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Best London Christmas Shows & Pantomimes

The West End has a long history of providing the best Christmas entertainment in London for the whole family, from side-splitting pantomimes to uplifting plays.

December shows in London are a fantastic treat to enjoy, whether it's classics like The Snowman spreading holiday cheer, or warming new family favourites to greet the festive season. Keep your eyes peeled below for the best Christmas theatre in London this year.

15 Shows in London

Horrible Christmas

Horrible Christmas

The Horrible Histories team are back with a festive cracker of a show. An epic adventure through the history of Christmas! Best for age 5+.

Aladdin: The Pantomime

Aladdin: The Pantomime

Hop onto a magic carpet ride over the streets of Hammersmith with this exuberant family show!

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

The Old Vic’s hit show returns, starring John Simm. Immerse yourself in the warmth, cheer, and charity of a Christmas classic.

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas

Join BAFTA-winning children's presenter Maddie Moate for her live science show, perfect for curious kids and their adults! Best for age 4+.

Ballet Shoes

Ballet Shoes

Discover Ballet Shoes, Noel Streatfeild’s timeless tale of ambition and family, beautifully reimagined for the stage.

Dick Whittington: The Pantomime

Dick Whittington: The Pantomime

Join Dick Whittington and his trusty cat on a laugh-out-loud adventure in this year’s Hackney pantomime! Suitable for all ages.

A Christmas Carol (ish)

A Christmas Carol (ish)

Nick Mohammed stars in a playful take on Dickens’ Christmas fable, featuring an all-star cast of British comedy talent. Best for age 10+.

Shit-Faced Showtime: A Pissedmas Carol

Shit-Faced Showtime: A Pissedmas Carol

Raise a glass to festive chaos at A Pissedmas Carol. One actor’s a bit too merry, adding drunken hilarity to this Christmas classic!

Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper!

Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper!

Classic panto gets an outrageous makeover in this hilarious adult show… lots of fun, but not for the whole family! Age 18+ only.

Father Christmas Needs a Wee!

Father Christmas Needs a Wee!

Santa’s out on Christmas Eve, but he’s forgotten to do a wee! Musical fun based on Nicholas Allen’s picture book. Best for age 3+.

Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel

Follow the breadcrumbs for a festive treat! Simon Armitage’s version of the beloved fairytale returns for Christmas. Best for age 5+.

Robin Hood

Robin Hood

The Palladium Panto is back for another thrilling adventure this Christmas, with Julian Clary and Jane McDonald. Under 4s not permitted.

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

Celebrate a magical Christmas with Tchaikovsky’s festive classic, performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet. Not recommended for under 5s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pantomimes are in London this year?

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. 2024's pantomime sees audiences venture into Sherwood Forest with Robin Hood.

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. Alternatively, try Hackney Empire's popular panto offering Dick Whittington, starring and directed by panto Dame legend Clive Rowe. Or for a show that’s strictly for grown ups, catch adult panto Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper! at the Charing Cross Theatre - just make sure to leave the kids at home!

Other London pantomimes in 2024 include Jack and the Beanstalk at New Wimbledon Theatre and Beauty and the Beast at Richmond Theatre.

Who is starring in the Palladium pantomime this year?

The Palladium Panto cast in 2024 is led by Julian Clary, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Rob Madge and Charlie Stemp. They are joined by Marisha Wallace, Tosh Wanogho-Maud, and Jane McDonald as Maid Marion.

What are the best Christmas shows for kids?

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 Father Christmas Needs a Wee!, based on Nicholas Allen’s picture book, is aimed at toddlers and pre-school aged kids who will enjoy a familiar story on their first trip to the theatre. 

Some Christmas shows for kids are educational as well as fun; book tickets for Horrible Christmas or Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas to inspire a love of learning outside of the classroom.

Many other West End shows for kids play over Christmas. Visit our Kids' theatre page to see what's on and book ahead.

What is there to do in London over Christmas?

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.

Where can I see The Nutcracker in London?

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.

This year, audiences can also enjoy The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall. Birmingham Royal Ballet's dazzling production fills London's mammoth concert venue with stunning dancing and classical music.
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