Babes About Town London Christmas Family Shows Guide 2024

Dazzling scenes, spectacular ballet and more in the Babes About Town London Christmas Family Shows Guide 2024. Once again, I’ve handpicked my favourite London Christmas Family Shows, from pantos to picture book adaptations. It’s a gorgeous, magical, multicultural mix of storytelling brought to life. Many shows are suitable for babies and toddlers too. Have an enchanting time at the theatre this Christmas!

The BEST London Christmas Family Shows 2024

BABES CHOICE

The Snowy Day at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
On a wintry morning, a little boy called Petter looks out and see a world blanketed in snow. Enjoy a brand-new dance version of the wonderful, award-winning picture book by Ezra Keats. Filled with sensory magic, it’s a special production for ages 1-4 and their grownups. Hurry, dates are selling out fast! Various dates and times from 10am; from £14 (Dec 6-Feb 2)

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake: The Next Generation at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
See the groundbreaking production of Swan Lake by the company who caused a global stir 30 years ago with the all-male ensemble. Experience Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece performed by a new generation of exciting young dancers in what’s become the most successful dance theatre production of all time! 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu & Sat), 2pm & 7pm; from £15 (Dec 7-Jan 26)

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at The Other Palace, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA (Victoria tube)
Gods and monsters converge in this dramatic adaptation of the bestselling children’s book series. NYC teen Percy Jackson learns he’s the half-blood son of Greek god, Poseidon and gets plunged into a fantasy world where he must battle monsters and figure out what it means to be a hero. Anticipate loud noises, strobe and flashing lightning, threat… and mythical creatures! Ages 8+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 1pm & 6pm (Sun), select matinees at 2.30pm; from £26 (Dec 7-Mar 2)

Pan at Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil St, SE5 7SB (Peckham Rye/Denmark Hill overground)
The boy who never grew up is the centre of Theatre Peckham’s latest panto in a long line of award-winning Christmas shows. Join Wendy, Peter (and his trusty steel pan drum) on a journey from Peckham to the Caribbean island of Neverland. There’ll be dancing, video games and music (soca, soul, reggae and more) in this fantastic production. Various dates and times at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm; adult £17.50/kids and concs £12/family £50 (Dec 6-23)

Ballet Shoes at National Theatre, Olivier Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Three adopted sisters are growing up in a crumbling house, watched by their guardians and dreaming of a bigger life. In a world not built for women, can they find their paths and even dance to a brighter future? Katy Rudd (The Ocean at the End of the Lane) directs this exciting reimagining of Noel Streatfield’s bestselling children’s book. Ages 7+. 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 1.30pm (Wed & Sat); £25-£99 (until Feb 22)

FESTIVE FAVOURITES

Disney On Ice: Roadtrip Adventures at The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX (North Greenwich tube)
Hold onto your mouse ears as Disney on Ice skates back into the O2 Arena, filled with acrobatics, world-class stunts and all your favourite Disney and Pixar characters. Kids of all ages will be delighted to experience elements of Mary Poppins Returns, Incredibles 2, Moana, Aladdin, The Lion King and more on ice! 2.30pm & 6.30pm (Dec 26), 10.30am & 2.30pm all other dates (doors open 1 hour before the show); tickets n£42-£113; babies under 24 months FREE on carer’s lap (Dec 26-Jan 5)

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
From the best-selling picture book, see Father Christmas waking up on the busiest day of the year. With puppets, songs and live music. Ages 0-6. Shows from 9.30am (times and dates vary, check the website for your day); from £14-£21/babies under 18 months FREE on parent/carer’s lap (until Dec 28) 

The Snowman at Peacock Theatre,Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube) 
A Christmas staple and one that will fill your children’s hearts (and yours) with utter joy. Raymond Briggs’ picture book is beloved as a movie and also as this delightful show full of snowy scenes, dance, costumes and music. All ages welcome. Various shows 11am, 2.30pm & 7pm (Wed-Sun); from £18pp (until Jan 4)

A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic, The Cut, SE1 8NB (Waterloo rail/tube)
This year John Simms (Life on Mars, Grace) takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in Jack Thorne’s seasonal production of the Charles Dickens classic tale. See Scrooge encounter the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Will it change his life or will he say bah humbug? Ages 8+. Various shows at 2pm & 7pm (closed Suns); £10-£95 (until Jan 4)

Nutcracker at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Charing Cross Rd tube)
The enchanting Christmas ballet returns for another season. Watch more than 100 dancers and musicians revisit Clara’s tale to music by Tchaikovsky. For ages 5+ (under 5s not admitted) plus 1 matinee All Ages Welcome show (Jan 6). 7.30pm & 2.30pm (times vary — tickets selling super fast!); from £15-£110 (Dec 12-Jan 12)

LONDON CHRISTMAS FAMILY SHOWS: PANTOMIMES AND FAIRYTALES

Potted Panto at Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, London E1 8JB (Tower Hill/Aldgate East/Shadwell tube)
Head to the beautiful Wilton’s Music Hall for another jaunt with the Potted Panto crew. Catch 7 pantomimes in 80 minutes, including rubbing lamps and Cinders dashing to the ball. Ages 6 to 106. Evening shows at 7pm or 7.30pm, matinees at 2.30pm or 1.30pm; from £15-£33/concs £12.50-£30.50 (Dec 4-Jan 4)

Pinocchio at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, E15 1BN (Stratford tube/overground/DLR/rail)
Meet the wooden puppet who wants to become a ‘real boy’. Can Blue Rinse Fairy and Krik Krak keep Pinocchio on the straight and narrow this Christmas? Lively retelling of the best loved fairy tale. All ages. Various times from 10am; £10-£46.50 (until Jan 4)

Hackney Empire Panto: Dick Whittington and His Cat, 291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
London’s favourite panto bursts with colour and life and celebrates its 25th season. Clive Rowe is Sarah the Cook in this rags to riches fairytale that’s full of songs, humour and surprises. 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 Jan 5)

Cinderella at King’s Head Theatre, 116 Upper Street, N1 1QN (Angel tube/Highbury & Islington tube/rail/overground)
Elphin Productions, King’s Head Theatre and Little Angel Theatre in association with the Angels of Angel present Islington’s brand new family pantomime! Featuring Drag Race UK finalist Ella Vaday and the voice of Dame Judi Dench, this sparkling production gives the Cinderella story a North London makeover. Everyone’s invited to the big Disco Ball this Christmas. Various shows at 10am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 5.30pm & 6pm; £10-£38/under 3s go FREE on parent’s lap (until Jan 5)

Aladdin at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/rail/overground)
Hop on a magic carpet and soar to Hammersmith with Aladdin, the cheeky chappie who helps out at his mum’s Wishy Washy launderette. When princess Jasmine enters the picture, sparks fly. Then there’s the small matter of a Genie… Live music, jokes, dance battles and more. Ages 6+. Various times from 10am; £10-£53 (until Jan 5)

LONDON CHRISTMAS FAMILY SHOWS: BABY AND TODDLER FRIENDLY THEATRE

Well Done, Mummy Penguin at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG (Deptford/New Cross overground)
Deep in the Antarctic landscape, Mummy Penguin is fishing for a family dinner while Daddy and Little Penguin watch in suspense. Can she brave the cliffs and seals to make a catch? Well done, Mummy Penguin! Brand new adaptation of the picture book by Chris Haughton with an important message about equal parenting. Ages 3-8, younger ones welcome, babies under 18 months don’t require a ticket. 11am & 2pm; £8.50-£14 (Dec 1-24)

Luna Loves Christmas at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford, E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
Luna is a little girl who LOVES Christmas because she gets to spend it at both her mum’s and her dad’s. The means two trees, two advent calendars, two Christmas dinners… but this year Luna and her family are doing something special. Based on the picture book by Joseph Coelho, this is a sweet, interactive storytelling session about community, acceptance and season’s joy. Ages 2-7. 11.35am-12pm; £3.50 (until Jan 5)

Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist at Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL (Kingston/Surbiton rail)
It’s winter in Sherwood and the Sheriff of Nottingham is squeezing every last penny from its residents. Can the outlaw Robin Hood’s daring plans outwit the Sheriff and bring Christmas joy to all? This joyful production features members of Rose Youth Theatre with a professional cast. For ages 5+, younger ones welcome, ages 18 months+ require a ticket. Various times from 11.30am; £5-£53.20 (until Jan 5)

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out at Theatre Royal Haymarket, Haymarket, SW1Y 4HT (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Oink oink. It’s another fun outing for Peppa and her crew, this time visiting the zoo and then the beach in an action-packed day. There’s music, muddy puddles and even a swim in the sea. All ages welcome from babies to grandparents! 11am & 1.30pm (Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri), 10.30am (Sat), 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm (Sun) – no shows on Wed, or Dec 23-26; from £10/babies under 1 FREE (until Jan 5)

Huddle at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Huddle up with your little one for this heartwarming tale about a father penguin and his new chick who are learning to thrive against all odds. With playful projections and music, this show is a treat for ages 2-5 and their families. Various times from 10.30am; child £14.50-£22.50/adult £18.50-£28.50 (until Dec 31)

LONDON CHRISTMAS FAMILY SHOWS: GREAT FOR YOUNGER KIDS

Christmas Comes to Moominvalley at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of Tove Jansson characters, along with Jacksons Lane’s 50th birthday, this charming show brings Moomintroll, Moominmamma and Moominpappa to the stage with circus, music and storytelling. For ages 3-103. Various shows 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 5pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sun); £10-£25 (Dec 6-Jan 5)

Hansel & Gretel at Shakespeare’s Globe at Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Mansion House tube)
Be immersed in a dazzling production of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, reworked from a poem by Simon Armitag. Hansel and Gretel leave their war-torn village in search of a better life, meeting a wayward stranger and her wicked trail of treats. Music and mischief for ages 5+. Various dates at 11am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 4.30pm & 5.30pm; £5-£55 (Dec 7-Jan 5)

The Singing Mermaid at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel tube/Highbury & Islington tube/rail/overground)
A singing mermaid arrives at a travelling circus where the audience love her, but the circus master is a meanie. Can she escape to the freedom of the sea? Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’ beloved tale is set to music and songs by Barb Jungr (We’re Going On A Bear Hunt). For ages 3-8. Various shows from 10.30am; adult £17/child 1-17 £15/all tickets £12 at 4.45pm performances (some Weds, Thus & Fris) (Dec 7-Jan 26)

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 an award-winning favourite that’s back at The Place for Christmas. See Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved tale brought to the stage with dance, spoken word and comedy. Ages 5-105. Relaxed performance Dec 18 at 10.30am, schools performance Dec 18-19 at 10.30am & 1.30pm Other shows Sat-Mon (Dec 21-23) at 11am & 3pm, Tue (Dec 24) at 11am; adult £16/concs £14/child £10 (Dec 18-24)

Circa’s Duck Pond at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Feathers will fly in this unusual take on Swan Lake, featuring sequins, songs and a flipper-wearing duck army. Duck Pond combines classic ballet with a world-class circus act for a theatre show to remember. All ages. For ages 5+. 3pm & 7.30pm; from £20/limited concs & kids tickets 25% discount (Dec 19-30)

LONDON CHRISTMAS FAMILY SHOWS: BEST FOR OLDER KIDS AND GROWNUPS

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s hilarious new staging of Shakespeare’s popular comedy brings some midsummer magic to midwinter. Four young lovers meet in an enchanted forest where reality clashes with fairy worlds and all sorts of mayhem ensues. Starring Mathew Baynton (Ghosts, Horrible Histories) as Bottom. No age guidance, we recommend 7+. 1.30pm & 7.15pm; from £25-£90 (Dec 3-Jan 18)

Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Don’t sleep on this show or you’ll miss out as tickets are flying. The legendary ballet dancer brings the Christmas tale to Havana, with Tchaikovsky’s score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo. Watch Clara receive a nutcracker doll, defeat the Rat King and enter the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Ages 8+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat) & 1pm (Sun); from £20 (Dec 10-15)

Slava’s Snow Show at Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN, UK (Piccadilly Circus tube)
This show is a delight from start to finish and has thrilled audiences worldwide since its inception. From hilarious clowning to moving spectacle and a theatre filled with snow, Slava’s Snow Show will take your breath away. Ages 8+. 7pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 6pm (Sun); from £24.50 (Dec 18-Jan 12)

Tom Fletcher’s The Creakers at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Imagine waking up in a world where all the grownups have vanished! In the town of Whiffington, unsupervised kids are running wild and it’s up to our heroes to figure out the mystery of … the Breakers! Miranda Larson’s lively adaptation of the book by singer-songwriter and author Tom Fletcher features music and lyrics by the author himself. Ages 6+. Various dates at 2pm & 6pm (timing may vary — tickets are selling fast); from £20 (Dec 19-Jan 5)

Alice in Wonderland at Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane SW9 8GL (Brixton tube/rail)
The 100-mile-an-hour production returns by popular demand. Follow 11-year-old Alice on a madcap adventure on the underground, with strange occurrences, colourful passengers and a Queen who won’t let go of the controls. Who can help her turn this train around? This joyous musical blends rap with the sights and sounds of Brixton. Ages 7+. Various dates and show times at 1.30pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm; from £15 (until Jan 4)

Don’t forget to check out my Family Holidays Guide to Christmas for London 2024. Sign up for the newsletter to keep up with the latest!

**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!**