Zealous Productions · Updated 27/10/2026
THE SCHOOL
HOLIDAYS START
WITH A PANTO
School’s out on Friday 18 December, and Peter Pan flies into The National Theatre in St Kilda that weekend. Here’s how to fit a panto into the first week of the break.
Week One
SCHOOL’S OUT,
CURTAIN UP
Victorian government school Term 4 finishes on Friday 18 December 2026, and Peter Pan, A Traditional Christmas Pantomime, opens at The National Theatre in St Kilda two days later, on Sunday 20 December. The other six shows are on 22 to 24 December, the first days of the summer holidays. It’s for all ages, and there are only 7 performances.
Term dates: Victorian Department of Education, checked 27/10/2026 (school holidays Monday 21 December 2026 to Wednesday 27 January 2027). Catholic and independent schools can set their own dates, so check yours.
Pick a Time
SESSIONS IN
THE HOLIDAYS
- Sun20 Dec5pm
- Tue22 Dec2pm6pm
- Wed23 Dec2pm6pm
- Thu24 Dec11am3:30pm
All times are Melbourne time (AEDT).
Seven sessions over four days. With little ones who fade by evening, a 2pm show or the 11am on Christmas Eve is the easy pick. The 5pm and 6pm shows suit older kids and a night out with the grandparents.
The Panto Way
WHAT KIDS
LOVE ABOUT IT
A panto is an easy first trip to the theatre. Peter Pan is a traditional Christmas pantomime: a fairy tale told with laugh-out-loud comedy, hit songs and dazzling costumes, and the audience is part of the show. Boo Captain Hook, warn Peter when Hook’s behind him, and be ready for the big question: do you believe in fairies?
Meet Peter, Tinker Bell, Wendy and the Darlings and Captain Hook in our Peter Pan pantomime guide. Never been to a panto? Here’s what a pantomime is, and what to expect at a first panto with kids.
- 01Laugh-out-loud comedy
- 02Audience participation
- 03Dazzling costumes
- 04Hit songs
Our Peter Pan
FIRST SEEN AT
THE REGAL, 2022
Perth audiences first met our Peter Pan at the Regal Theatre in December 2022. These photos are from that season.
Getting There
THE NATIONAL,
ST KILDA
The National Theatre is at 20 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, on the corner of Carlisle and Barkly Streets. Trams 16 and 3a stop out the front of the theatre at stop 33, and the 96 tram stops at Luna Park (stop 138), a 350 metre walk away.
Driving, or bringing a pram? Our National Theatre guide has the parking, the bars and what to do with the pram, from the venue’s own website.
Good to Know
QUICK ANSWERS
When do the Victorian school holidays start in December 2026?
Victorian government school Term 4 ends on Friday 18 December 2026, and the school holidays run from Monday 21 December 2026 to Wednesday 27 January 2027 (Department of Education term dates). Peter Pan opens on Sunday 20 December.
When is Peter Pan on?
From 20 to 24 December 2026 at The National Theatre, 20 Carlisle Street, St Kilda. Sessions are Sunday 20 December at 5pm, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December at 2pm and 6pm, and Thursday 24 December at 11am and 3:30pm (Melbourne time). Only 7 performances.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Peter Pan is for all ages, an adventure the whole family will treasure.
Where do I buy tickets?
Through The National Theatre. Tickets are on sale now. All the details are on our Christmas pantomime in Melbourne page.
DON'T MISS
A THING
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