The Best Christmas Family Theatre in London 2023
BABES CHOICE
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures: Edward Scissorhands at Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
Back by popular demand having wowed audiences since its 2005 premiere, Matthew Bourne’s dance production of Edward Scissorhands brings another slice of enchantment to Sadler’s Wells. Based on Tim Burton’s movie, with mucis by Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Edward Scissorhands is about a boy created by an eccentric inventor who tries to find his place in a world that struggles to see past his difference. Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Thu & Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Sun); from £15 (Dec 5-Jan 20)
The House with Chicken Legs at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
A thought-provoking and inventive production based on the beloved novel by Sophie Anderson. Marina longs for a normal life but for some reason her house has chicken legs and keeps moving without warning. Co-produced by Les Enfants Terribles and HOME Manchester, this story navigates the complexities of loss with humour, dancing and sensitivity. For ages 9+. 1pm, 2.30pm & 7pm; £20-£40/concs. 25% discount (Dec 13-30)
Horrible Christmas at Barbican Hall, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Moorgate tube)
Join the Horrible Histories team for a raucous feast of festive shenanigans. Christmas is under threat from a jolly guy in red, so its up to one young lad to save the day. Meet Medieval monks, Tudor terrors, Victorian villains and Puritan partygoers in this historic celebration of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas. Ages 4+. 2pm & 4.30pm; £16.50-£30 (Dec 29)
What’s On at Arts Depot, Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
There’s a cracking line-up at Arts Depot this Christmas. Laugh with kids ages 8+ at Comedy Club 4 Kids: Christmas Cracker (Dec 3); Bring Your Own Baby Comedy seasonal special (Dec 7); Baby Broadway Christmas (Dec 8); I Want My Hat Back trilogy (Dec 13-31); the Revel Puck Circus: The Wing Scuffle Spectacular (Dec 21-Jan 7); and There’s a Monster in Your Christmas Show (Dec 27-Jan 7). Various ages, times and prices (until Jan 7)
My Neighbour Totoro Live at Barbican Centre, Barbican Centre, Silk St, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
A welcome return for this multi award-winning show from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Based on the popular Studio Ghibli animated film, this colourful production has music from composer Joe Hisaishi with live orchestra and puppets by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. For ages 6+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (until Mar 23, 2024)
FESTIVE FAVOURITES
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
One of London’s most popular Christmas shows returns to the Lyric. Father Christmas has been fantasising about sun, sea and sand but wakes up to find it’s already time to get started on his busiest day of the year. Songs, puppets and live music bring the fun to life. Based on Raymond Briggs’ picture book. Ages 0-6. Shows from 9.30am (times and dates vary, check the website for your day); from £14/babies under 18 months FREE on parent/carer’s lap (until Dec 30)
Disney on Ice presents 100 Years of Wonder at O2 Arena, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX (North Greenwich tube)
Disney on Ice is a seasonal treat for the whole family. See Mickey, Minnie, Donald and co skating along the ice alongside characters from Disney classics like Frozen, Tangled, Moana, Finding Dory and for the first time this year, Encanto! All ages welcome. 5.30pm (Dec 22), 9.30am & 1.30pm (Dec 23-Jan 2); £42-£91/babies under 24 months FREE on carer’s lap (Dec 21-31)
Hackney Empire Panto: Aladdin at 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
The legend Clive Rowe is back as Widow Twankey. With Kat B as the genie, there’s bound to be magic and mayhem in this hugely popular panto full of pop culture jokes and catchy show tunes. All ages – under 3s can sit on parents’ lap, ages 4+ require own ticket. Shows at 1pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 7pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sun/times and dates vary, check website); £10-£45 (until Dec 31)
The Snowman at Peacock Theatre,Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube)
A boy and his Snowman buddy go on a wintry adventure. Catch Raymond Briggs’ picture book and animation brought to the stage in this lovely production that features a cast of beloved characters and some ballet and even some flying. All ages welcome. Various shows 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm; from £18pp (until Dec 31)
A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo rail/tube)
Christopher Eccleston stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in Jack Thorne’s seasonal production of the Charles Dickens novel. Find out what happens when old Scrooge gets to meet the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Ages 8+. Various shows at 2.30pm & 7.30pm or 2pm & 7pm (closed Suns); £10-£90 (until Jan 6)
Elf the Musical at Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 7AQ (Tottenham Court Rd tube)
Saaaaaantaaaaa! My favourite Christmas movie is also a stage hit and returns to the Dominion for more laughs and songs. It’s the story of a boy who grows up believing he’s an elf only to find out he’s more human than he knows. Recommended for ages 4+, kids under 2 not admitted. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) and 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); £29.50-£195 (until Jan 6)
BABY AND TODDLER FRIENDLY THEATRE
Wow! It’s Night-time at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
She’s a curious little owl who is ready to find out all about the twilight hour. From the shining moon to the flying bats and the howling foxes, there’s so much to discover. But what happened to all the other owls? You’ll soon see in this enchanting puppetry adaptation of Tim Hopgood’s book WOW! It’s Night-time. For ages 2-5. 10am, 11.45am & 2.15pm (Sat-Sun & Tue-Thu), 10.30am, 1pm & 4.45pm (Fri) – NB: times vary, check website for individual dates; adult £16/child ages 1-17 £14/under 1s FREE/Fris at 4.45pm all tickets £8 (Nov 29-Jan 27)
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out at Theatre Royal Haymarket, Haymarket, SW1Y 4HT (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Take your little piglets along for another fun day out with the pink superstar and her clan. Join Peppa and co as they go to the zoo and then to the beach in a musical show that’s oinking with likeable characters, muddy puddles and even a dip in the sea. All ages welcome from babies up! 11am & 1.30pm (Mon-Fri), 10.30am (Sat), 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm (Sun); from £10/babies under 1 FREE (Nov 30-Dec 31)
Not Yet A Yeti at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
Go on a wintery, interactive storytelling session inspired by the picture book by Lou Treleavan, Not Yet A Yeti. George comes from a family of yetis and yet he’s just… George. He’s not into chasing ramblers or luring hikers to their dom. So what does George like? A tale of courage, acceptance and self-discovery performed in a cosy storytelling space. For ages 2-5. 11.35am-12.05pm daily; £2.50 (from Dec 4)
Bluey’s Big Play at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Dad wants a lazy Sunday afternoon but Bluey and Bingo have other things in mind. Join in with their clever games and tricks as they do whatever they can to get Dad off that bean bag. With puppetry and songs, this original story features the Heelers in their first live theatre show, adapted from the Emmy award-winning kids’ TV series. All ages welcome, best for pre-school kids and their grownups. 11am, 1pm, 2pm & 4.30pm; £20-£29.50/babies under 18 months FREE (Dec 20-Jan 7)
CRACKING CHRISTMAS SHOWS FOR YOUNGER KIDS
The Gruffalo’s Child at Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0HH (Leicester Square tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
We’ve heard the tale of the Gruffalo frightening a little mouse, now it’s the Gruffalo’s child who wanders into the wood against her father’s wishes. But will she come across the Big Bad Mouse? Songs, laughs and some light scares for everyone aged 3 to 103. Various shows 10.30am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm (Wed-Sat) & 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm (Sun); £10-£25 (Dec 1-Jan 7)
Dear Santa at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central/West Finchley/Woodside Park tube)
A wonderful intro to theatre for younger kids, Dear Santa is based on the book by Dear Zoo author Rod Campbell. Santa is aiming to get an amazing gift to Sarah but he needs help from his cheeky Elf to get it right. This sweet show also invites kids into a special Santa’s grotto afterwards where every child will receive a gift! Ages 2-7. 10.30am & 1.30pm (Tue-Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat-Sun); from £12 (Dec 2-24)
Stick Man at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX (Leicester Square tube)
Running back into the West End, Scamp Theatre’s much-loved adaptation of the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book is fun for the whole family. Stick Man is a mission to get back to his family tree, but there’s everything from a playful dog to a fire in his way. Can he make it? Puppets, music and laughter for ages 3+ and carers (younger ones welcome). 11am & 1.30pm (Wed-Fri), 10.30am, 12.15pm & 2pm; adult from from £22/child from £17/babies under 18 months go FREE (Nov 29-Jan 2)
The Selfish Giant at Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice, opposite 35 Blomfield Road, W9 2PF (Warwick Avenue tube)
Discover a charming and humorous adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant aboard the Puppet Theatre barge. This production uses marionettes (string puppets) to create a magical world. For ages 4+, younger ones welcome. 11am & 2pm (relaxed shows and BSL shows available); adult £14/child 2-16 £10/adult + baby under 2 £14 (Dec 2-Jan 21)
The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Three hungry goats are yearning for the greener grass on the other side of a bridge. But with a troll lurking underneath, will they make it across safely? Adaptation of the classic tale with storytelling, laughs and acrobatics, plus a one day chance to Meet the Cast and Creatives (Dec 17). Ages 3+. 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm & 7.30pm (Relaxed shows Dec 16 at 2pm, Jan 4 at 1.30pm & Jan 6 at 11am); £14-£19 (Dec 14-Jan 17)
THEATRE FOR OLDER KIDS AND ADULTS
Pirates! at The Place, 17 Duke’s Road, WC1H 9PY UK (Euston/King’s Cross St Pancras tube, rail)
Sail away with best friends Tom and Daisy as Captain Sandy Rogers and her rowdy crew take them on the adventure of their lives. Look out for mysterious underwater creatures, slippery zombies, and a final duel with the wicked Admiral O’Greed! Dance, theatre and storytelling in a production from Scottish Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director Joan Clevillé. Best for ages 7-12, all ages welcome. 10am & 1.30pm (Mon-Tue), 11am & 3pm (Thu-Sun); adult £16/child £10 (Dec 16-24)
The Bolds at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
The Bolds are a family hyenas trying to pass themselves off as regular folk… but how long can they keep up their beastly charade? Julian Clary’s adaptation (from his bestselling book) returns to Unicorn Theatre for another burst of songs and silliness. Ages 6+. Various shows from 11am; adult from £12.50-£31.50/child from £10.50-£22.50 (until Dec 31)
The Snow Queen at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
Join Gerda on a quest to find her best friend Kai who’s vanished with the Snow Queen. Can she rescue him before he’s trapped in an endless winter? Jude Christians’ take on Hans Christian Andersen’s story is filled with songs, spectacle and a flurry of magic. For ages 6-12 – please note show contains haze, smoke and bright, colourful flashing lights throughout. Various times including 10.15am, 1.45pm (Wed-Fri) & 11am & 2.30pm (Sat-Sun); from £10 (until Jan 21)
You can also catch The Night Before Christmas for ages 2-6 at Polka Theatre, NB: all shows before Dec 24 are SOLD OUT (until Jan 14)
The Witches at National Theatre (Olivier Theatre), South Bank, SE1 9PX (Embankment/Waterloo tube)
A bunch of scheming witches are trying to ruin the day unless Luke and his Gran can intervene. This peppy musical take on Roald Dahl’s novel is directed by Lyndsey Turner withbook and lyrics by Olivier Award-winner Lucy Kirkwood, and music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Dave Malloy. Best for ages 8+. 7pm or 1.30pm (matinees on Wed & Sat from Nov 18); £20-£96 (until Jan 27)
ENCHANTING CHRISTMAS BALLET
Children’s Nutcracker Adventure Tour at Royal Opera House, Bow St, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DD (Covent Garden tube)
The Nutcracker Ballet at ROH is SOLD OUT (check for returns) however families can bring their kids along for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of The Nutcracker. Explore the imaginary Kingdom of Sweets as you journey through a land of (paper) snow. For ages 5-12. Various tours at 1.15pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm, 4.15pm, 5pm; from £15 (Dec 6-Jan 5)
There’s also an exclusive The Making of the Nutcracker Tour for ages 12+ (Dec 5-Jan 6, £54)
Nutcracker at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Charing Cross Rd tube)
Every year, the London Coliseum lights up with this most dazzling of Christmas ballets. See more than 100 dancers and musicians of the English National Ballet reenact the story of Clara and her enchanted doll, with music by Tchaikovsky. For ages 5+ (under 5s not admitted) plus 1 matinee All Ages Welcome show (Jan 6). 7.30pm & 2.30pm matinees; from £35-£97.75 (Dec 14-Jan 7)
Let’s All Dance The Nutcracker at Sadler’s Wells (Lilian Baylis Studio), Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
The Let’s All Dance crew are back with another ballet built for younger ones to enjoy. This year it’s The Nutcracker on the menu with delicious treats, lavish sets and unforgettable music. Suitable for all ages including babies. Photo op with the dancers on stage after every show! 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm; from £19.50/babies under 2 FREE (Dec 27-Jan 3)
CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES AND FAIRYTALES
Potted Panto at Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB (Tower Hill/Aldgate East/Shadwell tube)
Find the West End’s longest running panto slap bang in the East End this year. The delightful musical hall boasts Potted Panto, a madcap dash through 7 pantomimes in 80 minutes. From rubbing Aladdin’s lamp to helping Cinderella get to the ball, it’s fun for ages 6 to 106. 7.30pm (Thu-Sun) or 7.15pm (Mon-Wed), matinees at 2.30pm or 1.30pm; from £12-£32/concs £10-£29.50 (Nov 29-Dec 30)
Cinderella at Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane SW9 8GL (Brixton tube/rail)
Meet Sindi-Ella, a greengrocer’s daughter trying to keep her family business afloat. An encounter with Charms, Brixton’s biggest influencer, sets her life on a new course… Following the success of Alice in Wonderland, this is another street-smart and snappy adaptation of a well-known children’s story, with music and lots of humour. Ages 7+. 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 1.30pm & 6pm (Sat-Sun), 1.30pm select weekly matinees; from £15-£44 (until Dec 31)
Cinderella at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
The Queen of Panto Vikki Stone turns Lyric Hammersmith upside down with her magical, sassical, musical version of the fairytale. Cindy is a bonafide boss-lady at Shepherd’s Bush Market when Prince Henry rocks up in disguise and falls head over heels in love. When the paparazzi hunt him down and he’s forced to flee, it’s the start of a quest to unite Cinderella and the Prince, unless her stepsisters and stepmother get in the way. For ages 6+ – NB: haze and low smoke throughout, flashing lights, strobe lighting and some loud sudden noises. Various showtimes 10am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 5.30pm, 6pm & 7pm ; from £10/limited family tickets £75 (until Jan 6)
Peter Pan at Rose Theatre at Rose Theatre Kingston, Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL (Kingston/Surbiton rail)
Head to Kingston’s theatre for this lively twist on JM Barrie’s children’s classic. Filled with music and lyrics by Vikki Stone (Hey Duggee), you’ll follow the adventures of a cheeky young boy who refuses to grow up and a headstrong young girl who lands in his world of pirate ships and mermaid lagoons. For ages 5+. Various shows 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm; £15-£45/under 18s don’t require a ticket (Dec 1-Jan 7)
Hansel & Gretel at Shakespeare’s Globe at Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Mansion House tube)
Visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to rediscover HC Andersen’s fairy tale in a new production based on Simon Armitage’s poem. In the rubble of their war-torn village, Hansel and Gretel’s parent send them out to fend for themselves. Trying to find their way home, they get sidetracked by a strange old lady and her trail of treats. Music, magic, songs and a dash of hope. For ages 5+. Various shows 11am & 3pm, 2.30pm & 5.30pm (Tue-Sun); seating £20-£59 (under 18s 50% discount)/standing £5-£10 (Dec 8-Jan 7)
More Must-See Christmas Shows in London 2023
The Toymaker’s Child revamped at Chickenshed Theatre in Southgate, ages 5+ (Nov 29-Jan 13); The Smartest Giant in Town (for ages 2-8) at St Martin’s Theatre (Dec 2-Jan 7); Rapunzel at Theatre Peckham (Dec 5-24); Richard Curtis presents a variety show Christmas Actually (ages 8+) at Royal Festival Hall (Dec 7-11); Little Angel Theatre’s production of Finding Santa at Bloomsbury Theatre, ages 3+ (Dec 7-24); Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People (Family Matinee) at Kings Place, N1 (Dec 16); Chelsea Theatre’s Christmas panto Golden Socks and the Three Bears (Dec 16 & 17); Jack and the Beanstalk at Stratford East (until Jan 6); Nicole Scherzinger wows the crowds in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd (until Jan 6)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**