What are the best Christmas shows to see in London in 2026?

London in December is a magical city, where the Christmas spirit fills every street corner, and its theaters are no exception. Whether you're a fan of musicals or looking for family-friendly plays, during the holiday season, the capital offers an exceptional selection of Christmas shows for all ages and tastes.

From fairy tale adaptations to great literary classics like A Christmas Carol, London provides the best Christmas shows for children and adults. For those who wish to fully enjoy the magic of Christmas in London in 2026, discover our selection of the best musicals, plays, ballets, and concerts to see in December.

Christmas musicals in London

The Snowman

Based on the famous children's book by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman is a wordless musical that tells the story of a boy and his snowman who comes to life on Christmas Eve. With stunning visual effects, puppetry, and live music, this show is a Christmas classic in London. The scene where the snowman and the child fly together is one of the most magical moments, captivating audiences of all ages.

The Snowman

Coming Soon

From £15

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Why see The Snowman at Christmas?

The Snowman is an immersive and visual experience that transports young audiences into a world of dreams and magic. Suitable for the little ones, this show is perfect for a first theater outing during the Christmas season.

Practical information

• Location: Peacock Theatre, London
• Dates: from November 23, 2024, to January 4, 2025
• Recommended age: 3 years and up
• Duration: 1h50 (including intermission)
• Tickets: London Theatre Direct

A Christmas Carol(ish)

A Christmas Carol(ish) is a hilarious parody of the classic by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. This show revisits the story of Ebenezer Scrooge in a quirky way, while retaining the main lines of the original plot. With a good dose of humor and modern nods, A Christmas Carol(ish) is a perfect choice for those looking for a light and fun musical to celebrate Christmas.

A Christmas Carol(ish)

Coming Soon

From £55

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Why see A Christmas Carol(ish) at Christmas?

For those who love Christmas stories but with a touch of humor, A Christmas Carol(ish) is the ideal show. Fans of the original tale will appreciate this parodic version, which combines moments of modern comedy with the spirit of Christmas. This show guarantees entertainment for both adults and children.

Practical information

• Location: @sohoplace
• Dates: from November 16 to December 31, 2024
• Recommended age: 10 years and up
• Duration: 2h (including intermission)
• Tickets: London Theatre Direct

Christmas theater shows in London

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol is a theatrical adaptation of one of the most famous Christmas tales. The story depicts the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and lonely old man, haunted by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. This show explores universal themes such as generosity, redemption, and the Christmas spirit. Its warm and festive atmosphere makes it a must-see for the whole family during the holidays.

A Christmas Carol

4.8 / 5  (796)

From £29

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Why see A Christmas Carol at Christmas?

A Christmas Carol is more than just a show; it's a life lesson on the importance of empathy and generosity. The magic of Christmas, combined with touching performances and impressive staging, offers a theatrical experience that is both entertaining and inspiring.

Practical information

• Location: Old Vic Theatre, London
• Dates: from November 15, 2024, to January 4, 2025
• Recommended age: 8 years and older
• Duration: 2 hours (including intermission)
• Tickets: London Theatre Direct

A Sherlock Carol

A Sherlock Carol is an original reimagining of Dickens' classic, blending the world of Sherlock Holmes with that of A Christmas Carol. When the legendary detective is recruited by Tiny Tim to solve the mystery of Ebenezer Scrooge's death, Sherlock finds himself in a supernatural investigation full of twists and ghosts. This show offers a clever combination of mystery, humor, and Christmas spirit, revisiting two iconic stories of English literature.

A Sherlock Carol

Coming Soon

From £19

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Why see A Sherlock Carol at Christmas?

This show offers a unique experience by mixing the mystery of Sherlock Holmes with the emotion of Christmas. Fans of both worlds will be delighted by this inventive adaptation, which combines captivating performances with immersive staging. It's an entertaining play, perfect for those looking for an alternative to the usual Christmas classics.

Practical information

• Location: Marylebone Theatre, London
• Dates: from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025
• Recommended age: 5 years and older
• Duration: 2 hours (including intermission)
• Tickets: London Theatre Direct

Horrible Christmas

Horrible Christmas is a show inspired by the famous Horrible Histories book series, which revisits the history of Christmas in a fun and educational way. This show takes the audience on a journey through the ages to discover the events, characters, and traditions that have shaped Christmas as we know it today. With a mix of humor, songs, and historical anecdotes, Horrible Christmas is an entertaining show for the whole family.

Horrible Christmas

Coming Soon

From £20

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Why see Horrible Christmas at Christmas?

Horrible Christmas is ideal for children who love to learn while having fun. This show offers a playful and irreverent approach to the Christmas holidays, with history lessons hidden in comedic sketches and catchy songs. It's an excellent choice for a family outing during the festive season.

Practical information

• Location: Alexandra Palace, London
• Dates: from December 12, 2024, to January 4, 2025
• Recommended age: 5 years and older
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes (including intermission)
• Tickets: London Theatre Direct

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas is an interactive show specially designed for curious and adventurous children. Maddie Moate, a famous children's presenter, invites young audiences to explore the mysteries of Christmas through scientific experiments, songs, and fun stories. This unique show combines learning and entertainment, encouraging children to ask questions and discover the magic behind Christmas traditions.

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas

Coming Soon

From £22

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Why see Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas at Christmas?

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas is perfect for children who love to learn in a playful and interactive way. This show, which combines science and the magic of Christmas, offers an enriching and entertaining experience, while capturing the imagination of the youngest with captivating visual experiments.

Practical information

• Location: Apollo Theatre, London
• Dates: from December 6, 2024, to January 4, 2025
• Recommended age: 4 years and up
• Duration: 1 hour (no intermission)
• Tickets: London Theatre Direct

Christmas ballets and concerts in London

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is an essential classic of the holiday season, and in 2024, you can enjoy two exceptional productions in London. At the Royal Albert Hall, the Birmingham Royal Ballet presents a grand version of this ballet, with sumptuous sets and impressive special effects, all accompanied by the iconic music of Tchaikovsky. Meanwhile, the English National Ballet also offers The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum, in a reimagined production that highlights the magic and wonder of Clara and the Nutcracker's story.

Nutcracker

4.6 / 5  (664)

From £31

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Why see The Nutcracker at Christmas?

Both productions of The Nutcracker offer unique experiences. At the Royal Albert Hall, the festive atmosphere and spectacular production by the Birmingham Royal Ballet are perfectly suited to this iconic venue, while the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum offers a refined and captivating staging that will delight the whole family. Each of these performances captures the essence of Christmas.

Practical information

• Venues:
  • Royal Albert Hall, London
  • London Coliseum, London
• Dates:
  • Royal Albert Hall: December 29 to 31, 2024
  • London Coliseum: December 12, 2024 to January 12, 2025
• Recommended age: 5 years and up
• Duration: 2 hours (including intermission)
• Tickets: official Royal Albert Hall website and London Theatre Direct (for the London Coliseum)

Home Alone in Concert

For cinema and music lovers, Home Alone in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall is a unique experience to enjoy during the Christmas season. This cinema classic, in which Kevin McCallister must defend his home against two burglars, is screened on a big screen, accompanied by a symphony orchestra performing John Williams' famous score live. This show is perfect for rediscovering Home Alone in an exceptional setting.

Why see Home Alone in Concert at Christmas?

Home Alone in Concert combines the magic of cinema and live music in one of London's most prestigious venues, the Royal Albert Hall. It's a unique opportunity to experience Kevin's story in a new light, while enjoying John Williams' epic musical arrangements.

Practical information

• Venue: Royal Albert Hall, London
• Dates: December 7, 2024
• Recommended age: 6 years and up
• Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes (including intermission)
• Tickets: official Royal Albert Hall website

Love Actually in Concert

Love Actually in Concert is the perfect opportunity to relive one of the most beloved Christmas films with a unique musical twist. Screened on the big screen at the Eventim Apollo, this show invites you to discover or rediscover Love Actually with a live orchestral performance that plays the film's famous soundtrack. This immersive experience adds an extra layer of emotion, turning this romantic classic into a true celebration of the holiday spirit.

Why see Love Actually in Concert at Christmas?

Love Actually in Concert perfectly blends the magic of cinema with the power of live music, enhancing the touching and festive moments of the film with live orchestration. This show is a perfect choice for fans of the film who wish to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas experience in one of London's iconic venues, the Eventim Apollo.

Practical information

• Location: Eventim Apollo, London
• Dates: 15 December 2024 (1:30 PM and 6:30 PM)
• Recommended age: all ages
• Duration: 2h20 (including intermission)
• Tickets: Ticketmaster

Practical tips

Choosing the right show according to children's age

When planning your Christmas theater outing, it's important to choose a show suitable for your children's age. Each show generally offers an age recommendation based on the story's complexity, duration, and themes:

• For the little ones (3-5 years): the musical The Snowman is perfect. This show offers a simple and visually captivating story, ideal for the attention span of young children, with its enchanting sets and the famous song Walking in the Air that transports young audiences into a magical world.
• For children aged 6 to 10: the show Horrible Christmas is an excellent option. This funny and quirky show revisits the history of Christmas with a touch of humor, making the experience both entertaining and educational for young audiences.
• For preteens and teenagers (11 years and up): the play A Christmas Carol is particularly suitable. This timeless classic explores deeper themes like redemption and generosity, while offering moving theatrical performances that captivate a more mature audience. 

Booking tickets in advance

Christmas shows in London are extremely popular, and it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance to secure the best seats:

• Book as soon as possible: for highly demanded shows like The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol, it is advisable to book several months in advance.
• Check reliable ticketing platforms: use recognized platforms like Ticketmaster, London Theatre Direct, ATG Tickets, See Tickets or TodayTix to book your seats safely. These platforms also sometimes offer family discounts or holiday promotions.
• Opt for last-minute tickets: if you have a tighter budget or are flexible with dates, the TKTS booth at Leicester Square or platforms like TodayTix offer discounted tickets for same-day or upcoming performances.

Getting to theaters during the Christmas period

The West End of London is well served by the public transport network, making it easily accessible during the holidays, even with the influx of visitors:

• Underground: the most convenient mode of transport. The main stations serving the theaters are Leicester Square (Northern Line and Piccadilly Line), Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line), and Tottenham Court Road (Central Line and Northern Line). These stations place you close to many theaters where the main Christmas shows are performed.
• Bus: several bus lines also serve the West End, notably lines 24, 29, and 176. Bus stops are located a short walk from the main theaters.
• Parking: if you choose to drive, be aware that parking spaces in central London are limited and expensive. It is advisable to book a spot in advance in car parks such as Q-Park Covent Garden, Q-Park Leicester Square, Q-Park Chinatown or NCP Car Park at Shaftesbury Avenue or Drury Lane. Some theaters even offer discounts for partner parking if you present your tickets.

Showtimes during the holidays

During the holiday season, showtimes may vary to accommodate increased demand and festivities:

• Special matinee performances: many theaters add matinee performances during the Christmas school holidays to allow families to enjoy shows during the day. Be sure to check the schedules on theater websites or ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, London Theatre Direct, ATG Tickets, See Tickets or TodayTix.
• Public holidays: days like Christmas (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) often see a reduction in the number of performances. However, shows are still available on these days, including popular productions like The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol. Specific times are listed on ticketing platforms.

Accessibility

Many London theaters offer special services to make their shows accessible to everyone, including young children and people with disabilities:

• "Relaxed" performances: these performances are adapted for families with young children or individuals with specific sensory needs. The lights remain dimmed, and the sound is adjusted to be less intense. For example, The Snowman and A Christmas Carol often offer "relaxed" performances during the holidays.
• Access for disabled individuals: most theaters have wheelchair-accessible seating, elevators, and adapted restrooms. Major theaters like the Royal Albert Hall or the Old Vic offer assistance services for people with disabilities. It is advisable to contact the theater directly in advance to arrange personalized assistance.
• Services for the hearing and visually impaired: some theaters offer performances with British Sign Language interpretation (BSL) or captioning systems. Audio description services are also available for certain Christmas performances.

Where to eat before or after the show?

Before or after a musical or a theater play, finding a place to eat is essential, especially with children. Fortunately, many family-friendly restaurants are located near the main theaters in London.

Family-friendly restaurants near theaters

• Rainforest Café (Shaftesbury Avenue): This themed restaurant immerses children in an animated jungle with moving animals and sound effects. Located not far from the main theaters of the West End, it's a great option for families after a show.
• Pizza Express (Covent Garden): A safe choice for families, with its delicious pizzas and relaxed atmosphere. Kids often love the opportunity to create their own pizza, and the quick service helps keep up with tight show schedules.
• Byron Burger (Leicester Square): A gourmet burger specialist, Byron offers kids' menus and is located near the West End theaters. Perfect for a quick and tasty option.

Suggestions for a Christmas tea or dinner

• The Ivy Market Grill (Covent Garden): Set in an elegant and festive atmosphere during the Christmas period, this restaurant is an ideal option for a family dinner after a show. The menu features classic British dishes, with options for children.
• Fortnum & Mason (Piccadilly): For a more sophisticated experience, the famous Fortnum & Mason tea room offers Christmas teas with festive pastries and tea. It's a lovely way to extend the holiday spirit after a musical.
• Hard Rock Café (Piccadilly): This iconic restaurant offers a family menu and classic American dishes, in a musical and relaxed atmosphere. It's a good option for families looking for a friendly and festive experience.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

• What are the must-see shows in London for Christmas? The must-see shows in London during the Christmas season include classics like the ballet The Nutcracker, the play A Christmas Carol, as well as family-friendly shows such as The Snowman and Home Alone in Concert. Each year, these events attract a family and festive audience, and tickets sell out quickly.
• Can you buy last-minute tickets for Christmas shows in London? Yes, it is often possible to buy last-minute tickets through platforms like TodayTix, the TKTS booth at Leicester Square, or directly at the theater box offices. However, for popular shows like The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol, it is recommended to book in advance to secure good seats, as tickets sell fast during the holiday season.
• What Christmas shows are suitable for children? The Snowman is perfect for children. This enchanting show, based on the famous book by Raymond Briggs, offers a visually captivating story and a magical staging that will captivate the youngest. Additionally, some family performances offer adapted schedules and special events for children.
• What are the unmissable Christmas concerts in London? Christmas concerts at the Royal Albert Hall are must-sees, with events like Home Alone in Concert. Other iconic venues, such as Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral, also offer choir concerts and Christmas religious services. These historic locations provide a unique atmosphere to celebrate the magic of Christmas through music.
• Are children allowed at all Christmas shows? Admission of children varies depending on the shows. For example, for the ballet The Nutcracker, children under 5 are not admitted. Some concerts and theater plays may also have specific age restrictions, so it is always advised to check the admission policies before booking your tickets.
• Are there Christmas shows accessible to people with disabilities? Yes, most major West End theaters, as well as venues like theRoyal Albert Hall, are accessible to people with disabilities. Adapted seating, "relaxed" performances, and assistance services are often available. It is advisable to contact the theater directly for information on available services.

Christmas in London is a magical time, and attending a musical or a play adds a special touch to the festivities. Whether you are with family or friends, there is a show for everyone, from classics like The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and The Snowman, to must-see events like Home Alone in Concert. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to secure a spot, and enjoy a festive meal to extend the holiday magic.