London’s theatres are sparkling with festive magic this year, offering a dazzling mix of musicals, family shows and Christmas classics for every age. Here’s our pick of the best shows to see in the West End and beyond this holiday season.
Also check out our full guide to Christmas in the West End.
Christmas-themed family shows in London
Elf The Musical – Aldwych Theatre
Buddy’s back! The hit musical comedy Elf The Musical returns to the West End for a limited 10-week run at the Aldwych Theatre, starring Joel Montague (Hamilton) as Buddy, Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Misérables) as Jovie, and TV star Aled Jones as Walter Hobbs. Expect festive cheer, big laughs and a sleigh-full of feel-good musical numbers in this family favourite inspired by the beloved film.
Aldwych Theatre, London
The Snowman – Peacock Theatre
Raymond Briggs’ timeless tale The Snowman returns to London’s West End for its 28th year, bringing festive magic to the Peacock Theatre. Join the Boy and his Snowman on their enchanting journey, set to Howard Blake’s classic score including “Walking in the Air”, performed live. With stunning design, choreography and direction, this heart-warming show remains one of London’s best-loved Christmas traditions — perfect for all the family.
22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Peacock Theatre, London
A Christmas Carol – The Old Vic
A much-loved London Christmas tradition, Jack Thorne’s acclaimed adaptation of A Christmas Carol returns to The Old Vic for another spellbinding season.
Directed by Matthew Warchus, this beautiful and heartfelt production stars a rotating cast of leading actors as Scrooge, and features a candlelit setting, handbells, and an atmosphere brimming with goodwill. A timeless story brought thrillingly to life.
Old Vic, London
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – Apollo Theatre
The Cornley Amateur Drama Society is back — and chaos is guaranteed! Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, from Mischief Theatre (The Play That Goes Wrong), opens at the Apollo Theatre from 6 December 2025 to 25 January 2026.
Expect collapsing sets, missing actors and festive mayhem in this riotous new seasonal comedy.
Wyndham's Theatre, London
A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story – Alexandra Palace Theatre
★★★★★ “Irresistibly theatrical” – The Telegraph
Neil Morrissey and Matthew Cottle star in Mark Gatiss’s hauntingly atmospheric version of Dickens’ classic at Alexandra Palace Theatre.
Blending ghostly stagecraft with emotional depth, A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story is a beautifully eerie take on the tale of redemption and Christmas spirit.
Alexandra Palace Theatre, London
Ebony Scrooge – Sadler’s Wells East
From ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company, comes Ebony Scrooge, a hip-hop re-imagining of A Christmas Carol at the newly opened Sadler’s Wells East.
Running from 26 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, this high-energy world premiere blends dance, rap and theatre in a dazzling modern retelling for all ages.
The Nutcracker productions in London
The Nutcracker – English National Ballet, London Coliseum
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without The Nutcracker, and English National Ballet’s spectacular production promises to be unmissable.
Featuring over 100 dancers and musicians, stunning sets by Dick Bird, and choreography by Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith, it’s a feast for the eyes and ears at the London Coliseum from 11 December 2025 to 11 January 2026.
London Coliseum, London
The Nutcracker – Royal Albert Hall
For just three magical nights, Birmingham Royal Ballet brings its breathtaking staging of The Nutcracker to the Royal Albert Hall.
Running 29–31 December 2025, this enchanting production features Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, dazzling projections and a spectacular winter wonderland finale.
Royal Albert Hall, London
The Nutcracker – St Martin’s Theatre
For something completely different, Olivier Award-winning company Little Bulb turns The Nutcracker on its head at St Martin’s Theatre.
Expect cheeky singing mice, cardboard magic and a sleigh-load of festive tunes in this bold, musical reimagining for families. A nominee for Best Family Entertainment at the 2025 Olivier Awards, it runs 10 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
? See all Nutcracker shows in London this Christmas
St Martin's Theatre, London
More festive family favourites
Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas – Garrick Theatre
BAFTA-winning children’s presenter Maddie Moate brings her live show Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas to the Garrick Theatre from 12 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
Expect science, silliness and festive fun in a show that uncovers the secrets behind our Christmas traditions.
Garrick Theatre, London
Pinocchio – Shakespeare’s Globe
Journey into a world of wonder with Pinocchio, a brand-new musical at Shakespeare’s Globe (29 November 2025 – 4 January 2026).
Created by Charlie Josephine and Jim Fortune, it’s a heartfelt adventure about imagination, love and family.
Shakespeare's Globe, London
Potted Panto – Wilton’s Music Hall
The hilarious Potted Panto returns to Wilton’s Music Hall from 3 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, condensing seven classic pantomimes into 80 minutes of riotous festive fun.
Wilton's Music Hall, London
More great family shows in the West End
The festive fun doesn’t stop there. London’s biggest family musicals are also running throughout the Christmas season, including Wicked, The Lion King, Oliver!, Matilda The Musical, Back to the Future, and the new musical Paddington. Plus, don’t miss Come Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular, bringing big-top magic and hit songs to the stage.
For younger children, there’s a host of charming festive favourites including Bluey’s Big Play (Royal Festival Hall), Father Christmas Needs a Wee (Arts Theatre), Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Stick Man (Bloomsbury Theatre), and The Gruffalo’s Child (Lyric Theatre).
From classic tales and magical ballets to hilarious comedies and heartwarming family stories, West End Christmas shows are bringing festive joy to London’s stages this year.
?️ Browse all family shows in London this Christmas
?️ Browse all Christmas themed shows playing in 2025
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