11 of the best Christmas shows in London this December

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.

• Copy link

1. The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum

• 
  17th December 2026 – 10th January 2027

Nothing is as 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 hosts 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.

2. A Christmas Carol by Jack Thorne at The Old Vic

• 
  10th November 2026 – 9th January 2027

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.

3. Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at Wyndham's Theatre

• 
  18th December 2026 – 23rd January 2027

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.

4. Scrooge Cirque Extravaganza at Excel London

• 
  23rd December 2026 – 28th January 2027

If you’re looking for a fresh take on a holiday classic this year, you have to check out Scrooge: A Cirque Extravaganza. Running for a limited time from the 23rd to the 28th December 2026, this show reimagines Charles Dickens’ beloved A Christmas Carol. This show beautifully blends traditional musical theatre with jaw-dropping contemporary circus arts and acrobatics. It’s the perfect mix of festive storytelling and edge-of-your-seat spectacle that is sure to keep the whole family mesmerised.

On top of the incredible cast breathing new life into Ebenezer Scrooge’s ghostly encounters, there’s a massive bonus for the audience. At every single performance, one lucky ticket holder is guaranteed to walk away with £1,000 in cash from a lucky seat prize draw! Tickets start at around £30, so definitely grab them before this magical short run disappears

5. Dick Whittington and His Cat at King's Head Theatre

• 
  26th November 2026 – 2nd January 2027

If you’re looking for a classic pantomime with a fabulous twist this Christmas, head over to the King’s Head Theatre in Islington for their production of Dick Whittington and His Cat. This lively show stars RuPaul’s Drag Race UK icons Victoria Scone as Dragpuss and River Medway as the villainous Queen Rat. It’s a toe-tapping, pun-filled adventure that follows our hero Dick as he tries to make his fortune and save Islington from a rodent takeover.

For those organising a festive night out with friends who prefer something a little more risqué, you’re in luck! The King’s Head is also running their beloved Adults Only version of the panto. This famously naughty, 16+ take on the story brings all the glorious innuendo you could hope for. What makes the evening shows extra special is that each performance features a surprise guest star from the worlds of drag or musical theatre.

6. Ebony Scrooge at Sadler's Wells East

• 
  24th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

If you’re looking to shake up your traditional festive plans, Ebony Scrooge is exactly the high-energy remedy you need. Playing at the brand-new Sadler’s Wells East, this production gives Charles Dickens’ beloved classic a spectacular hip-hop makeover. Forget the frosty streets of Victorian London; this fresh reimagining transports us into the world of high fashion. It follows Ebony, a ruthless fashion empire mastermind and everyone’s nightmare boss, who has shockingly decided to cancel Christmas to focus on her landmark fashion show.

Guided by three mystical visitors, Ebony embarks on a transformative journey to rediscover her Caribbean roots and uncover the true meaning of happiness. Blending explosive hip-hop choreography, infectious comedy and physical theatre, the show is a feel-good spectacle.

7. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley at Park Theatre

• 
  24th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what happened to the oft-forgotten, bookish middle sister of the Bennet family, you are in for an absolute treat this festive season! Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley is the sparkling Pride and Prejudice sequel you never knew you needed. Set two years after the iconic novel ends, the story brings Jane Austen’s beloved characters back together for the holidays at Mr and Mrs Darcy’s magnificent estate. This time, however, the spotlight is firmly on Mary Bennet.

For anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London’s busy winter streets, this play offers the perfect cosy evening out. It’s a wonderful, elegant alternative to the traditional Christmas panto, serving up gorgeous Regency costumes, crackling banter and a genuinely touching love story that will leave you smiling. Whether you’re a die-hard Austen fan who knows every line of the book or simply someone looking for a feel-good romantic comedy to get you into the holiday spirit, Miss Bennet is a brilliant addition to your London theatre itinerary.

Kids Shows

8. Stick Man at the Bloomsbury Theatre

• 
  18th December 2026 – 23rd January 2027

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.

9. The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre

• 
  18th December 2026 – 23rd January 2027

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.

10. Pinocchio at Shakespeare’s Globe

• 
  28th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

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! 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.

11. The Gruffalo’s Child at the Lyric Theatre

• 
  28th November 2026 – 3rd January 2027

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 this December! 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 holiday fun. 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, memorable outing the whole family can enjoy together.