A Christmas day out with friends is always a must for us — and this year it came with tiny Belle dresses, and a lot of excitement over public transport.
We headed to the panto with a friend and our two little girls, both two years old, both at that magical age where everything feels exciting. The destination? Grand Theatre Blackpool for Beauty and the Beast — the perfect festive outing.
We got the bus- obviously the most exciting way to travel. Sitting on the bench, paying our pennies, pressing the bell. Honestly, the journey alone felt like part of the adventure. There was even a quick game of hide and seek before going in — hiding under an A-board, because that’s peak toddler entertainment. 
Once inside, we unloaded the backpack from the pram (you know the drill — snacks, spare snacks, emergency snacks, wipes, and more snacks). We were seated in a box, which turned out to be an absolute game changer. The girls were wide-eyed, taking it all in, surrounded by other excited little panto-goers.
We’d chosen a school show, which I would 100% recommend if you’re going with toddlers. Expecting two-year-olds to sit quietly through a full performance is… optimistic. This was spot on — relaxed, child-friendly, and full of movement and noise in the best possible way.
Our box had:
-A brilliant view
-Space to move around
-Room to set up a full snack station
-Floor space for lying down, wiggling, playing — you know, all the things two-year-olds love
At the interval, sweets were consumed and the girls, in their matching Belle dresses, provided their own half-time entertainment. Dancing, twirling, showing off — truly stealing the show.
The panto itself was so much fun. The girls loved the waving, the dancing, and especially the moments when all the children laughed together. There was a ghost character they adored spotting throughout the show — hands down the highlight for them. They watched so much more than we expected and did incredibly well, soaking it all in.
Surrounded by lots of other boys and girls, it felt like festive, relaxing chaos — the kind that fills your heart even if it empties your energy reserves. Did us mummies get time to properly catch up? Of course not. But was it the most magical festive morning for our two little loves? Absolutely.
“Festive chaos, tiny hands, shared moments — these are the traditions that stay.”
I didn’t make it to the baby-changing facilities on this visit (sorry — no insider intel this time!), but it’s worth noting there are big steps for little legs. The theatre itself though? Beautiful. Full of character. And such a special setting for a first panto experience.
This trip has definitely found its place in my mind as a Christmas tradition in the making. As I start to shape what I want our festive season to look like — the rituals, the memories, the moments we return to year after year — this one will feature for a long time to come.
A really special day. For two little friends. And two very grateful, slightly snack-covered mummies.
