In December, London turns into a winter wonderland, offering a dazzling array of Christmas shows throughout the holiday season. From enchanting London pantomimes that spread festive cheer to elegant ballets filled with magical beauty, there’s something for everyone. Delight in classic tales with a seasonal twist on the West End, marvel at graceful dance performances, or lose yourself in captivating theatre plays. London’s Christmas shows are the perfect way to celebrate the holidays and create lasting memories.
Book the best Christmas shows in London
Be sure to check back closer to winter to see what the festive takeover of the West End looks like - and book your tickets early so you don’t miss out!
Some shows have already been announced, bringing a joyful holiday spirit to London’s theatre scene and delighting audiences of all ages - no Scrooge in sight (for now). Take a look at the list below, featuring much-loved London classics as well as fresh, unique performances lighting up Theatreland this year.
London theatre shows
Wanting to catch a top London theatre show before December? Check out this list of not-to-be-missed performances that have stood the test of time in London's West End!
- Discover the destiny of two witches who test the boundaries of friendship and trust in the sensational musical Wicked.
- Follow the adventures of Simba as he embarks on a quest of its own before coming back to its tribe in The Lion King.
- Immerse yourself in the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, where the special effects alone are sure to leave you spellbound many years after The Boy Who Lived went to Hogwarts for the first time.
Christmas theatre shows in London
ELF The Musical
If there's one show that screams Christmas, it has to be Elf the Musical. This year, it's back in London by popular demand, taking up residence at the Aldwych Theatre for a strictly limited season. Reunite with Buddy, who was once a baby crawling into Santa's bag and grew up to become Santa's little helper. He truly believes he is one of the elves, unaware that he doesn't quite fit in. After learning the truth, he embarks on a whirlwind adventure in New York, bringing some serious cheer to the Big Apple. 28 Oct – 3 Jan
The Great Christmas Feast immersive experience
Experience the magic of Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol in a whole new way with The Great Christmas Feast, an immersive experience. Step into Victorian London as you enter this enchanting winter wonderland created by The Lost Estate, and embrace the festive spirit in style. For one night only, be Dickens' guest as he unveils the ghostly story we all grew up with, bathed in candlelight and the glow of freshly fallen snow. Enjoy a yuletide feast inspired by forgotten Victorian recipes while the cast delves into past, present and future Christmases, narrating the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. 14 Nov – 4 Jan
A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – Mischief Comedy
Rejoice as Mischief Theatre – the slapstick comedy pros – are back in the West End this festive season with A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong. Forget everything you know about Dickens classic, as the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society (still undeterred by their past catastrophes) gives it a go. Expect the usual Mischief mayhem: missed cues, flying props and a cast desperately trying to hold it all together. 6 Dec – 25 Jan
Top Hat
Step into the world of the Golden Era Musical, where dazzling costumes, spectacular choreography and timeless tunes come together in Top Hat, Irving Berlin’s classic musical, back in London just in time for the festive season. This glamorous revival brings grand Hollywood romance, a whirlwind of mishaps and high-energy tap-dancing routines to the stage, all brought to life by a talented cast featuring Lucy St. Louis and Phillip Attmore.
A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
Welcome the festive season with the return of Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol to the Old Vic Theatre for its ninth consecutive year. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge's adventures as he encounters four ghosts from his past, present and future, all trying to revive the Christmas spirit. Will Scrooge learn from his past before it's too late? 18 Nov – 10 Jan
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story
Following its successful West End run in 2021, Mark Gatiss is bringing back A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story – this time to the stage of Alexandra Palace Theatre. Step into a chilling world of spirits, as the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future appear with breathtaking special effects. 22 Nov – 4 Jan
Pinocchio the Musical
Watch the much-loved story of Pinocchio come to life on the Globe stage in this unmissable musical, set to delight the whole family this festive season. Restless Gepetto dreams of a more exciting life outside his small town and creates a wooden puppet companion called Pinocchio. Together, they embark on a series of adventures, meeting characters of all kinds and building a community of their own. 29 Nov – 4 Jan
Christmas ballets in London
The Nutcracker at The London Coliseum
More than 100 ballet dancers and musicians are bringing Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to life on the London Coliseum stage. Marking its annual return, this classic show follows Clara and her nutcracker doll on a magical adventure where they meet all sorts of characters. The Coliseum is bringing to the stage a fresh, dazzling production set in Edwardian London, featuring an exciting chase after the menacing Mouse King. 11 Dec – 11 Jan
Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes at Sadler's Wells
The timeless fairytale and ballet adaptation of the film The Red Shoes is back in London by popular demand, telling the story of a girl's dream to become the world's greatest dancer. See Matthew Bourne's magical, double Olivier Award-winning production, a tale of passion and ambition that has captured the hearts of generations of dancers. 2 Dec – 18 Jan
Christmas shows for kids in London
Stick Man at the Leicester Square Theatre
The Bloomsbury Theatre & Studio is bringing Julia Donaldson’s lovable Stick Man back to the stage this Christmas, much to families' delight. Join young Stick Man's adventures as he leaves the family tree, heading on a trip packed with chaos, mischief and surprises – made all the more spectacular with music, puppetry and dance. 4 Dec – 4 Jan
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show! at Theatre Royal Haymarket
Join Peppa Pig and her family on a fun adventure full of surprises as they prepare for the new baby's arrival in Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show! at Theatre Royal Haymarket. This Christmas, children and parents alike can expect an oinktastic experience as the whole Peppa Pig family prepares for their newest family member. Based on the beloved animated TV series and perfect for little ones, this brand-new live stage show is set to delight families throughout the festive season. 5 Dec – 4 Jan
The Gruffalo's Child at the Lyric Theatre
Another bestseller by Julia Donaldson, The Gruffalo's Child, is back in the West End this Christmas, delighting families with monster-sized fun. Follow the Gruffalo's child as she defies her father's warnings and embarks on a perilous journey through the dark woods, where encounters with the Big Bad Mouse and other mysterious creatures await. 28 Nov – 11 Jan
The Snowman at Peacock Theatre
Watch the magical stage adaptation of the Christmas classic, The Snowman, based on Raymond Briggs's book. Follow the story of a young boy who dreams of playing outside on a snowy day. His snowman comes to life at night before flying together through the starry sky to the tune of 'Walking in the Air', en route to meeting Santa and his reindeer. 22 Nov – 4 Jan
Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas at the Garrick Theatre
Maddie – best known from CBeebies – is bringing her hit Christmas show back to the West End: Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas, fresh from an Olivier Award nomination. Join Maddie as she dives into the origins of our favourite festive traditions, while her work experience at a snow workshop takes a chaotic turn thanks to two mischievous elves who might just ruin Christmas... 12 Dec – 4 Jan
Father Christmas Needs a Wee! at the Arts Theatre
It's Christmas Eve, and Father Christmas is busy delivering presents to overexcited children and enjoying the delicious treats that have been left out for him. However, he seems to have forgotten something important – Father Christmas Needs a Wee! Will he deliver all the presents in time for morning? 6 – 24 Dec
Best Christmas pantomimes in London
Jack and the Beanstalk at the King's Head Theatre
The family favourite pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, is back in Islington. Follow young milkman Jack as he finds himself in the spotlight when his mother's beloved dairy farm is under threat, and must face a fearsome giant. Join him as he embarks on a thrilling musical adventure up the beanstalk to save the town. 23 Nov – 4 Jan
Potted Panto at Wilton’s Music Hall
After a hit run last Christmas, Wilton’s Music Hall invites audiences back for 80 minutes of madcap fun with Potted Panto. Expect a whirlwind of laughs as beloved characters like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty take the stage in this Olivier Award-nominated show. Seven classic pantos, one fast-paced production – the perfect festive treat for kids and grown-ups alike. 3 Dec – 3 Jan
Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium
This year, the London Palladium marks 10 years of panto magic with a brand-new take on Sleeping Beauty. Expect big laughs and a festive dose of sparkle, with Catherine Tate, Palladium panto royalty Julian Clary, and impressionist Jon Culshaw leading the cast. The classic fairytale gets a fresh twist this Christmas – with a happy ending (of course) and plenty of madness along the way. 6 Dec – 11 Jan
Find more shows and musicals in London while you wait for the festive season to return.