The Best Shows to See in London This Christmas 2026
Watching a show at a London theatre is always a fantastic way to spend an evening, but it feels even more magical at Christmas. With festive-themed shows and pantomimes popping up all over the city, it’s the perfect activity to get the whole family in the Christmas spirit.
Spend the day admiring the decorations in Covent Garden, seeing the lights on Regent Street or browsing the South Bank Christmas market before finishing with a festive show. From festive ballet and West End pantomimes to family favourites and seasonal comedy, London offers a Christmas show for every age and interest. Here is our selection of the best shows to catch across London this season.
The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum
The English National Ballet's production of The Nutcracker has been a fixture of London's Christmas theatre schedule for over 50 years. It's one of the capital’s best-known festive performances. More than 100 dancers and musicians bring Tchaikovsky’s ballet to life, following Clara and an enchanted Nutcracker doll into a magical world where they encounter the Rat King and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Run time: Two hours with a 20-minute interval.
Recommended age: Suitable for ages 5 and above.
Dates: 17 December 2026 to 10 January 2027
Venue: London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London WC2.
Getting there: Leicester Square or Charing Cross (Piccadilly, Northern, Bakerloo lines).
Cinderella – the London Palladium Pantomime
The annual London Palladium pantomime is one of the capital’s highest-profile Christmas theatre events, combining celebrity casting, spectacular production values and plenty of comedy. This rags to riches tale features Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders as the Ugly Sisters, and Julian Clary as the Fairy Godfather, alongside Palladium panto regulars Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Rob Madge. The Palladium pantomime is one of London’s highest-profile festive productions, so early booking is advisable.
Recommended age: The production includes playful innuendo and cheeky jokes and is not specifically tailored to young children, so parental discretion is advised. Children under four are not admitted.
Dates: From 5 December 2026 to 10 January 2027
Venue: The London Palladium, Argyll Street, London W1.
Getting there: Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria, Bakerloo lines).
A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic
The Old Vic's annual Christmas production is one of the most critically acclaimed festive shows in London, consistently selling out its run. This imaginative retelling of Charles Dickens' classic story follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future on a journey that challenges his outlook on life. Combining music, storytelling and striking stagecraft, the production captures both the warmth and emotion of the original tale. One of the best options for adults and older children looking for something more theatrical than a family panto.
Run time: Two hours, including a 20-minute interval
Recommended age: Ages 8+
Dates: 12 November 2026 to 9 January 2027
Venue: Old Vic Theatre, The Cut, Waterloo.
Getting there: Waterloo Station (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines, plus National Rail) is approximately a two-minute walk from the theatre.
A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong at Wyndham's Theatre
The Mischief Theatre company behind The Play That Goes Wrong brings its chaotic comedy treatment to A Christmas Carol for the 2026 season. Expect the same brand of brilliantly staged theatrical disaster that has made Mischief one of the most popular comedy theatre companies in the West End. A good option for groups and anyone who finds traditional pantomime too gentle.
Run time: 2 hours 20 mins inducing interval
Recommended age: This production is recommended for ages 8+. Contains moderately strong language, some innuendo and comic depictions of violence,
Dates: 18 December 2026 - 23 January 2027
Venue: Wyndham's Theatre, Charing Cross Road, West End.
Getting there: Leicester Square (Piccadilly, Northern lines).
The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre
Few Christmas stories are as instantly recognisable as The Snowman. Landing at the Peacock Theatre for Christmas 2026, this brand-new production brings Raymond Briggs’ classic story to the stage with Howard Blake’s much-loved score, beautifully crafted puppets and inventive theatrical effects. Follow the story of a young boy whose snowman magically comes to life on Christmas Eve, taking him on an unforgettable adventure through the night sky. Featuring the iconic song Walking in the Air, it's a festive favourite that continues to delight audiences of all ages.
Run time: 1 hour 30 minutes, including one 20-minute interval.
Recommended age: Suitable for all ages. Children aged 2 and above require a ticket.
Dates: 21 November 2026 – 3 January 2027
Venue: Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, London WC2.
Getting there: Holborn Underground Station (Central and Piccadilly lines) is a short walk from the theatre. Temple and Covent Garden stations are also within walking distance.
Stick Man at Bloomsbury Theatre
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's much-loved Stick Man returns to London for another festive season, bringing one of children's favourite storybook characters to the stage. When Stick Man is separated from his family tree, he finds himself on an unexpected adventure filled with comedy, music and colourful characters. This family-friendly production combines puppetry, songs and storytelling to bring the bestselling book to life. Perfect for younger children, Stick Man has become a Christmas theatre favourite and is an accessible festive choice for families visiting London during the school holidays.
Run time: Approximately 1 hour with no interval.
Recommended age: 3+
Dates: 3 December 2026 – 3 January 2027
Venue: Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon Street, London WC1H
Getting there: Euston Square (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines), Warren Street (Northern and Victoria lines) and Euston Station are all within walking distance of the theatre.
Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas at Alexandra Palace
Looking for something a little different this Christmas? Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas combines festive entertainment with a classic mystery in the unique surroundings of Alexandra Palace. Set in Victorian London, the story follows Sherlock Holmes as he investigates a series of deaths involving West End performers, each connected to The Twelve Days of Christmas. Combining mystery, mayhem and festive humour, it offers an alternative to the traditional Christmas pantomime.
Run time: 2 hours 30 minutes including an interval
Recommended age: 10+ years. Contains moderate language, innuendo and gunshot sound effects.
Dates: 24 November 2026 – 17 January 2027
Venue: Alexandra Palace Theatre
Getting there: Alexandra Palace National Rail station is a short walk from the venue, while Wood Green Underground Station (Piccadilly line) is approximately 15 minutes away on foot.
Booking tips for Christmas shows in London
- Book early as West End Christmas shows sell out fast, particularly for weekend matinees and the week between Christmas and New Year.
- Weekend matinees (typically Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm) often sell out fastest and are usually the most expensive sessions.
- The week between Christmas Day and New Year (26 December to 2 January) can be the busiest and most expensive week for West End shows. If you can attend in the first two weeks of December, you might find better availability and lower prices.
- Some theatres offer group discounts for larger parties. Call the box office directly rather than booking online for group rates.
- Check individual theatre websites for access performances, including audio-described, signed and relaxed sessions.
- Before you book, if you plan to go with children, make sure to check the minimum age and guidelines regarding adult supervision before booking.
Local tip: If you live near a Berkeley development in Battersea, Camden, Greenwich or the East End, local venues often have shorter booking queues and easier access than the West End. The Southbank Centre, Barbican and Alexandra Palace all run strong Christmas programmes that are easier to reach without a central London commute.
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