London Christmas Theatre Guide 2025:  Best Family Shows for All Ages

There’s nothing quite as special as taking your child to the theatre, seeing their eyes grow wide or hearing them gasp as the magic takes over. My London Christmas Theatre Guide 2025 is bursting with festive storytelling, pantomimes and fairytales, theatre for younger kids, baby and toddler friendly shows, and London’s best family shows for big kids and grownups. Get thee to the box office for a cracking time this holiday season.

London Christmas Theatre Guide:  Best Festive Shows for All Ages

Table of Contents

• BABES CHOICE: BEST CHRISTMAS THEATRE FOR FAMILIES IN LONDON
• LONDON THEATRE: FESTIVE FAMILY FAVOURITES
• BEST LONDON PANTOS TO SEE THIS CHRISTMAS
• BEST LONDON THEATRE: HOLIDAY SHOWSTOPPERS
• BABY AND TODDLER FRIENDLY LONDON THEATRE 
• BEST LONDON CHRISTMAS THEATRE SHOWS FOR YOUNG KIDS
• CHRISTMAS LONDON THEATRE FOR BIG KIDS AND GROWNUPS

BABES CHOICE: BEST CHRISTMAS THEATRE FOR FAMILIES IN LONDON

Ebony Scrooge (ZooNation) at Sadler’s Wells East, 101 Carpenters Rd (off Stratford Walk), QE Olympic Park, Stratford Cross, E20 2AR (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
The incredible ZooNation return with their foot-tapping, finger-snapping street dance spin on the Dickens’ tale. Choreographed by Associate Artistic Director Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe, with original music from Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante (Boy Blue). Ages 7+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 2.30pm (Sat-Sun); from £15 (Dec 4-Jan 4)

Christmas Comes to Moominvalley at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Moomintroll, Moominmamma, Moominpappa and the crew return with another engaging show of music, circus and storytelling. For ages 3-103. Various shows 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sun); £12-£26 (Dec 5-Jan 6)

Operation Ouch: Quest for the Jurassic Fart at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
After 4 sell-out Australian tours and 2 smash-hit West End seasons, Dr Chris and Dr Xand roar back with a dinosaur show packed with experiments, gross-out humour and scientific silliness. Ages 5+ (younger ones welcome). 11am, 2pm & 5pm (11am & 1.30pm Wed Dec 31); from £27.50 (Dec 22-Jan 2)

Wicked Witches: A Popular Panto! at Pleasance Theatre, 5 Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF (Caledonian Rd tube/Caledonian Rd & Barnsbury overground)
Jeremy Corbyn MP and Sir Ian McKellen make video cameos in this Wicked-inspired panto set 20 years after Dorothy tumbled to Oz. Featuring drag and panto stars e.g. legendary Crayola the Queens. Ages 5+. 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 4.30pm, 6pm; from £10/under 2s FREE (until Dec 28)

Pinocchio at Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Mansion House tube)
The little puppet who wished to be a boy takes centre stage at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Ages 5+. Shows from 11am; galleries £25-£75/standing £5-£10 – under 16s half-price for all performances (until Jan 4)

Ballet Shoes at National Theatre, Olivier Theatre, South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Noel Streatfield’s famous children’s story, adapted for National Theatre, back by popular demand. Ages 7+. 7pm (Mon-Sat, 6.30pm Tues) & 1.30pm (Wed & Sat); £25-£110 (until Feb 21)

LONDON THEATRE: FESTIVE FAMILY FAVOURITES

The Night Before Christmas at Arts Depot,  5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
On Christmas Eve, Amber’s world turns upside down with a surprise visitor and a magical adventure. Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s poem with puppets and original music. Ages 3-7. 10am & 1pm daily; from £13.75 (Dec 8-31)

Nutcracker at London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES (Charing Cross Rd tube)
A true festive cracker featuring Clara, toy soldiers, a host of colourful characters and Tchaikovsky’s winning score. For ages 5+ (under 5s only at family friendly performance on Jan 3). 7.30pm & 2.30pm (times vary); from £15 (Dec 11-Jan 11)

Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero at The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX (North Greenwich tube)
See your favourite Disney and Pixar characters gliding and sliding in their latest show. All ages. 9.30am, 1.30pm & 5.30pm; tickets £45-£96; babies under 2 are FREE on carer’s lap (Dec 26-Jan 4)

Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube)
On the morning of his biggest day ever, Father Christmas still has a lot to do! Adapted from the picture book. Ages 0-6. Shows from 9.45am; from £14-£22/babies under 18 months FREE on parent/carer’s lap (until Dec 27)

Elf the Musical at Aldwych Theatre, 49 Aldwych,  WC2B 4DF (Covent Garden tube)
My absolute favourite Christmas movie is a returning West End delight. See Buddy the Elf take New York and find the meaning of family. Ages 4+, kids under 2 not admitted. 7pm (Mon-Sat) and 2pm (Thu & Sat); from £31 (until Jan 3)

The Snowman at Peacock Theatre,Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT (Holborn tube) 
A little boy goes on a winter adventure with a snowman in a show to make your heart soar. Based on the Raymond Briggs classic. 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)
Bah humbug? Old Scrooge (Emmy award winner Christopher Eccleston) is visited by a series of ghosts that reveal the true joy of Christmas. Ages 8+. Various shows at 2.30pm & 7.30pm or 2pm & 7pm (closed Suns); £10-£90 (until Jan 6)

BEST LONDON PANTOS TO SEE THIS CHRISTMAS

Alice in Wonderland at Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil St, SE5 7SB (Peckham Rye/Denmark Hill overground)
Wander down south to follow Alice, the White Rabbit and other Lewis Carroll characters into their topsy turvy world — with a Peckham twist! 10am, 11am, 1pm, 4pm, 5pm & 7pm; general £17.50/family £50/Peckham local £7.50/concs £12.50 (Dec 5-23)

Jack and the Beanstalk at King’s Head Theatre, 116p Upper St, N1 1QP (Highbury & Islington tube/overground, Angel tube)
On Udder Street in Islington, farmer Jack helps his mum on her farm. But fee fi fo fum, there’s big trouble afoot. Slapstick, spectacle and show tunes abound in this panto for all ages. 5pm (Sun), 6pm (Mon & Fri); £25-£45/under 3s FREE (Dec 5-Jan 4)

Sleeping Beauty at London Palladium, Argyll Street, W1F 7TF (Leicester Square tube)
Will the dashing prince wake Aurora from her charmed sleep? Find out at the West End panto with an all-star cast e.g. Catherine Tate, Julian Clary and Nigel Havers. 2.30pm & 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 1pm & 5.30pm (Sun); from £25 (Dec 6-Jan 11)

Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat at Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 4RU (Catford/Catford Bridge rail)
Dick and his feline friend set sail on the Empire Windrush in search of streets lined with gold. But what will they do about the rat epidemic? Catford’s panto is purr-fect for all ages. Various times from 10am-7pm; £8.50-£43.50 (Dec 9-31)

Hackney Empire Panto: Cinderella,  291 Mare St, E8 (Hackney Central overground)
Cinders SHALL go to the ball in this rags to riches romp directed by Clive Rowe and starring Jade Johnson, Siobhan James and Kat B! 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-£46 (until Dec 31)

Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/rail/overground)
Big things are brewing at the toughest school in Hammersmith. Can new student Jack face off a gigantic threat? Music, chuckles and festive fun at this popular panto. Ages 6+. Various shows from 10am-7pm; £10-£48/limited £80 family tickets/babies under 18 months FREE (until Jan 4)

We also like
See 7 pantos in 80 hilarious minutes in Potted Panto at Wilton’s (Dec 3-Jan 3); follow the glass slipper in Cinderella at Rose Theatre Kingston (until Jan 4); travel to Neverland in the high-flying panto Peter Pan at Greenwich Theatre (until Jan 11)

BEST LONDON THEATRE: HOLIDAY SHOWSTOPPERS

Into the Woods at Bridge Theatre, 3 Potters Fields Park, SE1 2SG (Tower Hill/London Bridge tube/rail, Tower Gateway DLR)
Stephen Sondheim’s dark fairytale musical serves up hardcore themes with a positive message. For ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £29.50 (Dec 3-Apr 18)

My Neighbour Totoro in the West End at Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, Holborn, WC2B 5PW (Covent Garden/Holborn tube)
The smash hit RSC adaption of the Studio Ghibli classic is a visual treat. Featuring original score from composer Joe Hisaishi + live orchestra and puppets by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. For ages 6+ (under 4s not admitted). 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (until Aug 2026)

The Producers at Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0HH (Leicester Square tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
Mel Brooks’ hilarious musical extends its run. Watch producers Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom try to put on a hit show against all odds. Ages 10+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (until Sep 2026)

Paddington the Musical at Savoy Theatre, Strand, WC2R 0ET (Charing Cross tube/rail, Covent Garden tube)
Our beloved bear from Peru makes his musical debut in this musical based on the hit movies and books. Best for ages 6+ (ages 4-104 welcome, babe-in-arms not admitted). 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); from £30 (until Oct 2026)

The Hunger Games: On Stage at Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, Canary Wharf E14 5GX (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
Katniss Everdeen must battle to the death in this action-packed vision of Suzanne Collins’ bestselling stories. Best for ages 12+, parental discretion, under 3s not admitted, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat) & 2.30pm (Fri-Sun); from £30/standard tickets £60/premium £125 (booking until Oct 2026)

BABY AND TODDLER FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS THEATRE

Univers at Barbican Centre (The Pit), Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Hurry, there are just a couple of dates left for this magical, sensory show from Catalonia aimed at ages 0-2. 10am, 12pm & 3pm (Wed-Sun); adult £13/baby £11 (Dec 3-13)

Also see Scrunch at Unicorn Theatre for ages 6-18 months and carers (until Jan 4)

Me at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
A baby penguin finds their feet in this touching story about the love of a parent for a child. Various shows from 10am; adult £17/child £15/all shows £8.50 at 2.15pm Thus & £10 at 4.45pm Fris (Dec 4-Jan 6)

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show at Theatre Royal Haymarket, Haymarket, SW1Y 4HT (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Peppa and her piglet posse are back with another oinkcredible show. Fun for all age, from babies to grandparents! 11am & 1.30pm (Mon-Fri, NB: No shows on Thursdays!), 10.30am (Sat), 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm (Sun) – no shows on Thus, or Dec 25 & 31; from £10/babies under 1 FREE (Dec 5-Jan 4)

Bluey’s Big Play at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
Back by popular demand, Bluey and Bingo are up to their usual mischief, with puppetry and songs. All ages welcome, best for pre-school kids and their grownups. 10.30am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2pm & 4.30pm (various dates and times, confirm at booking); from £20.50/babies under 18 months FREE (Dec 18-Jan 11)

A Merry Misrule at Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN (Clapham Junction rail)
Wild Rumpus are back with a new immersive, theatrical family trail with pop-up folklore characters and European Yuletide traditions. Santa’s grotto is also open at BAC. Ages 3+ . Various entry times 9.45am-4.45pm (Fri-Sun); adult from £15-£18.50/child £15-£16.50/babes-in-arms and under 18 months FREE (until Dec 24)

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
It’s the question on everybody’s lips at this comic caper for ages 2-102. World premiere based on Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s irresistibly funny picture book. 11am & 2pm (Tue-Sun); £14.50-£29.50 (until Jan 3)

BEST LONDON CHRISTMAS THEATRE SHOWS FOR YOUNG KIDS

Stick Man at Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street,  WC1H 0AH (Euston tube/rail)
Stick Man is still trying to get back to his family tree in this joyful adaptation. Puppets, songs and laughs for ages 3+(younger ones welcome). 10.30am, 1pm & 3.30pm; adult £24-£36/child £17.50-£29 (Dec 4-Jan 4)

The Nutcracker at St Martin’s Theatre, West Street, WC2H 9NZ (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Little Bulb reimagines The Nutcracker with cardboard creations, comic characters and cheeky musical mice in a distinctly London setting. Ages 5+ (younger ones welcome). 11am, 1.30pm (Mon-Wed & Fri), 11am (Sat), 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm (Sun); from £13 (Dec 10-Jan 4)

Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Xmas at Garrick Theatre, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HH (Charing Cross tube/rail)
The CBeebies and YouTube star returns in a show set in Santa’s workshop where mishaps abound and only science and Christmas magic can fix things. Ages 4+. Various shows from 10.15am; from £18.50 (Dec 12-Jan 4)

The Magic Flute at The Place, 17 Duke’s Road, WC1H 9PY UK (Euston/King’s Cross St Pancras tube, rail)
Protein’s dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart’s opera is a tale of love and friendship for ages 5+. Shows at 10.30am & 1.30pm or 11am, 2pm & 3pm; adult £16/child £12/concs £14/family £45 (Dec 17-24)

The Gruffalo’s Child at Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, (Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus tube, Charing Cross tube/rail)
A little Gruffalo wanders into the wood against her father’s wishes. How will she cope with the Big Bad Mouse? Ages 3 to 103. Various shows 10.30am, 11am, 1pm & 2pm (Wed-Sat) & 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm (Sun); £10-£25 (until Jan 7)

How Many Elves Is Too Many? at Discover Children’s Story Centre, 383-387 High Street Stratford E15 4QZ (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
Festive dress-up, snowball games and letters to Santa are all part of this interactive adventure. Best for younger ones, all ages welcome. 10am-5pm (closed Dec 24-26 & 31-Jan 1); adult or child £10/ages 1 £5/babies under 1 FREE (until Jan 12)

The Snowflake at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
A little girl, her puppies and a snowflake all search for their place in this world. Based on Benji Davies’ seasonal charmer. Ages 3-6. Various shows from 10am; from £16 + £2.50 fee (until Jan 25)

We also like
The Storm Whale for ages 4-8 at Little Angel Theatre (Dec 5-Jan 24); The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure for ages 3-8 at The Albany in Deptford (Dec 6-24); Pinocchio for ages 4+ at the Puppet Theatre Barge in Little Venice (Dec 6-Jan 18); The Elmer Adventure at Soho Theatre in Walthamstow (Dec 20-Jan 4)

CHRISTMAS LONDON THEATRE FOR BIG KIDS AND GROWNUPS

Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures: The Red Shoes at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
The double Olivier-winning smash hit dances back with drama, suspense, beauty and thrilling choreography. Ages 7+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (select Tues, Thu & Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Sun); from £15 (Dec 3-Jan 18)

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare’s Globe at Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT (Blackfriars/Mansion House tube)
Oberon and Titania cast their spells over this Shakespeare adaptation full of magic and mischief. Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); galleries £35-£80/standing £5-£10 (Dec 3-Jan 31)

Fireside Tales with Punchdrunk Enrichment at Wembley Park, Unit 22 Watkin Road, HA9 0NL (Wembley Park tube)
The famously immersive company present an interactive storytelling show that encourages audiences to draw, write and share their own stories. Ages 7-11 and their grownups. Various times from 11am-4pm; from £15-£27 (Dec 6-Jan 4)

A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7EZ (Piccadilly/Leicester Square tube)
The latest show from madcap comedy company Mischief puts Charles Dickens’ classic through the wringer. Ages 8+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 7pm (Sun), 2.30pm (Sat-Sun); from £20 (Dec 6-Jan 26)

Twelfth Night at Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
An enchanting take on Shakespeare’s story about shipwrecked twins causing havoc in Ilyria. No age guidance, best for ages 12+. 7.15pm & select matinees at 1.30pm; from £25 (Dec 8-Jan 17)

Top Hat at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
A ritzy, glitzy staging of Irving Berlin’s musical based on the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie. Ages 8+. 7.30pm & select matinees at 2pm (Tue-Sun); from £27 + booking fee/limited concs 50% discount (Dec 12-Jan 17)

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**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!**