Best Christmas Shows & Pantomimes In London 2023
The West End has a long history of providing the best Christmas entertainment in London for all the family, from side-splitting pantomimes to uplifting plays.
Whether it's classics like The Snowman returning to spread holiday cheer, or a warming new family favourite to greet the festive season, keep your eyes peeled below for the best Christmas theatre in London this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a huge number of events and sights to see in London at Christmas. Tourist attractions are transformed, with Hyde Park becoming Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew Gardens delighting crowds with after-dark light displays.
In central London, visitors can enjoy incredible Christmas lights. Carnaby Street’s are a particular highlight, with a different theme each year. The Southbank Centre Christmas Market and department stores such as Harrods and Fortnum & Mason offer very different but equally exciting opportunities for gift buying, and you can spend an afternoon ice skating at locations across the city including Somerset House.
Catching a show in the West End is the perfect addition to a day of festive celebrations. There are lots of Christmas shows in London from late November through to early January, including the Old Vic’s acclaimed A Christmas Carol, the hugely popular Palladium Panto, and traditional ballets such as The Nutcracker.
Check out our rundown of the best past and present West End Christmas musicals to see more shows that truly celebrate the festive season.
In central London, visitors can enjoy incredible Christmas lights. Carnaby Street’s are a particular highlight, with a different theme each year. The Southbank Centre Christmas Market and department stores such as Harrods and Fortnum & Mason offer very different but equally exciting opportunities for gift buying, and you can spend an afternoon ice skating at locations across the city including Somerset House.
Catching a show in the West End is the perfect addition to a day of festive celebrations. There are lots of Christmas shows in London from late November through to early January, including the Old Vic’s acclaimed A Christmas Carol, the hugely popular Palladium Panto, and traditional ballets such as The Nutcracker.
Check out our rundown of the best past and present West End Christmas musicals to see more shows that truly celebrate the festive season.
The Palladium pantomime returns annually at the London Palladium, featuring big stars and lots of special effects. It is a popular choice for families and theatregoers of all ages. 2023's pantomime is yet to be announced, but you can look at images and reviews for last year's, Jack and the Beanstalk.
The Lyric Hammersmith in West London also produces a panto every year. It is highly-regarded for being both affordable and offering a contemporary twist on classic stories.
Other London pantomimes in 2023 include Cinderella at New Wimbledon Theatre and Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at Richmond Theatre.
The Lyric Hammersmith in West London also produces a panto every year. It is highly-regarded for being both affordable and offering a contemporary twist on classic stories.
Other London pantomimes in 2023 include Cinderella at New Wimbledon Theatre and Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at Richmond Theatre.
The 2023 Palladium panto is to be confirmed, but audiences can expect the usual team of famous and beloved faces from previous pantomimes to appear. These include Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot. Some exciting guest stars usually appear as the villain and in popular comedy roles each year.
Many Christmas shows in London are perfect for children, such as The Nutcracker. Best for ages 5+, the ballet has become a traditional festive show for many families. The Snowman is a fun and accessible dance show suitable for all ages, and Stick Man is aimed at toddlers and pre-school aged kids who will enjoy a familiar story on their first trip to the theatre.
Many other West End shows for kids play over Christmas. Visit our Kids' theatre page to see what's on and book ahead.
Many other West End shows for kids play over Christmas. Visit our Kids' theatre page to see what's on and book ahead.
The English National Ballet’s classic production of The Nutcracker opens at the London Coliseum for an annual season. It has been an unmissable feature of London’s Christmas theatre schedule for over 50 years, with more than 100 world-class dancers and musicians in its company. To find out more about how this wonderful show became the world's most famous Christmas ballet, visit our complete guide to The Nutcracker.