Christmas theatre in London is one of the best things about the festive season. From a flying snowman, to an enchanted Nutcracker doll, a Seussical musical, an Afro-fusion twist on Hansel & Gretel, and the first hip hop show for toddlers… I’ve listed my Top 40 productions for you to choose from. Here are the best Christmas shows to watch with your family in London 2018. Enjoy!
Don’t forget to check out our London Family Christmas Guide for even more ideas!
BEST CHRISTMAS SHOWS: BABES CHOICE
The Greatest Snowman, Pedley Street Station, Arch 63 Pedley Street, London, E1 5BW (Bethnal Green/Whitechapel tube)
This sounds intriguing. Funicular, the immersive theatre and dining experts, invite Londoners aboard a luxury train for a feast of entertainment and four-course dining. The indulgent menu, curated by BBC Masterchef: The Professionals finalist Louisa Ellis, features a tasty Three Bird Roast amongst other treats. Plus an entertaining storyline featuring Santa Claus’ agents and whistleblower Ed Snow. For ages 6+ (NB: no kids menu). Multiple start times (2 hour experience) from 1pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 6pm, & 8.30pm; tickets from £56-65 (Nov 21-Dec 23)
Seussical the Musical, Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD (Elephant & Castle/Borough tube)
Dr Seuss books like Green Eggs and Hamm, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Horton Hears a Who! inspire this toe-tapping extravaganza. Co-conceived by Monty Python’s Eric Idle, it’s tongue-twisting fun for all ages. 7.30pm, 3pm matinee; previews £14, tickets £25/concs £20 (Nov 22-Dec 29)
David Walliams’ Awful Auntie at Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AH (Euston Square/Euston tube/rail, Warren St tube)
After the huge success of Gangsta Granny, Birmingham Stage Company adapt another popular book by David Walliams. Stella heads to London with her parents, then wakes up three months later from a coma, with only Aunt Alberta to tell her what happened. Plenty of frights, fights, a very old car, a very large owl and a very small ghost. For ages 5+. Varying daily shows at 10.30am & 1.30pm, 11am & 2.30pm, 2.30pm & 6.30pm, 7pm, 2.30pm & 7pm; £24.50/premium £31.50/concs £18.50/full price family of 4 ticket £90 (Dec 12-Jan 5)
Horrible Histories Live: Horrible Christmas at Alexander Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7BB (Wood Green tube)
The Horrible Histories team take audiences on another rollicking ride through history, with a festive twist. Join Oliver Cromwell, Charles Dickens, King Henry VIII, St Nicholas and a red-nosed reindeer as they team up to save Christmas. Songs and rude jokes for ages 4 to 104. Varying shows from 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 6.30pm, 7pm; £11.15-£35.35 (Dec 13-30)
Uchenna Dance presents: Hansel & Gretel at The Place, 17 Duke’s Road, WC1H 9PY UK (Euston/King’s Cross St Pancras tube, rail)
The children’s fairytale is given a contemporary spin, with African dance, Waaking, Voguing and street moves taking over the twisty journey of Hansel and Gretel. The brother and sister team arrive in London, only to be separated from their carer, and they have to use courage and quick thinking to find their way home. See the stage become a mobile playground as Ghanaian composer Kweku Aacht gets the audience grooving in the aisles. For ages 5+. Varying shows from 1pm (Tue-Wed), 1pm & 7pm (Thu), 10.30am & 2pm (Sat), 11am & 3.30pm (Sun) – timings vary, confirm at booking; adult £14/child £8/family £40 (Dec 15-24)
BEST CHRISTMAS SHOWS: FESTIVE FAVOURITES
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
Mr & Mrs Claus are back on stage in one of the best Christmas shows. A humorous (and a bit foul-mouthed) Father Christmas gets ready for his busiest season. Puppets, songs and live music, for ages 0-6. Shows from 9.30am (times and dates vary, check the website for your day); £10-£20/babies under 18 months FREE on parent/carer’s lap (Nov 21-Dec 30)
The Snowman, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
A London Christmas classic! Heart-warming adaptation of Raymond Brigg’s beloved book, and the animated film, about a boy and his Snowman pal. Dancing reindeers, penguins, Jack Frost and other North Pole characters, plus a real flying snowman! All ages. 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm (select performances from Nov 23); £15-£36/family of 4 £115 (Nov 22-Jan 6)
The Box of Delights at Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB (Tower Hill/Aldgate East/Shadwell tube)
The popular story by John Masefield is adapted again for Wilton’s wonderful theatre. Orphan Kay Harker is handed a Box of Delights from a magician, granting him the ability to travel through time. Ages 7+. 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Tue, Thu, Sat); £12.50-£35/£10-£30 concs (Nov 30-Jan 5)
Nativity the Musical at Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH (Hammersmith tube)
The hit Christmas film is back in the West End, starring Danny Dyer, Dani Dyer and Jo Brand. St Bernadette’s School puts on a hilarious and heartwarming nativity show, with enough songs to put the mayhem in Bethlehem. All ages welcome. Shows at 7pm, some 2pm matinees available (+ 1pm & 5pm Mon Dec 24); from £29.75 (Dec 19-31)
Disney on Ice presents Passport to Adventure, O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX (North Greenwich tube)
Moana makes her European Disney on Ice debut alongside demigod Maui, plus characters from Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Tangled and more. Plus catch Mickey, Minnie and their mates dancing and skating! All ages welcome. Shows from 9.30am, 1.30pm & 5.30pm; £32.50 – £61.25/babies under 24 months FREE on carer’s lap (Dec 26-Jan 6, 2019)
BEST CHRISTMAS SHOWS: BALLET
The Nutcracker at Royal Opera House, Bow St, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
Yet another lavish production of the world-famous ballet, and Royal Opera House version is one of the best Christmas shows. Fall in love with Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll, and marvel at the authentic Christmas tree ornaments magically coming to life. Ages 5+. Various shows at 12pm, 12.30pm, 2pm, 6pm, 7pm & 7.30pm; £60-£125 (Dec 3-Jan 15)
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
The gender-bending, genre-smashing version of Swan Lake is back at Sadler’s Wells. Winner of an Olivier and three Tony Awards, Matthew Bourne and his all-male cast of swans dazzle audiences ages 5+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm(Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Sun); £12-£72 (Dec 4-Jan 27)
Nutcracker, at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Charing Cross Rd tube)
Another stunning performance by English National Ballet, as Clara and her enchanted doll rediscover Christmas magic, with 100+ dancers and musicians performing to Tchaikovsky’s score. For ages 5+, 10 matinee performances are All Ages Welcome shows for under 5s. 7.30pm & 2.30pm (special matinees); adult £14-£80/child £7-£40 (Dec 13-30)
The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High St Kensington tube)
Enter the splendid setting of Royal Albert Hall for this gorgeous production by Birmingham Royal Ballet. Watch Clara swept away to the kingdom of the Sugar Plum fairy. Best for ages 5+, all ages welcome for early matinees. Shows at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 4pm, 5.30pm & 7pm; £35-£90 (Dec 28-31)
BEST CHRISTMAS SHOWS: PANTOMIMES
Hackney Empire: Aladdin, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
Aladdin swoops into Hackney for another fabulous adventure with dizzy dames, loveable baddies, and madcap humour. London’s number one pantomime is one of our best Christmas shows, now with Clive Rowe and Tameka Empson back in the mix. All ages. 1pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 7pm & 7.30pm (times vary daily, check site); £10-£38 (Nov 24-Jan 6)
Robinson Crusoe at Greenwich Theatre, Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES (Greenwich/Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
Sail to Greenwich Theatre with Robinson Crusoe for this swashbuckling panto. There’s pirates, exotic creatures, romance and of course lost treasure to find. Don’t miss the boat! All ages. 2pm & 7pm (Mon-Sat), 1pm & 5pm (Sun) – times vary, check website; adult £29/child £15 (Nov 23-Jan 13)
Snow White at London Palladium, Argyll Street, Westminster, London W1F 7TF (Oxford Circus/Bond St tube)
A glitzy cast presents laughter, magic and special effects, as Snow White is retold, panto-stylee, by Julian Clary, Dawn French, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot leading the cast. Ages 3+ (younger ones not admitted). 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 1pm & 5pm (Sun) – times vary, check website; tickets from £23.74-£94.42 (Dec 8-Jan 13)
Rapunzel at Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton St, N1 6SH (Hoxton/Shoreditch High St overground, Old St tube)
The girl with the ridiculously long hair is stuck in a tower, but can she be rescued by her Prince? And will castle cook Mary Cherry bake her cake in time? Hold onto your hair, folks! All ages, free lap seats for under 3s. 10am, 11am, 1.15pm, 2pm, 5pm; from £12.50/family ticket £49 (Dec 13-30)
Dick Whittington at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
Enjoy feline fun with tricky Dicky, celebrating 10 years of panto at the Lyric. Book early for the Friday Dec 7 special celebration, with surprises and performers including Stephen Fry as the Voice of the Lyric Panto. Ages 6+. Varying shows at 10am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 7pm (check website for timings); £10-£60 (Nov 17-Jan 6)
BEST CHRISTMAS SHOWS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS
A Polar Journey at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/overground/DLR)
Journey to the North Pole in search of a magic Christmas bell, with festive sights, smells and storytelling based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic, The Polar Express. Perfect for ages 0-3. Varying 15 min slots between regular opening hours at 10am-5pm (centre closed Dec 23-26 & Jan 1); free with day pass adult/child £6.50, family £22, child age 1 £2, under 1s FREE (discounts for Newham residents) (Dec 3-Jan 6)
Wow! It’s Night Time at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel tube)
Don’t say beddy-byes just yet, fly your little birds to the most magical puppet theatre in town, for an enchanting journey with a curious owl. A one-woman show specially aimed at ages 2-5. adult £13/child £11 – previews £8/£7 – Friday Fives (shows at 5pm) £5 (Dec 7-Jan 27)
Peppa Pig’s Adventure, Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, SW1Y 4HT (Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square tube)
Peppa, George and mates Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe go on a camping trip. Expect hi-jinks, the pitter-patter of rain, and plenty of muddy puddles. All ages welcome, best for 2+. 11am (Tue-Sun), additional 1.30pm show 4 days a week, additional 4pm show (Sun); from £12/babies 0-18 months FREE on carer’s lap (Dec 8-Jan 6)
Oily Cart: Hippity Hop at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Hip hop beats, puppetry, music and poetry create the first interactive hip hop show for the very young. The amazing Oily Cart present a hip hopera celebrating street culture, with graffiti styling and a joyous mood. For ages 2-5. 10.30am & 1.15pm (Tue-Thu), 10.30am & 1.30pm (Sat-Sun); £12 – HURRY, very few tickets, will sell out! (Dec 11-31)
Huddle at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Cuddle up with your penguins to watch this playful tale of a new father teaching his chick to survive and thrive. Filskit Theatre uses projection and sound to bring the story to life for ages 2-5. Varying shows from 10.30am; adult £12-£20/child £12-14 – very limited availability! (Nov 13-Jan 6)
BEST CHRISTMAS SHOWS FOR YOUNGER KIDS (AGES 3+)
Mr Rabbit Meets Brer Santa, Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
Head to Little Venice this winter for another of the best Christmas shows aboard the Puppet Theatre boat. Brer Rabbit is up to his usual mischief, in this enchanting puppet show for ages 3+. 11am & 3pm; adult £13, child £9 (Dec 1-31)
Pinocchio at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG (Deptford/New Cross overground)
Nearly There Yet reimagine the tale of a puppet who wants to be a real boy. This unique production blends circus, puppetry, storytelling and music, with a diverse company and a female lead, to delight old and young. Ages 3+. 10.30am & 1pm (Mon-Thu), 11am & 2pm; £12 – hurry, tickets selling fast! (Dec 2-29)
The Gruffalo’s Child at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street Tally Ho Corner North Finchley, N12 0GA
The Gruffalo’s little ‘un flips things in a sweet and funny story about a hairy beast who wonders if the big, scary Mouse actually exists. Lovely adaptation of the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Ages 3+. 10am & 1.30pm (Tue-Thu), 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); £14-16 (Dec 3-Jan 6)
We also like The Gruffalo at Stratford Circus (Nov 28-Dec 24)
Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus at Barbican Centre (Pit Theatre), Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican/Moorgate tube)
See child prodigy Wolfgang get loopy in this mischievous show, with the wigged genius tumbling, diving and swooping to his own compositions. Musical mayhem and circus for ages 3+. Varying times between 11am, 2pm, 5pm & 7pm (Tue-Sun); £12 (Dec 12-22)
Ready Steady Colour’s Christmas Feast at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Enter a make-believe Christmas restaurant, and decorate your own plate with your favourite food, salt and pepper glitter and cranberry red paint. The waiters keep things lively with comedy, storytelling and music. Ages 3+. Varying shows at 10.15am, 12pm, 12.15pm, 2.15pm; £12 – hurry, very limited tickets left! (Dec 15-27)
BEST CHRISTMAS SHOWS FOR BIG KIDS (AGES 5+)
The Wind in the Willows at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Poop poop! Toby Hulse takes Kenneth Grahame’s beloved children’s book and reworks it for a new audience. Watch, laugh and tag along as Ratty, Mole and Badger assist that dastardly rogue, Toad, out of all manner of scrapes. Storytelling theatre, songs and a festive mood. For ages 5+. 11am, 2pm/2.30pm, 5pm; from £19.50/previews £15 (Nov 9-Feb 17)
Brat Kids Carnival at Christmas in Leicester Square Spiegeltent, Leicester Square centre, WC2 (Leicester Square tube)
Get rowdy with your kids at this circus jamboree, with crazy acrobatics, popping party tricks, hectic hula hooping, cheeky clowning, pumping music and dancing on stage. Presented by Underbelly and Briefs Factory. Ages 4+. 3pm (Wed-Fri), 11am & 1pm (Sat), 1pm & 3pm (Sun); from £10.25 (Nov 10-Dec 30)
A Christmas Carol at Chickenshed (Rayne Theatre), Chickenshed Theatre, Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE (Cockfosters/Oakwood tube)
A cast of more than 200 people perform this brand new musical version, set in 1930s Britain. Revisit the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future with Ebenezer Scrooge in this joyous adaptation for ages 5+. 7pm (Tue-Fri), 3pm & 7pm (Sat), 1.30pm & 5.30pm (Sun); from £10-£22.50 (Nov 21-Jan 5)
We also like Christmas Tales at Chickenshed (Dec 5-30)
Return to Elm House, Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Follow the inspiring tale of Jeanie Nassau Senior, Britain’s first female civil servant and originator of the foster care system. Join fellow Time Keepers on an exciting, immersive adventure behind the scenes of the BAC. Ages 6+. 10:30am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm; £12.50-£26, family ticket from £60 (Dec 1-30)
Hansel & Gretel at Rose Theatre Kingston, Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL (Kingston/Surbiton rail)
A festive retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale. Hansel and Gretel leave the small town of Freiburg, not knowing what awaits them in the big city. Storytelling theatre and music for ages 5+. Various shows at 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 7pm; 11£20-£35/previews £15-£25 (Dec 6-Jan 6)
Operation Ouch! at Apollo Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ (Piccadilly Circus/Leicester Square tube)
What can you do with a month’s worth of farts? Dr Chris and Dr Xand off the hit CBBC TV show answer life’s most pressing questions, in this live show crammed with mad stunts, wild experiments and audience interaction. Great for ages 5-12. Varying daily shows at 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm, & 4pm (check website for timings); £17 (Dec 6-Jan 6)
BEST CHRISTMAS SHOWS FOR TWEENS (AGES 8-12)
Philip Pullman’s Grimm Tales at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
Bring your older ones for a wicked spin on the popular Grimm tales. Prepare for careless adults, intrepid kids, magical forest creatures and a dark take on Christmas magic. Preview shows (limited availability) at 10.30am (Fri), 1pm & 6pm (Sat), 2.15pm (Sun)/various dates and times throughout show’s run (check web site); child £12-£20/adult £16-£26 (Nov 13-Jan 6)
A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo rail/tube)
Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, adapted by Jack Thorne, stars Stephen Tompkinson as Ebenezer Scrooge. An uplifting show with music, mince pies and merriment, for ages 8+. Varying times at 1pm, 2.30pm & 7.30pm; £12-£67.50 (50% discount for under 16s for bands A-C off-peak) (Nov 24-Jan 19)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, W1D 7DY (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Based on the bestselling novel, the multiple award-winning National Theatre production is back for a limited season. Follow Christopher, a boy with an extraordinary brain, as he tries to solve a mystery. Ages 11+. 2.30pm & 7.30pm; £18-£92.50 (Nov 29-Apr 27, 2019)
Rumpelstiltskin at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Aussie cabaret star Paul Capsis puts his stamp on this entertaining romp about desire, greed and the power of love. Rock out to the soundtrack and revel in this show with a heart of gold. Ages 8+. Varying shows at 11am, 2pm, 5pm & 7pm; £20-£40/under 16s £10/concs 25% discount (Dec 13-Jan 6)
The Wider Earth at Natural History Museum (Jerwood Gallery), Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD (South Kensington/Gloucester Rd tube)
Meet young Charles Darwin on a daring adventure to the far side of the world. Learn about his amazing discoveries in a show featuring puppetry, cinematic animations and an original score. For ages 10+. 7.30pm (Tue, Wed & Fri), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Thu & Sat), 2.30pm or 11am & 3pm (Sun) – timings vary, confirm when you book; £19.50-£79.50 (extended until Feb 24)
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