Celebrate the festive season with the sparkle of London’s stages - discover enchanting Christmas shows that bring joy, wonder, and magic to every night out.
Christmas Musicals
Experience the magic of the season with spectacular Christmas musicals in London.
From family favourites like Elf the Musical, to laugh-out-loud comedies such as Lovers Actually and Father Christmas Needs A Wee, London’s West End bursts with festive joy. For a winter treat that isn’t set at christmas time (but has christmassy vibes) check out Top Hat and Into The Woods, the musicals open for a strictly limited run this December.
Christmas Plays
Discover captivating Christmas plays across London’s theatres - from classic tales reimagined to brand-new stories filled with festive spirit.
Enjoy timeless tales like Twelfth Night and Pinocchio, delight younger audiences with Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas, Stick Man, and Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, or enjoy a twist on a holiday classic with A Christmas Carol, Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, and A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story.
Magical West End Christmas Shows Families Will Love This Season
From festive favourites like The Snowman and A Christmas Carol to the newest Mischief Theatre show Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, London’s West End is brimming with family fun this Christmas. Enjoy some winter sun with The Lion King or cram in some extra revision with Matilda the Musical, these West End classics aren’t going anywhere this holiday period! Whether you’re watching a timeless tale or discovering something new, these festive shows promise laughter, wonder, and memories to treasure long after the curtain falls.
Christmas Pantomime Theatre Tickets
Oh yes, there are! London’s Christmas theatre season wouldn’t be complete without a pantomime. Join the laughter with Jack and the Beanstalk, or catch the hilarious Potted Panto, which squeezes seven pantos into 80 minutes of pure fun. For a cheeky, adults-only night out, Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story delivers festive laughs with a risqué spin on a beloved classic.
Alternative Christmas Shows
Looking for something different this festive season? London’s stages go beyond Santa and snowmen, offering unique shows that celebrate creativity and style. Enjoy bold storytelling and dazzling dance with Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes, or witness ballroom brilliance with Christmas with Anton Du Beke. From innovative ballet to immersive theatre, these alternative Christmas performances bring a fresh sparkle to London’s winter nights.
Christmas Shows FAQs
Do West End shows run over Christmas?
Yes! Although London theatres are closed on Christmas Day, the West End hosts plenty of performances on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, so you can celebrate the season with a magical night at the theatre.
What is the best Christmas show in London?
London’s festive theatre season shines with both classics and new favourites. Discover the heartwarming magic of The Snowman, or enjoy fresh festive fun with new productions like Christmas Carol Goes Wrong and Lovers Actually - each bringing its own sparkle to the city’s holiday calendar.
What is the best show in London in December?
There’s no shortage of spectacular shows in December. From the jaw-dropping spectacle of The Lion King and the brilliance of Matilda the Musical to the timeless elegance of The Nutcracker, London’s stages are filled with unforgettable performances for all ages.
What is the famous Christmas play?
The most famous Christmas play is undoubtedly A Christmas Carol, a timeless tale that’s been a seasonal tradition since Victorian times. London Theatre Direct offers several adaptations, each with its own twist: A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic delivers classic charm, A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story at Alexandra Palace Theatre adds a chilling touch, and Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at the Apollo Theatre turns Dickens’ classic into a laugh-out-loud comedy, as the members of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society try (and fail) to put on the show.