There are lots of magical London Christmas shows to enjoy this winter, from Christmas pantomimes and festive ballet to spectacular Christmas theatre productions and some top family shows in London.
Christmas Panto
Peter Pan - The Arena Spectacular at SSE Arena
Journey to Neverland with one of the largest pantomimes in London, Peter Pan - The Arena Spectacular. Expect an action-packed Christmas extravaganza featuring more than 100 performers, including BMX riders, trapeze artists, stuntmen and a host of celebrity names. 29-30 Dec Book Now
Dick Whittington at London Palladium
Follow the adventures of Dick Whittington during this side-splitting pantomime, starring Julian Clary, Ashley Banjo with Diversity, and Elaine Paige. This celebrity-studded show brings a festive mix of Christmas mischief, audience participation and lots of laughs. 9 Dec-14 Jan Book Now
Cinderella at Hackney Empire
Step into an enchanting world filled with fairy godmothers, singing mice and a spectacular ball during the rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella. Can Cinderella escape her wicked stepmother to find true love with her handsome prince this Christmas? 18 Nov-31 Dec
Aladdin at Richmond Theatre
Climb aboard the magic carpet for a fun-filled performance of Aladdin, featuring the legendary pantomime star Christopher Biggins. The whole family can get involved with the festive action in this London Christmas show packed with comedy, music and special effects. 9 Dec-14 Jan
Discover more Christmas pantomimes in London.
Musical Christmas Shows
Christmas Festival at Royal Albert Hall
Get into the festive spirit with everything from classical concerts and carols to Christmas singalongs at the Royal Albert Hall’s Christmas Festival. Spanning 11 days, this annual festival hosts some of the best festive tunes in town, including Handel’s Messiah sung by a 500-strong choir, Carols by Candlelight, and a Jingle Bell Christmas full of popular seasonal songs. 13-24 Dec Book now
Christmas Ballet
The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House
Explore the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets as The Nutcracker returns to the Royal Opera House. Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet is brought to life by The Royal Ballet in Peter Wright’s enchanting production, filled with classic characters Drosselmeyer, the Mouse King and Sugar Plum Fairy. 5 Dec-10 Jan Book now
Cinderella at Sadler’s Wells Theatre
Lose yourself in a mesmerising performance of Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella at Sadler’s Wells Theatre this Christmas. Watch ballet dancers twirling across the stage, to the sounds of Prokofiev’s beautiful score, in this spellbinding love story, set in London during the Second World War. 9 Dec-27 Jan Book Now
English National Ballet: Nutcracker at London Coliseum
Fall in love with Tchaikovsky’s festive ballet as the English National Ballet performs Nutcracker at the London Coliseum. Join the adventure as Clara and her Nutcracker doll are led by magician Drosselmeyer into a magical world, featuring more than 100 dancers and musicians in this dreamlike Christmas ballet in London. 13 Dec-6 Jan Book now
Birmingham Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall
Take a seat in the magnificent Royal Albert Hall for the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. Performed by a company of 70 world-class dancers, the magical ballet follows Clara’s adventures into a wintry wonderland complete with a live orchestra, cutting-edge stage design and a series of beautiful costumes. 28-31 Dec Book Now
Christmas Plays
A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
See Rhys Ifans return to the stage as Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ tale of A Christmas Carol. Journey to the past, present and future, as four ghosts attempt to show Scrooge the error of his miserly ways in this uplifting Christmas show. 18 Nov-20 Jan Book Now
Nativity! The Musical at Eventim Apollo
Chuckle at a primary school’s hapless attempt to put together a festive production during Nativity! The Musical. Based on the Christmas film series, this family-friendly stage adaptation features many of its catchy tunes, including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth and One Night One Moment. 13-17 Dec Book Now
Apocalypse Meow: Crisis is Born at Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
Enjoy an alternative twist on the traditional Christmas show with Apocalypse Meow: Crisis is Born. Cabaret sensation Meow Meow takes to the stage to share tales of hilarious adventures and moving reflections by flickering candlelight in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. 20-31 Dec
Christmas Circus Shows
Slava’s Snowshow at Royal Festival Hall
Experience the award-winning Slava’s Snowshow, performed by a highly renowned company of clowns. The festive phenomenon mixes masterful clowning with dazzling theatrical effects, including a snow-filled finale in the Royal Festival Hall. 18 Dec-4 Jan Book Now
La Soirée at Aldwych Theatre
Experience one of London's most unusual Christmas shows with La Soirée. Expect a quirky and saucy performance filled with circus, burlesque, cabaret and contemporary acts during this award-winning variety show in its dazzling new West End home. 24 Nov-3 Feb Book Now
Family Christmas Shows
Cinderella on Ice at Winter Palace Theatre
Watch The Imperial Ice Stars’ international and national-championship level skaters twirling around Winter Wonderland’s Winter Palace Theatre during Cinderella on Ice. Packed with high-speed routines and daring skating acrobatics, the 60-minute festive London show presents an action-packed version of the traditional fairytale. 17 Nov-1 Jan
The Snowman at Peacock Theatre
Spark that festive feeling as the classic winter tale of The Snowman returns to enchant the whole family at the Peacock Theatre. Raymond Briggs’ Christmas story is filled with dance, storytelling, magic and songs from the film, as the two friends embark on a magical adventure to the North Pole. 23 Nov-31 Dec Book Now
Disney on Ice presents Passport to Adventure at The O2
Spend Christmas with Mickey Mouse and all his friends during Disney on Ice presents Passport to Adventure. Be transported to the worlds of The Lion King, Peter Pan, Frozen and The Little Mermaid through song, dance and spectacular ice skating routines at The O2. 20-30 Dec Book Now
Pinocchio at National Theatre
Discover the dazzling tale of Disney’s Pinocchio, as it’s adapted for the stage by the director of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the writer of Matilda The Musical. Join the much-loved children's character on his adventures to become a real boy, and sing along to classic tunes such as When You Wish Upon a Star. 1 Dec-7 Apr
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Ambassadors Theatre
See a selection of Eric Carle stories told using 75 incredible puppets on the West End stage with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. The iconic character emerges alongside characters from The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse and The Very Lonely Firefly. 13 Dec-7 Jan Book now