A Christmas Carol

Get into the festive spirit with Charles Dickens’ timeless A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic Theatre.

Follow the adventures of the wicked Ebenezer Scrooge as four ghosts transport him to the past, present and future during a life-changing night-time visit.

Will the four ghosts manage to make him change his ways?

Book tickets for this immersive Christmas production in its 9th consecutive year, securing its place as London’s longest-running staging of the Dickens classic.

What is the plot of A Christmas Carol?

A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a selfish, mean-spirited old man on a life-changing path following four ghostly visits one Christmas Eve.

The play follows the wealthy but miserly businessman Scrooge, who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future.

See how the supernatural encounters force Scrooge to confront his past mistakes and the consequences of his present actions, and whether they can lead him to embrace the spirit of Christmas and become a changed man.

Will Scrooge learn the error of his ways before it’s too late? 

Why you should see A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic

Get into the ultimate Christmas spirit and book tickets to see this classic novel come to life on stage.

Known for its magical atmosphere and thought-provoking moments of wonder and generosity, A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic is a heartwarming and festive experience suitable for all ages.

Get ready for a quintessential Christmas experience, filled with mince pies, music and merriment.

Seats can be booked on the stage itself for a unique perspective.

Who is in the cast of A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic?

The cast of A Christmas Carol has yet to be announced.

In previous years, the coveted role of Ebenezer Scrooge has been played by John Simm (Life on Mars, Grace) and Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who).

How to book tickets for A Christmas Carol

You can book tickets using the booking button on this page. When booking, you can select your desired seats and view ticket prices for this strictly limited run Christmas show.

The show is scheduled to be staged at the Old Vic Theatre from 12 November to 10 January 2026.

Please check with the venue for information about captioned, audio-described and British Sign Language (BSL) performances.

Where is best to sit at The Old Vic for A Christmas Carol?

The best seats at the Old Vic Theatre are in the centre of the stalls with a clear, unrestricted view of the entire stage.

Alternatively, you can sit in the Dress Circle for a great panoramic view of the stage.

What time are the performances?

Evening performances of A Christmas Carol generally start at 7pm Mondays to Saturdays and at 2pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.

What is the running time of A Christmas Carol?

The running time for A Christmas Carol is two hours, including a 20-minute interval.

The Old Vic venue details

A Christmas Carol is playing at The Old Vic in Waterloo.

How to get there:

• Underground – The nearest train station is Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines), which is just a two-minute walk from the venue. Blackfriars (District and Circle lines) and Southwark (Jubilee line) are also nearby.
• Bus – The following buses stop nearby: 1, 68, 171, 172, 176, 188.
• Cycle – Hire a Santander Cycles bike and ride direct to the Old Vic Theatre. Docking stations can be found nearby on Webber Street, Lower Marsh and Waterloo Road.

What is the age recommendation for this show?

A Christmas Carol is recommended for ages 8 and above.

What other Christmas shows can I see in London?

See the magical stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ beloved story The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre, lose yourself in the English National Ballet’s enchanting festive performance of the Nutcracker ballet at the London Coliseum or experience festive chaos and slapstick comedy in A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at London’s Apollo Theatre.

Find more Christmas shows and pantomimes in London to celebrate the return of the festive season.