The Most MAGICAL London Christmas Shows for Kids and Families 2021

If you do one thing in London at Christmas, go see a show! Most theatres were closed for 2021 so it’s a good year to recover the joy of live performance and support the creative industries too. My guide to the most magical London Christmas Shows for Kids and Families includes London’s best pantomimes, family friendly ballets, shows that welcome babies and toddlers, theatre for older kids, and West End family theatre. Curtains up!

BEST LONDON CHRISTMAS SHOWS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES (ALL AGES)

Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens at Iris Theatre, St Paul’s Church, Bedford St, Covent Garden, WC2E 9ED (Covent Garden tube)
Fly away with Mary and her brothers to discover the earliest adventures of a boy who was Peter before he became Peter Pan. Betwixt-and-Between adapt the childhood literary classic by JM Barrie for a magical production at new theatre space, The POD. For ages 3+. 7pm (Mon-Fri), 2.30pm, 4.30pm & 7pm (Sat); £15 (Nov 29-Dec 4)

Circus 1903 at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
The death-defying spectacle is back for another Christmas at Southbank Centre. Look out for life-sized elephants (created by the War Horse puppeteers), high-wire acts, trapeze artists, acrobats, contortionists and more. Vintage style circus to thrill everyone ages 3+ (no admission for babes-in-arms). From 11am; £25-£115/kids under 16 and concs. 25% discount – limited availability (Dec 16-Jan 2)

The Little Prince at The Place, 17 Duke’s Road, WC1H 9PY UK (Euston/King’s Cross St Pancras tube, rail)
Luca Silvestrini’s The Little Prince is winner of the Fantastic for Families’ Best Family Event Award 2020 and was nominated for Best Modern Choreography at the National Dance Awards 2021. Now it’s back at the Place for Christmas. Watch Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved tale brought to life with dance, spoken word and comedy. All ages welcome. Relaxed performance Dec 21 at 11.30am. Various shows 11.30am, 3pm & 7pm; adult £14/concs £12/child £8 (Dec 18-24)

The Fir Tree at Shakespeare’s Globe at Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Mansion House tube)
Pop down to the famous Globe Theatre for an enchanting production of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale with storytelling, puppets and song. A curious Fir Tree stands in a beautiful wood, dreaming of the world beyond. What will happen when it grows up? See the Globe transformed into a forest and take part in tree-decorating and carol singing, with mulled wine and hot chocolate refreshments. All ages welcome. 3pm & 6.30pm; £15-£49/child under 16 half price/standing £5 (Dec 20-30)

The Bolds at Unicorn Theatre (Weston Theatre), 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube) 
The Bolds are just like you and me with one hairy difference… They’re a family of hyenas! Watch Mr and Mrs Bold, Betty and Bobby do their best to keep their beastly secret away from prying friends at work, school and play. Songs and adventures in a story written and adapted for the stage by Julian Clary. Ages 6+. Various show times between 10.30am-7pm; adult £18/child £12 (until Dec 31)

BEST LONDON CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES AND FAIRYTALES

Hackney Empire Pantomime: Jack & the Beanstalk, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
There was no panto here last year but the show must go on in 2021. Hackney Empire are full of beans to welcome back the legend Clive Rowe for their fast, funny and frolicking adaptation of the fairytale. All ages. Matinee shows at 1.30pm or 2.30pm, evening performances 5.30pm, 6pm or 7pm 1pm (check website for times); £10-£42 (Nov 20-Jan 2)

Sleeping Beauty and the Beast at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail/overground)
Wonder what happens to Panto villains at the end of a story? They go to Goodie-versity: the institute for reformed baddies, where Headmasters Beast and Belle teach them to be good. On Christmas Eve 2021, one day from Gooduation, DISASTER STRIKES…  Someone has sent Beast to sleep and he won’t wake up! Everyone’s a suspect and Belle needs your help to crack the case. Sleeping Trees (Goldilocks and the Three Musketeers) presents another cracking panto mash-up for all the family. Ages 3+. 10.15am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 6pm & 7pm; Pay What You Can – suggested price £18 or adult £20/child £15 (Nov 26-Dec 30)

Beauty and the Beast at Rose Theatre Kingston, Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL (Kingston/Surbiton rail)
In the attic on a frosty Christmas evening, three siblings recreate the story of Bella and her adventures in Villeneuve. When Bella turns 18, she finds out her dad has been cursed and she sets out to challenge the Beast who condemned her father. The classic fairytale features local talent from Rose Youth Theatre alongside a professional cast, adapted by Ciaran McConville (The Snow Queen), with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer (Hansel and Gretel) and directed by Lucy Morrell (Treasure Island). Ages 5+. Various shows 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm; £10-£35 (Dec 3-Jan 3)

Snow White: A 503 Panto, Theatre 503 (above Latchmere Pub on the corner of Latchmere Road and Battersea Park Road), SW11 3BW (Clapham Junction rail/Sloane Square, South Kensington, Vauxhall tube then bus)
The venue that brought you Cinderella and the Beanstalk, Scrooge and The Seven Dwarves and The Fairytale Revolution is putting on another fabulously funny, festive feast of a fairytale show for all the family. Join Snow White and friends in a battle against the Evil Queen. Recommended for ages 6+ (younger ones ages 2 and under also welcome, on parent/carer’s lap). All shows from Dec 11-17 are Pay What You Choose. Relaxed and Captioned shows on Dec 22. Various shows 1pm, 2pm, 5.30pm, 7pm; £12-£19 (Dec 11-30)

A Christmas Circus Fairytale at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Glass slippers, poisoned apples and magic lamps. But was there more to the fairytales we’ve heard over the years? How wicked was the witch really? Jackson Lane invites you to look into the magic mirror and see from a new perspective in this collection of storybook tales, reimagined. Directed by associate and Nearly There Yet’s Kaveh Rahnama, who created the much-loved, sell-out shows (The Party and Pinocchio). For ages 3+. 10am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 5pm & 7pm; £14.95 (Dec 17-Jan 2)

Aladdin at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
Join Aladdin, the Genie and mates on a carpet ride to find fortune and true love. The story is brought to the stage by award-winning comedian, actor and composer Vikki Stone and starring Qasim Mahmood as Aladdin. Expect lamps, laughs and live music. Ages 6+. Various showtimes 10am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 5.30pm, 6pm & 7pm ; from £10/limited family tickets £75 (until Jan 2)

Cinderella: The Awesome Truth at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Think you know Cinderella? Polka Theatre presents a reworking about the real ugly sisters, Cindy and Ella. One’s into kickboxing, the other’s permanently glued to her phone. When they meet a not so charming Prince and a fairy godmother who isn’t what she seems, Ella has to save her sister from a terrible fate before midnight strikes. Award-winning composer Felix Hagan creates rousing songs for an unforgettable show. Special Gala performance on Dec 5. For ages 5+ and families. Various shows at 10.15am, 11am, 1.45pm, 2.30pm & 4.30pm; from £10 (until Jan 30)

MAGICAL FAMILY FRIENDLY BALLETS

The Snowman, Portugal Street,Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)  
There are few more magical productions on the London stage at Christmas. Watch a boy and his Snowman pal take to the skies, with special appearances from penguins, reindeer, Jack Frost and the man in red. Delightful adaptation of the hit picture book and animation. All ages.11am, 2.30pm & 7pm; from £18pp (Nov 20-Jan 2)

The Nutcracker at Royal Opera House, Bow St, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
Peter Wright’s production of the Christmas ballet is an annual sellout but you can still nab tickets if you act fast. Tchaikovsky’s score sets the backdrop to the story featuring Sugar Plum fairy, Mouse King and toys that come alive. Recommended for ages 5+. Various shows 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 6pm, 4pm, 7pm, 7.30pm; £27-£135 (Nov 23-Jan 8)

Nutcracker at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Charing Cross Rd tube)
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it and this production has been an annual Christmas tradition for years. More than 100 dancers and musicians play out the tale of Clara and her enchanted doll, set to music by Tchaikovsky. For ages 5+ plus 10 matinee All Ages Welcome shows (some content may be unsuitable for young kids). 7.30pm & 2.30pm matinees; adult from £15-£95/child £7.50-£47.50 (Dec 16-Jan 8)

Let’s All Dance The Nutcracker at Sadler’s Wells (Lilian Baylis Studio), Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
The company behind Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland and other ballet adapted for young kids presents a festive classic. Expect lavish costumes, memorable music and a Land of Sweets. Suitable for all ages including babies. Photo opportunity with the dancers on stage after every show! 1pm & 3pm; from £19.50/babies under 2 FREE (Dec 21-31)

BEST LONDON CHRISTMAS SHOWS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS (ages 0-3)

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
The well-loved show about Mr & Mrs Claus is on again at the Lyric. Watch Father Christmas awake from a dream of sun, sea and sand to find it’s his busiest day of the year. Can he get everything done in time? Raymond Briggs’ picture book is brought to the stage with songs, live music and puppetry. 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 24-Dec 24)

Glisten at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
London’s theatre performances for babies under 18 months tend to sell out FAST. But if you hurry, there are still tickets going for this interactive performance of sparkle and shimmer and sound. Enter a sensory landscape of reflective materials, colour and surprises aimed at tiny viewers and their grown-ups. Ages 0-18 months. 11am, 1pm & 3pm; from £19.95 combined for baby and adult carer (Dec 13-17)

Five Little Christmas Monkeys at Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4 3JP (Finsbury Park tube)
The team behind hit show Dogs Don’t Do Ballet are back with a thumping soundtrack blending ballet, rap and dub reggae. It’s Christmas Eve and the monkeys are jumping on the bed while Sue the Zookeeper tries to get them to sleep. See household objects come alive in a lively show that will thrill kids ages 2-6. Suitable for parents and babies too. 10am & 11.30am (Tue-Fri), 2pm & 3.30pm (Sat-Sun); adult £12.50/child &concs£10/family ticket £40/babes in arms under 1 years old go free (Dec 14-22)

Snow: Immersive Audio Space at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
Dreaming of a white Christmas? There might not be snow outside but at Discover you can immerse yourself in an audio experience all about the cold stuff. What’s your favourite thing about snow: snowball fights, building snowmen, or tobogganing? Enter a space full of sensory winter magic. Ages 0-11. 10am (general Discover passes bookable for 10am-12pm, 12.30-2.30pm or 3-5pm sessions); Snow is included with session pass — adult/child £7.50, concs £6.50, family of 4 £25, 1 year olds £1, under 1s FREE – advanced booking (from Dec 30)

BEST LONDON CHRISTMAS SHOWS FOR YOUNGER KIDS (ages 3-6)

Stick Man at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX (Leicester Square tube)
Scamp Theatre’s critically acclaimed adaptation of the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book returns to the West End. Stick Man goes out on a limb and has to deal with all manner of danger and strife to get back to his family tree. Puppets, music and humour for ages 3+ and carers (younger ones welcome). 11am & 1.30pm (Wed-Fri), 10.30am, 12.15pm & 2pm; adult £24/child £19/family £75/babies under 18 months go FREE (Nov 25-Jan 3)

The Night Before Christmas at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Clement Clarke Moore’s poem inspires this festive production about 6-year-old Amber whose snow globe gets broken on Christmas Eve. Then a surprise visitor takes her on a journey she’ll never forget. Puppetry, music and Christmas cheer for ages 3-7. Various shows at 10am, 11.45am & 1.30pm; from £12 (Dec 4-Jan 16)

The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
Judith Kerr’s beloved picture book has been purring around the West End for years, having been nominated for the Olivier Award too. Watch Sophie and her mum play hosts to a wild tiger in a family show filled with songs, chaos and teatime treats. Ages 3+. 10.30am & 1pm; from £9 (Dec 6-Jan 3)

Mr Shadow’s Christmas Present at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
Mr. Shadow has a present but who’s it for and what’s inside? Let Drew Cosby take you on a shadowy Christmas journey, transforming ordinary things through the wonder of shadow play. Music by Josh Middleton. For ages 3+. Relaxed performance Wed Dec 22 at 11am. 11am & 2pm, shows Jan 2-3 at 3pm; £5 (Dec 18-Jan 3)

Disney on Ice presents Find Your Hero, O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX (North Greenwich tube)
A family favourite, Disney on Ice features characters from Moana, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Tangled, The Little Mermaid as well as Mickey, Goofy and pals. Watch all your favourites gliding and spinning and dazzling in a full-length ice skating show. 5.30pm (Dec 22), 9.30am & 1.30pm (Dec 23-Jan 2); £33-53.75/babies under 24 months FREE on carer’s lap (Dec 22-Jan 2)

BEST LONDON CHRISTMAS SHOWS FOR OLDER KIDS AND ADULTS (ages 7-12+)

The Child in the Snow at Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB (Tower Hill/Aldgate East/Shadwell tube)
Visit the vintage music hall for a ghost story adapted to the stage for the very first time. It’s 1918 and a nurse just back from war finds herself at a seance. She unearths chilling memories and a dark secret that won’t stay in the shadows. Spine-tingling drama for ages 12+ (not suited to nervous dispositions). 7.30pm, select 2.30pm matinees; full price £12.50-£36, concs £10-£32 (Nov 26-Dec 31) 

There May Be A Castle, Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
Love, loss and the power of the imagination are at the heart of this adaptation by Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane based on the book by award-winning writer Piers Torday. Mouse Mallory sets off with his family on Christmas Eve to visit his grandparents, but they never arrive. Instead, Mouse awakes on a fantastic landscape filled with monsters, minstrels, nights and wizards. For ages 7, deals with themes of bereavement. 10am & 1pm (Mon/Tue), 11am & 2.30pm (Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat), 10.30am & 2pm (Sun), 4.45pm (Fri) – NB: times vary, check website for individual dates; adult £14/child ages 1-17 £12/Fris at 4.45pm all tickets £8 (Nov 27-Jan 3)

Hex at the National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
A retelling of Sleeping Beauty, Hex takes us into the forest where a lonely fairy is asked to help a princess fall asleep, but her blessing becomes a curse and she’s plunged into a 100-year quest to make things right. Rosalie Craig stars in a big-hearted musical set to do for the bad fairy what Wicked did for the witch. For ages 8+. 2pm, 7pm & 7.15pm; £20-£89 (Dec 4-Jan 22)

Bring It On: The Musical at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8EX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Are you ready to bring it? Oh, it’s already been brought! The smash hit adaptation somersaults into the Southbank after conquering Broadway. Squad Captain Campbell finds friends and foes at her new school in a brilliantly choreographed tale of rivalry featuring Amber Davies and Olympic gymnast Louis Smith. Ages 10+. From 2.30pm; £22.50-£99.50 (limited concessions 25%) (Dec 8-Jan 22, 2022)

Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People Family Matinee at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9AG (Kings Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Join The Cosmic Shambles Network and Robin Ince for four nights and one family matinee featuring everything from physics to folk music and laughter to lasers. There’s a huge bill of speakers and performers with surprises too. Confirmed appearances from Mark Watson, Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Helen Czerski, Chris Jackson and more.Recommended for ages 9 and up. 11.30am; available tickets from £17.50-£22.50 (Dec 11)

A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo rail/tube)
Jack Thorne’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale is back at the Old Vic, this time starring Stephen Mangan as Ebenezer Scrooge. Watch the famous Christmas grump transform after he’s haunted by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Ages 8+. Various shows at 1pm, 7pm & 7.30pm; £10-£67.50 (until Jan 8)

BEST WEST END SHOWS FOR FAMILIES

Back to the Future: The Musical at Adelphi Theatre, 409-412 Strand, WC2R 0NS (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Marty McFly rides a makeshift time machine back to 1955 where he changes history and has to zip back to the future to correct his mistake. Musical version of the ‘80s movie with a 21st century touch. Ages 6+ (under 4s not permitted). 7.30pm (select Mons, Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat), 3pm (Sun); tickets from £19.55 (until Feb 13, 2022)

Life of Pi, Wyndham’s Theatre, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DA (Leicester Square tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
Don’t miss this critically acclaimed adaptation of the world famous book that roared onto the London stage in November. A 16-year-old boy (Pi) survives a ship wreck with a hyena, a zebra, an orang-utan and a Royal Bengal tiger. Will anyone live to tell the tale? Stunning puppetry from the War Horse team. Ages 8+. 7.30pm (Mon, Wed-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 3pm (Sun); from £27.50 (until Feb 27)

Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Escape the winter blues and put yourself in a sunshine mood at this lively musical biopic of Bob Marley. Arinze Kene as Bob Marley takes us through the highs and lows of the boy from rural Jamaica who became a global icon. Written by Lee Hall and directed by Clint Dyer. Recommended for ages 12+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat & Sun), 7pm (Sun); from £15 (until Apr 3, 2022)

Frozen the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF (Covent Garden tube)
Two sisters battle against the elements and their inner demons in this spellbinding stage version of the Disney smash hit. Let it gooooo! Ages 6+ (under 3s not admitted). 7pm (Wed-Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Thu & Sat), 1pm & 5.30pm (Sun); from £39-£162 (until Jun 26, 2022)

Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, W1D 4HS (Covent Garden/Leicester Square tube)
The nanny with a heart of gold and a touch of magic soars into Prince Edward Theatre. Toe-tapping tunes and twirling brollies for ages 7+ (kids under 5 not admitted). 7pm (Wed family night), 7.30pm (Thu-Mon), 2.30pm (Thu, Sat & Sun) – NB schedule subject to change, check with box office; standard tickets from £27.50, family night from £17.50 (ongoing)

Cinderella the Musical at Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Ln, Holborn, WC2B 5PW (Holborn/Covent Garden tube)
Welcome to Belleville, a postcard perfect town for everyone apart from Cinderella. Her best mate Prince Sebastian becomes heir to the throne after Prince Charming vanishes and their friendship takes a turn. Can The Godmother solve Cinders’ issues? Another Andrew Lloyd Webber musical hit. Ages 6+. Various performances 2.30pm (Wed, Sat & Sun) & 7.30pm (Thu-Sat); from £19.50 (ongoing)

More Christmas Theatre Highlights
The Elves and the Shoemaker at Half Moon Theatre (Nov 27); Pantoland at the Palladium (Dec 4-Jan 9); Here Comes Santa Claus at Studio at Wimbledon Theatre (Dec 15-24); Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker at Sadler’s Wells (Dec 7-Jan 30); Dick Whittington at Chelsea Theatre (Dec 18-24)

**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**

Don’t forget to check out my London at Christmas guide for families 2021!