‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself with all of the festive shows London has to offer! London comes to life during Christmas, offering a spectacular array of theatrical delights - not just musicals which promise to warm your heart and spark your holiday spirit.
In this post, we will guide you through the best 2023 Christmas shows and pantomimes in London. Whether you fancy a classic Christmas ballet like The Nutcracker, a classic seasonal story like A Christmas Carol or an alternative to a pantomime with Peter Pan Goes Wrong - London is brimming with so much to offer. Let’s unwrap the magic of London’s Christmas shows and help you plan an unforgettable holiday season in the heart of the city.
Top Kids Shows this Christmas
The Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo's Child artwork
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved tale The Gruffalo’s Child is heading to the Garrick Theatre in an enchanting adaptation of Tall Stories. The Gruffalo’s Child tells the story of one wild and windy night when she ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse. Tiptoeing into the deep dark wood, The Gruffalo’s Child will encounter mysterious creatures and discover whether the Big Bad Mouse really exists. This production is jam-packed with songs, laughs, and scary fun for everyone aged 3 to 103.
- Playing at Garrick Theatre
- Booking until 7 January 2024
The Snowman
The Snowman production image.
Experience Raymond Briggs’ unforgettable story about a boy and his snowman on the stage in an exciting adaptation at the Peacock Theatre this festive season. This stunning production transports audiences on an adventure to a winter wonderland that will leave younger audience members in complete awe.
- Playing at Peacock Theatre
- Booking until 30 December 2023
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out
Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out promotional image
Join Peppa, her family, and friends as they head to the zoo and the beach for a special party. Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out is a show jam-packed with songs, dance, and muddy puddles which makes it a perfect introduction to theatre for the little ones.
- Playing at Theatre Royal Haymarket
- Booking until 31 December 2023
Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out Tickets
Hansel and Gretel
Hansel and Gretel promotional image
Shakespeare’s Globe is bringing to life an epic new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel. Perfect for everyone aimed at 5+, this production is filled with music, magic, songs and a sprinkling of hope.
- Playing at Shakespeare’s Globe
- Booking until 7 January 2024
Christmas Dance Shows
Edward Scissorhands
Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands production image.
Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production based on the classic Tim Burton film, Edward Scissorhands, returns to the stage for the first time since its premiere in 2015.This is a witty and bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.
- Playing at Sadlers Wells
- Booking until 20 January 2024
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker
English National Ballet’s hugely popular festive production The Nutcracker returns to the stage in December. Performing at the magnificent London Coliseum, this ballet brings together more than 100 dancers and musicians together to tell one of the most beautiful stories of all. Set in Edwardian London, The Nutcracker tells the tale of young Clara and the journey she undergoes with her Nutcracker doll one Christmas.
- Playing at London Coliseum
- Booking until 7 January 2024
Christmas Shows in London
Elf The Musical
Nicholas Pound as Santa in ELF The Musical. Credit: Mark Senior
A festive hit in 2022, Elf The Musical returns to the Dominion Theatre for a strictly limited 8-week season from November. A brilliant stage adaptation of one of the best Christmas films for families, Buddy's story comes to life “full of exaggerated angles, art deco stylings and slick projections” (Time Out). This production isn’t just for families - everyone will love Elf The Musical as part of their festive season plans.
- Playing at Dominion Theatre
- Booking until 6 January 2024
Peter Pan
Peter Pan at the London Palladium.
Nothing says the festive season has arrived than with a family trip to see a pantomime. The London Palladium’s offering is one of the best the country has to offer and Peter Pan is the ultimate adventure to go on this Christmas. Now in its eighth season, you can expect fabulous sets and costumes, jaw-dropping special effects, and all of the spectacle and magic you’d expect from a show on this sale.
- Playing at London Palladium
- Booking until 14 January 2024
A Christmas Carol
Christopher Eccleston as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Photographer: Hugo Glendinning
Matthew Warchus’ big-hearted, smash hit production of A Christmas Carol is back again for another season at The Old Vic. Charles Dickens's classic Christmas story has been joyously adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne. Audiences will be immersed in this unforgettable story.
- Playing at Old Vic
- Booking until 6 January 2024
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Peter Pan Goes Wrong current UK tour production. Credit: Pamela Raith
Known for their award-winning production The Play That Goes Wrong (which is also playing in the West End), Mischief Theatre are delivering another unforgettable production. If you are looking for an alternative to the pantomime then Peter Pan Goes Wrong is just the ticket! Side-splittingly funny and extremely cleverly crafted - your entire family will enjoy this production.
- Playing at Lyric Theatre
- Booking until 14 January 2024
So whether you are counting down to the big day with a traditional pantomime like Peter Pan or fancy a brilliant alternative for your family with Elf The Musical - London Theatre’s has it all on offer this Christmas. Grab your tickets now from London Box Office and provide your loved ones with a Christmas treat they won’t forget this year.
