Christmas shows for families in London in 2025

Are you starting to make plans for your family over the festive season? There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a magical trip to the theatre in London with your loved ones.

The city will light up with a fantastic selection of shows, from traditional pantomimes like Jack and the Beanstalk at the Lyric Hammersmith or charming alternatives like Ballet Shoes over at the National Theatre - you will make this Christmas one to remember!

Pinocchio, Shakespeare’s Globe

Artwork for Pinocchio

A timeless story, Pinocchio will be presented at Shakespeare’s Globe in a brand-new musical by Charlie Josephie. Follow the unforgettable story about a wooden puppet who is brought to life by the woodcarver and restless wanderer, Geppetto. This magical adventure will teach Pinocchio and Geppetto how to love and build a community of their own alongside weird and wonderful characters.

Pinocchio Tickets

Wendy and Peter Pan, Barbican Theatre

The cast of Wendy and Peter Pan. Photo by Manuel Harlan

Presented by The RSC at the Barbican, this wonderful retelling of Peter Pan is the ultimate show to enjoy in time for the festive season. Join the recognisable characters of Peter Pan, Tink, and Tiger Lily and embark on an unforgettable journey to take on Captain Hook in a show that discovers what it really means to grow up!

Wendy and Peter Pan Tickets

The Nutcracker, Royal Albert Hall

Yijing Zhang as the Snow Fairy and Artists of Birmingham Royal Ballet in the Waltz of the Snowflakes in The Nutcracker. Photo by Andrew Ross

There’s nothing more magical during the Christmas season than a visit to see The Nutcracker. Presented by the Birmingham Royal Ballet, this festive favourite will enchant audiences at the Royal Albert Hall. Be captivated by the glorious score by Tchaikovsky and experience one of the finest ballet productions in the world.

The Nutcracker Tickets

Jack and the Beanstalk, King’s Head Theatre

Artwork for Jack and the Beanstalk

Last year’s production of Cinderella went down a storm with audiences, with North West End describing it as “a brilliant piece of entertainment”! This year, we’re expecting Islington’s family pantomime to once again deliver a festive treat. Their production of Jack and the Beanstalk promises to be a full riot of slapstick, show tunes, and spectacle - everything you want from a family pantomime!

Ballet Shoes, National Theatre (Olivier)

Artwork for The Ballet Shoes.

The critically acclaimed stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved story returns to the National Theatre for another run from November. The enchanting production, set in 1930s London, follows the story of three adopted sisters who must utilise their individual talents to support their guardian after their great-uncle goes missing. This brilliant portrayal of the book is a perfect treat for the entire family to enjoy.

Ballet Shoes Tickets

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, Apollo Theatre

Artwork for Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

If you love the West End production of The Play That Goes Wrong, you HAVE to book a ticket to see Christmas Carol Goes Wrong. From the same creators, this laugh-out-loud comedy production will transform the beloved Christmas classic into a chaotic disaster, filled with mishaps and mayhem that will make for a joyous trip to the theatre!

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong Tickets

Jack and the Beanstalk, Lyric Hammersmith

Artwork for Jack and the Beanstalk

Known for delivering some of the finest and most entertaining pantomimes in West London, you know you are in safe hands at the Lyric Hammersmith. In this year’s production, Jack and the Beanstalk, audiences can expect a show-stopping medley of musical bangers, jaw-dropping magic, and whip-smart comedy.

Jack and the Beanstalk Tickets

The Nutcracker, St Martin’s Theatre

Previous production image of The Nutcracker. Photo by Steve Gregson.

This joyful, inventive reimagining of the classic ballet by Tchaikovsky heads to the West End this year from the Olivier Award-nominated company Little Bulb. Inspired by an 80s action film, The Nutcracker features laugh-out-loud comedy and a sleigh-load of feel-good festive bangers for everyone to enjoy!

The Nutcracker Tickets

Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas, Garrick Theatre

Maddie Moate, Zain Abrahams and Kira MacCarter in Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas. Photo by Mark Senior

Nominated for an Olivier Award following its run last year, Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas returns to the West End for a limited run this December. Perfect for families, this show allows you to explore the mysteries behind our festive traditions and get the answers to some of your biggest questions around Christmas.

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas Tickets

Elf The Musical, Aldwych Theatre

Artwork for Elf the Musical

Did you know that there’s a musical inspired by the beloved festive film? Well, you'd better not think twice about booking a ticket to see Elf the Musical in the West End this Christmas. Carrie Hope Fletcher and Joel Montague star in the story of a human who is raised in the North Pole and embarks on a journey to discover his true identity in New York. Expect lots of catchy tunes and sackfuls of laughter!

Elf the Musical Tickets

Sleeping Beauty, London Palladium

Artwork for Sleeping Beauty at London Palladium

A cornerstone of the festive calendar in London, the Palladium’s pantomime celebrates its 10th anniversary in magnificent style with Sleeping Beauty this Christmas. Jam-packed with West End stars and pantomime royalty, this dazzling, high-energy extravaganza features show-stopping musical numbers, lavish costumes, and all the magic you want from this style of show!

Sleeping Beauty Tickets

The Gruffalo’s Child, Lyric Theatre

Artwork for The Gruffalo's Child.

Bringing Julia Donaldson’s beloved story to life, this production is the perfect introduction to theatre for little ones. The Gruffalo’s Child follows the brave little Gruffalo as she sneaks out into the deep, dark wood to find out if the Big Bad Mouse her father warned her about really exists. Told through the use of music, storytelling, and puppetry, this is a cosy, feel-good show that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.

The Gruffalo's Child Tickets

If you’re looking for some more inspiration for future visits to the theatre, you can look ahead to the New Year already with the best shows coming to London in 2026.