London Ballet Tickets 2025
Discover the breathtaking variety of ballet in London, performed by some of the most prestigious companies in the world. The West End is the place to be if you want to watch incredible musicals in London, but you can also enjoy gorgeous dance performances in the capital. Why not try the London Coliseum's acclaimed productions, with music by Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky? Or head to the Peacock Theatre and Sadler's Wells where dynamic new work that combines ballet and contemporary dance bursts off the stage.
Boasting stunning sets, beautiful dancing, and soaring music, ballet shows enchant and delight thousands of theatregoers every year, and for many become a London Christmas theatre tradition to enjoy again and again. Book ballet tickets in London and inspire a joy of dance that will stay with you forever.
1. The Nutcracker: the classic returns for another magical year
2. Akram Khan's Giselle: groundbreaking reimagining returns
English National Ballet perform Akram Khan’s innovative and spellbinding reimagining of the classic ballet, as it returns to London for a strictly limited run. Love, betrayal and redemption collide in this “masterpiece of modern ballet” (The Telegraph). Combining kathak, a traditional Indian dance, with contemporary movement, Khan’s Giselle first premiered in 2016 to critical acclaim, going on to tour the UK and internationally. This revival of the revolutionary ballet is to celebrate the show's 10th anniversary, and is playing for three days only - secure your tickets today.
3. The Red Shoes: an enchanting love letter to ballet
Matthew Bourne’s elegant adaptation of The Red Shoes returns to Sadler’s Wells for a strictly limited run this December. Ballerina Victoria Page has dedicated her life to her craft, but when two men vie for her heart, Victoria must decide what is more important to her - romance, or her career. Based on the Academy Award-winning 1948 film of the same name, The Red Shoes features a sumptuous Golden Age score and Bourne’s signature boundary-pushing choreography. Book today for this “cinematic masterpiece re-Bourne on stage” (Evening Standard).
4. The Sleeping Beauty: Kenneth Macmillan's spellbinding production
Sir Kenneth Macmillan’s seminal production of The Sleeping Beauty makes its Royal Albert Hall debut in summer 2026. When Princess Aurora is cursed by the wicked fairy Carabose, she falls into a deep slumber that can only be broken by true love’s kiss. Tchaikovsky’s spellbinding ballet is brought to life with elegant choreography from the master artiste, that both reveres and expands upon the original choreography by Marius Petipa, performed by the talented company of the English National Ballet. This revival has a strictly limited run - secure your tickets today!
5. The Snowman: festive favourite for all the family
The frosty family favourite returns to the Peacock Theatre this Christmas for its 28th year! Based on the beloved children's book by Raymond Briggs - as well as the acclaimed animated version by Dianne Jackson - this children’s ballet features Aled Jones' iconic song “Walking in the Air”. When a young boy flies off on a grand adventure with the snowman from his garden, they meet a quirky cast of characters including Father Christmas, Jack Frost and even dancing pineapples! But will they make it back for Christmas morning?
6. Royal Albert Hall Nutcracker: a magical version of a festive classic
7. Chicos Mambo TUTU: iconic all male company pay tribute to the tutu
The internationally acclaimed Chicos Mambo bring their smash hit show TUTU to London for a strictly limited run this February. This tongue-in-cheek, loving tribute to - you guessed it - the tutu takes on a whole host of characters, including parodies of classic ballet and contemporary dance. Featuring drag queens, gymnasts and a very piggy take on Swan Lake, as well as the company’s iconic tule tutu trousers, get ready for a night of dance that’s sidesplittingly hilarious and technically brilliant - book today.
Where can I watch ballet in London?
The English National Ballet is one of the best dance companies in the world, with performances often taking place at the London Coliseum. Theatregoers can watch the company’s productions at the Royal Albert Hall and Sadler’s Wells as well. The latter, along with the Peacock Theatre, are also creative hubs for brand-new work by new and upcoming dance companies and choreographers.
What is the most popular ballet show?
The Nutcracker is one of the most famous ballets ever produced, and has played a festive season at the London Coliseum for more than 50 years. It is so popular that is often sells out in advance, and theatregoers book ahead to make sure the whole family can enjoy this iconic show together.
Choreographer Matthew Bourne’s productions are always very popular. His distinctive style often blends dance with other influences such as musical theatre. Some of his most well-known works are Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker!, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake which famously had an all-male company of swans, and The Red Shoes.
What should I wear to the ballet in London?
There is no strict dress code for attending ballet shows in London, and you are welcome to wear whatever is most comfortable, including jeans.
Some people like to attend in formal wear, especially if they are seeing an evening performance, gala, or visiting for a special occasion. You are likely to see a wide variety of outfits from casual to dresses and heels, especially for Christmas performances when children may enjoy dressing up.
What children’s ballet shows are in London in 2025?
The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre is one of the best dance shows for children and families, and a fantastic introduction to the genre for young theatregoers. Its familiar story and music, festive connotations and playful costumes make it an engaging choice and special experience.
Other dance shows for kids in London often play limited seasons at the Peacock Theatre. These are fun, short versions of classics including Swan Lake and Cinderella.
