If you visit London this Christmas, you probably can´t wait to see all the wonderful Christmas lights and markets. But one of the things you should also consider is going to see a Christmas show.
We already know about London´s fantastic West End Musicals that run throughout the whole year, but in addition to these, during the Christmas period, we can also enjoy some of the most spectacular Christmas shows in London.
Take the children to a pantomime or hold your breath at the circus. There is a Christmas Show in London for everyone!
Christmas Musicals and Theatre Shows in London
Elf
ELF is the funny and charming story of Buddy, who mistakenly got into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf. Too tall and not so good at his job, Buddy is the biggest misfit at the North Pole…and he knows he’ll never belong there. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his biological father (who turns out to be pretty high on the naughty list). After causing joyful chaos in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever!
- Dates: November – January
- Tickets: Elf
Christmas Actually
Enjoy the best Christmas variety show at the Royal Festival Hall this December. Curated by Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral) in collaboration with Comic Relief, Christmas Actually will capture all the heart, humour and good cheer of the festive season with live music, Christmas stories, poetry and comedy.
A feast for all the senses, this witty and enchanting evening will provide fun and laughter through a treasure trove of entertainment.
- Dates: December
- Tickets: Christmas Actually
A Christmas Carol
Adaptation of the novel by Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol”, in which Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy and selfish man, is visited by ghosts from the past on Christmas Eve. I have to say that we went to see this play a few years ago and we loved it!
- Dates: November – January
- Tickets: A Christmas Carol
Christmas Shows in London for smaller children
Below, we have rounded up the best Christmas shows in London for kids.
The Snowman
The Snowman is one of the UK’s most famous Christmas stories, and without a doubt, it is one of the most famous Christmas Shows in London during the festive period. The story consists of a snowman that comes to life and takes the boy who created him on an adventure he will never forget. Highly recommended if you have little ones. Children under two years of age are allowed in for free if they don´t occupy a seat.
- Dates: 18 November – 30 December 2023.
- Tickets: The Snowman
Peppa Pig´s Fun Day Out
Although it is not specifically a Christmas play, I think it is worth mentioning this show as if your little ones are anything like ours, they will absolutely love it. This play is being performed in local theatres throughout England, and we are very lucky to be able to enjoy it in London during the Christmas season. Children under 18 months can go in for free if they sit on an adult´s lap.
- Dates: November – December
- Tickets: Peppa Pig Live
The Smartest Giant In Town
Musical adaptation of the famous book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. When he sees a new shop selling giant clothes, he decides it’s time to buy some new clothes: some fancy pants, a fancy shirt, a lovely striped tie, and some shiny shoes. Now he’s the best-dressed giant in town. . . until he runs into some animals that desperately need his help – and his clothes!
This heartwarming tale of friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a puppet-filled musical adventure following Little Angel Theatre’s best-selling adaptations.
- Dates: 2 December 2023 – 7 January 2024.
- Tickets: The Smartest Giant in Town
Father Christmas Needs a Wee!
Father Christmas has to pee! A musical adaptation of the famous book by Nicholas Allan. Father Christmas is visiting… and he needs to go to the bathroom! In each house, Santa Claus eats and drinks the delicacies that have been left for him. But when he gets to number ten, he realizes that he’s forgotten to do something pretty important, and he really, really, really needs to pee! It’s a perfect combination of witty humour and fantastic music.
- Dates: December
- Tickets: Father Christmas Needs a Wee
Christmas Pantomimes in London
Santa Rocks
Santa is coming to the West End this Christmas in his own magical show for the whole family… Santa Claus is busy this year preparing for the annual Snow Ball, and all is going well until the evil Jack Frost sweeps away all his festive cheer in the North Pole. Will Christmas be cancelled? Will everyone live happily ever after? Help Santa with his merry plan to generate enough holiday cheer in time for the party!
- Dates: 24 November 2023 – 30 December 2023.
- Tickets: Santa Rocks
Pantomimes
Discover London´s best pantomimes this Christmas, including “Sleeping Beauty Takes a Prick”, “Aladdin” and The “Potted Panto”.
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker, starring the English National Ballet. One of London´s Christmas favourites. It is no surprise that tickets to see this wonderful ballet at the Coliseum sell out very quickly every year. A magical ballet featuring over 100 live dancers and musicians, and it’s certainly one of the most Christmassy things to do in London at Christmas!
- Dates: 14 December 2023 – 7 January 2024
- Tickets: The Nutcracker
Edward Scissorhands Ballet
The charming story of an extraordinary boy who brings a little magic to an ordinary town…
Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production of Edward Scissorhands has earned a place in the hearts of audiences around the world since its premiere in 2005.
Based on Tim Burton’s classic film and featuring hauntingly beautiful music by Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Bourne and his New Adventures Company return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.
In a castle on top of a hill lives Eduardo; a child created by an eccentric inventor. When his creator dies, he is left alone and unfinished, with only scissors for hands until a kind townswoman invites him to live with her suburban family. Can Edward find his place in the well-meaning community that strives to see beyond his curious appearance to the innocence and gentleness within?
- Dates: December – January
- Tickets: Edward Scissorhands
Disney on Ice
A wonderful Christmas Disney ice skating show is happening at the O2 stadium this Christmas. Disney characters such as Moana, Maui, Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy will make an appearance. A Christmas experience that little ones will not forget!
- Dates: December
- Tickets: Disney On Ice
Zippos Circus and Cirque Berserk
At Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, we can go and see the travelling circus with the largest circus tent in the United Kingdom. Here we can find two very different shows: Zippos Circus and Cirque Berserk.
Zippos Circus is the ideal show to go with the family, whereas Cirque Berserk is ideal if you want to see an authentic circus show, with impressive acrobatics.