental Sonic Machines, and Epiploke.
Tokyo Godfathers
Wed. 20 December 2023
The Light, The Moor, S1 4PF
Three homeless people – a former bicycle racer, a trans woman who used to work as a drag queen, and a runaway young girl – live together in Tokyo. On Christmas Eve, they find a baby in a rubbish dump and care for her as they track down her family.
The Unthanks in Winter
Thu. 21 December 2023
The Octagon Centre, Clarkson Street, S10 2TQ
A dream-like winter fantasia, with music capturing the magic and wonder of the turn of the year.
Earth Mama
Fri. 15 December 2023 — Thu. 21 December 2023
Showroom
Young, pregnant and single mother Gia battles addiction and the oppressive foster-care system to regain custody of her children. Caught in a system that expects black single mothers to fail, Earth Mama is the story of her fight to reclaim her family.
Godzilla Minus One
Fri. 15 December 2023 — Thu. 21 December 2023
A new crisis emerges in Japan after World War II in the form of a giant monster, baptised in the atomic bomb. Set in the period of the original film, it returns the king of monsters to its roots as a metaphor for Japan's postwar anxiety and grief.
Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Thu. 21 December 2023
Sheffield Cathedral
Join Sheffield Cathedral for a Christmas concert with the world’s most famous colliery band.
Dale Storr's New Orleans Christmas Show
Fri. 22 December 2023
The Greystones
Described by Jazz Journal magazine as the "piano man's piano man," Dale Storr is one of the UK's leading exponents of New Orleans-style piano. Join him for his Christmas show at the Greystones.
While She Sleeps
Fri. 22 December 2023
The Octagon, University Of Sheffield, S10 2TQ
An intimate hometown Christmas show from Sheffield band While She Sleeps.
Seven by 7 Festive Fun at 45RPM
Sat. 23 December 2023
Dorothy Pax
Join Seven by 7 as they celebrate 22 years of "open decks" fun and frolics with their festive bash at the Dorothy Pax.
It's a Wonderful Life
Fri. 15 December 2023 — Sun. 24 December 2023
Showroom
Released in 1946, this black and white iconic film is the heartwarming treat you need on a chilly December night.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Sun. 17 December 2023 — Sun. 24 December 2023
Charles Dickens’s Christmas Carol can sometimes be a bit of a grizzly tale (especially when the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come appears on the scene), but the Muppets brighten the Christmas tale right up.
Die Hard
Fri. 15 December 2023 — Sun. 24 December 2023
It's that time of year again... where friends, families and strangers on the internet argue over whether Die Hard is a Christmas film. Seeing John McClane take on Hans Gruber at this time of year is almost as much of a tradition as Christmas itself.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Fri. 15 December 2023 — Sun. 24 December 2023
A brilliantly imaginative, dark fantasy stop-motion animated musical. Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and attempts to bring Christmas under his control. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Handmade for Christmas
Sat. 21 October 2023 — Sun. 24 December 2023
Millennium Gallery
A showcase of gifts that are truly special, created by talented makers from across Sheffield, Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
Grease Singalong Cinema
Thu. 28 December 2023
OEC Sheffield, Penistone Road, S6 2DE
Sing and dance along with Sandy, Danny and the gang at this fun screening, with drag host.
Beauty and the Beast Singalong Cinema
Thu. 28 December 2023
OEC Sheffield, Penistone Road, S6 2DE
A magical family-friendly singalong to the classic fairytale film.
Classical Sheffield Festive Programme
Sat. 2 December 2023 — Sat. 30 December 2023
Orchestras, choirs, soloists, conductors, composers – and everything in between – are hosting festive concerts across the city this December. Including concerts for little ones with Concerteenies.
A Town Called Christmas
Fri. 15 December 2023 — Sat. 30 December 2023
Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse
A story of magic, music and mayhem, for ages 3+. Our hero crash-lands in a crumbling town where only the long-forgotten fables, a cantankerous caretaker and a glitching robot remain. Can they save the day, and the town called Christmas?
Robin Hood and His Merry Men
Wed. 27 December 2023 — Sun. 31 December 2023
Sheffield City Hall
Join Manor Operatic Society for a magical adventure through Sherwood Forest as they bring their annual festive panto to the City Hall.
The Sheffield Carols
Sun. 12 November 2023 — Mon. 1 January 2024
A folk tradition, filling pubs with the sound of locally written songs that have passed down the generations. Gather in the pubs to join in the sings this November and December.
The Boy and the Heron
Tue. 26 December 2023 — Thu. 4 January 2024
A hand-drawn fantasy based on director Hayao Miyazaki's childhood and his career at Studio Ghibli. In World War II, young Mahito flees Tokyo for the countryside and enters a fantastic realm through a tower with mysterious history tied to his family.
Cornucopia
Sat. 18 November 2023 — Sat. 6 January 2024
Cupola Gallery
Share the joy and beauty of creativity at Cupola's Christmas exhibition. A joyous celebration of the human spirit of generosity, with work by over 60 artists.
Beauty and the Beast
Fri. 8 December 2023 — Sun. 7 January 2024
Lyceum Theatre
2023's fun-filled Lyceum pantomime. A fairy-tale extravaganza starring Duncan James from Blue, CBeebies' Jennie Dale, and legendary Dame Damian Williams.
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Sat. 9 December 2023 — Sat. 13 January 2024
Crucible Theatre
This year's Crucible Christmas musical is a feel-good family favourite, featuring the songs Blue Skies, Sisters, and White Christmas.
Pioneers: John Ruskin, William Morris and the Bauhaus
Thu. 19 October 2023 — Sun. 21 January 2024
Millennium Gallery
An exhibition exploring how John Ruskin, William Morris and the students and masters of the Bauhaus shaped our understanding of art and design. They were united by a common belief – that design and making can improve everyday life.
A Tribute To 90’s Britpop & Indie Classics
Sat. 3 February 2024 — Sun. 4 February 2024
OEC Sheffield, Penistone Road, S6 2DE
A tribute night full of 90s indie nostalgia.
Before, During & After: Here Now (How To Keep The Balance)
Thu. 28 September 2023 — Sun. 18 February 2024
Site Gallery
“A place to confront fears of failure gently.” Read our review of Appau Jnr Boakye-Yiadom's installation. Centred on learning to play the drums, sharing wisdom and embracing the unknown.
The Vaccines
Mon. 19 February 2024
The Octagon, University of Sheffield, S10 2TQ
The Vaccines are back with their sixth album, packed with euphoric hooks and melodies, plus deep emotion.
Jersey Boys
Fri. 22 March 2024 — Sat. 23 March 2024
OEC Sheffield, Penistone Road, S6 2DE
A tribute to one of the most iconic groups in music history.
Open Up Sheffield
Multiple dates
Sheffield's huge annual artists' open studios event. The open call for artists for 2024 is open 1 October–31 January.
Peace in the Park
Sat. 8 June 2024
The Ponderosa
Music, community arts and positive vibes in the spring sunshine. Come back soon for the date and details of the next Peace in the Park in 2024.
No Bounds
A weekend of bleeps, beats and sweaty grins. Bringing together music, visual art, and technology. No Bounds 2023 has been postponed – the festival will return in October 2024. Details TBC.
City of Rivers
Fri. 24 November 2023 — Sun. 3 November 2024
Weston Park Museum
An exhibition of stories, objects, artwork, film and photography chronicling Sheffield's relationship with its waterways.
Portraiture and the Human Figure
Thu. 16 March 2023 — Sun. 8 December 2024
Graves Gallery
“A celebration of being, making and looking.” Read our writer Wemmy's review of this inspiring exhibition full of love letters to bodies.