Disney's The Lion King Plays the Pantages Theatre

Disney's The Lion King is closing out the year at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, with the touring production landing for performances on December 29 and 30, 2026. Anyone scrolling through the usual roundups of things to do in Los Angeles over the holiday week can count on this one being near the top: Julie Taymor's staging has kept audiences coming back since the show first hit Broadway, and a stop at the Pantages remains one of the more dependable big-ticket options among LA events this weekend during the last stretch of December.

What to expect

The production is built around mask and puppet work rather than traditional costuming, turning the ensemble into a savanna's worth of giraffes, birds, and elephants on stage. It's a technique that reads as fresh even to people who have already seen the movie a dozen times, and the visual craft is usually what people talk about on the way out more than the plot beats themselves. The Elton John and Tim Rice songbook carries the emotional through-line, from Simba's exile to his return as king.

Families should plan for a full-length musical rather than a shortened matinee cut: the show runs roughly two and a half hours including an intermission. The stage version follows the film's story closely, with a few additional numbers written for the theatrical run.

When and where

When: December 29-30, 2026 (multiple performances) Where: Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Tickets: Ticketmaster (see sources below)

The Pantages is a destination on its own terms. The Art Deco theater has anchored this block of Hollywood Boulevard since 1930, and the building's lobby and auditorium are worth studying before the house lights go down. It's a short walk from the Hollywood/Vine Metro stop, making it one of the more transit-friendly venues in the neighborhood for anyone who'd rather skip parking altogether.

Getting there and planning around it

Hollywood Boulevard stays crowded through the week between Christmas and New Year's, so building in extra time for parking or a Metro ride is worth it if you want to grab a bite beforehand. Showtimes can vary slightly across the run's dates, so double-check the exact time on your confirmation before heading out.

Whether it's a first viewing or a repeat visit, a run of The Lion King at the Pantages is one of the safer bets for a family night out among upcoming events Los Angeles has queued up for the holidays.