Christmas shows to watch in London in 2025

If you love combining your passion for theatre with the countdown to the big day, London has sackfuls of brilliant festive shows on offer. At The Old Vic, their cornerstone production of A Christmas Carol returns for its ninth year. But if you’re after a riotous comedic affair, Charing Cross Theatre will present Beauty and the Beast, a brilliant twist on the traditional pantomime that will have you laughing out loud!

A Christmas Carol, Old Vic

Paul Hilton for A Christmas Carol. Photo provided by production.

Returning to the stage for its ninth year, a trip to see Matthew Warchus’ beloved stage adaptation of A Christmas Carol is essential in the run up to the festive season. Audiences are invited to experience Charles Dicken’s classic Christmas story come to life in an imaginative, immersive theatrical experience that the whole family can enjoy this festive season.

A Christmas Carol Tickets

Ballet Shoes, National Theatre (Olivier)

Artwork for The Ballet Shoes.

National Theatre’s critically acclaimed stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s beloved story, Ballet Shoes, returns to the stage over the festive period. 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 adaptation of the book is a perfect treat.

Ballet Shoes Tickets

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, Apollo Theatre

Artwork for Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

From the creators of the smash-hit West End production of The Play That Goes Wrong is Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, a laugh-out-loud comedy production that will have you laughing your socks off! The production transforms 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

Beauty and the Beast, Charing Cross Theatre

Artwork for Beauty and the Beast.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the traditional pantomime, Beauty and the Beast is an utterly hilarious panto of the classic fairy tale - created just for the adults! From an award-winning team, experience a raunchy, queer retelling that will contain all of the gags and joy you need for a cracking good night with your besties!

Beauty and the Beast Tickets

Snow White, Emerald Theatre

Artwork for Snow White.

Another option for an alternative pantomime this season is London’s only all-drag production of Snow White, which will play at the brand-new Emerald Theatre. Featuring an all-star cast including Kate Butch, Kitty Scott-Claus and Kyran Thrax, this pantomime will have you laughing out loud in an outrageous retelling of the fairest in the land like never before.

Snow White 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 a ballet and there’s nothing more fitting than experiencing a production of 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

Sleeping Beauty, London Palladium

Artwork for Sleeping Beauty at London Palladium

A staple in the festive calendar in London, this year’s London Palladium pantomime will celebrate its 10th anniversary in magnificent style! 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

Elf the Musical, Aldwych Theatre

Artwork for Elf the Musical

How about this Christmas, you immerse yourself in a musical inspired by one of the most beloved festive films of all time? Elf the Musical is in town and stars beloved West End stars Carrie Hope Fletcher and Joel Montague. Expect to be immersed in the Christmas spirit with this story about a human who is raised in the North Pole and embarks on a journey to discover his true identity in New York.

Elf the Musical Tickets

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, Alexandra Palace

Previous production image for A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story

Mark Gatiss’ bold retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story returns to London this festive season at the Alexandra Palace. Full of powerful lessons and spooky thrills, this Christmas classic is the perfect treat to get you and your family ready for the festive season.

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Tickets

If you’re looking for some more recommendations for the festive season, we’ve got a guide on the Christmas shows for families in London in 2025 too!