Are you ready for the festive show season this December? (We know the answer is yes!)
From traditional ballet to classic tales reimagined, come in from the cold this Christmas and escape to another world. The UK’s capital offers unmatched theatrical experiences for the whole family – start a new tradition this festive season and catch one of these quality Christmas shows in London.
1. The Nutcracker
London Coliseum, 11th December 2025 – 11th January 2026
There’s nothing as traditionally festive as seeing this classical ballet during the Christmas season. The English National Ballet brings this all-new interpretation to the stage, combining exquisite dancing with spectacular sets and costumes. Set in Edwardian London on Christmas Eve, Clara’s mother is hosting a lavish party while she is whisked away to another world unnoticed.
An encounter with an enchanted nutcracker doll finds her travelling to the Land of Sweets & Delights, where the Sugar Plum Fairy throws a celebration in her honour. The English National Ballet Philharmonic performs Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live.
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2. A Christmas Carol by Jack Thorne
The Old Vic, 12th November 2025 – 10th January 2026
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Charles Dickens’ beloved story has been injected with fresh, dynamic energy by acclaimed playwright Jack Thorne. Audiences are at the heart of the action as the auditorium is filled to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment for this unique staging. Stunning visuals and a soaring musical score bring Ebenezer Scrooge’s night of redemption to life! He’s visited by the spirits of Christmases past, present and future to learn the error of his miserly ways.
Director Matthew Warchus brings urgency, warmth and theatrical spectacle while staying true to the heart of Dickens’ timeless message of peace and goodwill to all.
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3. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Shakespeare’s Globe, 18th November 2025 – 31st January 2026
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This December, get ready to experience Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in a whole new light! Running from 18th November 2025 to 31st January 2026, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is being staged in the beautifully intimate and candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe. It’s the very first time this play has been performed in this stunning indoor space, offering a unique, wintry, and cosy atmosphere for one of the Bard’s most popular works.
The story sees a group of lovers escape a society ruled by ‘tyrannical law,’ only to stumble into a forest where the fierce dispute between the Fairy King and Queen, Oberon and Titania, is causing chaos. This show is set up to be a compelling, intense and dramatic take on a familiar play – a perfect piece of magic and mischief for the depths of winter.
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4. Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
Apollo Theatre, 6th December 2025 – 25th January 2026
Get ready for a festive theatrical disaster! If you’re looking for a hilarious dose of Christmas cheer with a side of chaos, you absolutely must check out the return of ‘Christmas Carol Goes Wrong’ this December. The multi-award-winning team at Mischief – the brilliant minds behind ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ – are bringing their signature brand of mishap-laden comedy back to the West End.
The show follows the famously accident-prone Cornley Amateur Drama Society as they attempt to stage a production of Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. As you might expect, though, everything that can go wrong absolutely will.
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5. Into The Woods
Bridge Theatre, 2nd December 2025 – 1th April 2026
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If you’re looking for a perfect theatrical treat to kick off the festive season this December, look no further! Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s magical musical, Into the Woods, is coming to the Bridge Theatre.
This stunning production gathers all your favourite fairy tale characters – including the Baker and his Wife, Cinderella, Jack (and the beanstalk) and Little Red Ridinghood – and whisks them away on a journey of wishes, spells and consequences. This exciting revival features a fantastic cast and creative team ready to bring the woods to life!
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Kids Shows!
6. Stick Man
Bloomsbury Theatre, 4th December 2025 – 4th January 2026
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Stick Man lives in the family tree, with his Stick Lady Love and their three stick children. Based on the beloved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Stick Man is the perfect introduction to theatre for small children. It follows Stick Man as his morning jog becomes a misadventure. A dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him and he even ends up on a fire!
How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas? Expect puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves.
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7. The Snowman
Peacock Theatre, 22nd November 2025 – 4th January 2026
It’s not Christmas until you’ve watched Raymond Briggs’s classic animation brought to life, and this year you can get even closer to the magic on stage. The Boy and his Snowman embark on a magical adventure far across the world. Together, they meet a host of woodland creatures, an assemblage of international Snowmen and even a dancing Pineapple.
Directed by Bill Alexander, it features music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including the timeless classic Walking in the Air, accompanied by a live orchestra. A truly magical Christmas family experience not to be missed.
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8. Pinocchio
Shakespeare’s Globe, 22nd November 2025 – 4th January 2026
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The enchanting tale of Pinocchio will be gracing the stage at Shakespeare’s Globe throughout this festive season. This isn’t your average show; it’s the premiere of a ‘magical, unmissable new musical’ running from November to January 2026! It’s perfect for the whole family (ages 5+) and promises to be a warm, fun and surprising way to celebrate the winter holidays in London.
This heartfelt new musical takes you on a magnificent journey with the restless maverick Geppetto, who carves a wooden puppet and names him Pinocchio. Experiencing this unforgettable story of freedom and family inside the beautifully crafted Globe Theatre makes it a truly special event.
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9. The Gruffalo’s Child
Lyric Theatre, 28th November 2025 – 11th January 2026
Get ready for a wonderful family adventure because The Gruffalo’s Child is back at the Lyric Theatre in London and its run covers the entire festive season in December 2025! Based on the beloved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this enchanting Tall Stories production offers the perfect theatrical treat for families looking for fun during the holidays. Recommended for ages 3+, the show tells the captivating story of the brave Gruffalo’s Child, who decides one wild and windy night to ignore her father’s warnings about the legendary Big Bad Mouse.
Packed with songs, laughs and adventure, this 60-minute adaptation is a witty and delightfully made piece of theatre. It’s an ideal length for little theatre-goers, guaranteeing a fun and memorable outing that the whole family can enjoy together.
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