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London Theatre Shows in December 2026

Get into the festive spirit with Christmas shows in London! There are plenty of brand new Christmas productions to see, plus long-running shows, guaranteed to delight this December! There’s something for everyone this festive season with pantomimes, ballets, musicals, and family-friendly shows all available to book. Fingers crossed you’ll find some theatre tickets under your tree!

58 Shows in London

Sinatra The Musical

Sinatra The Musical

This swingin’ new musical, from a Tony and Olivier Award-winning creative team, tells the story of Frank Sinatra’s remarkable career.

Les Miserables

Les Miserables

Hear the people sing in the world's longest-running musical, which has been in the West End since 1985.

The Standard of Living

The Standard of Living

This new play from three-time Olivier winner James Graham explores the life and ideas of economist John Maynard Keynes.

Wicked

Wicked

Discover the untold story of the witches of Oz, with spellbinding songs, a powerful story and incredible visual spectacles. Best for age 7+.

Oliver!

Oliver!

Matthew Bourne directs a thrilling revival of Lionel Bart’s musical, featuring “Consider Yourself”, “I’d Do Anything” and more.

The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sensational musical has been enchanting audiences since 1986 with its haunting tale of love and obsession.

The Lion King

The Lion King

Disney’s spectacular musical features stunning puppetry and an unforgettable score by Elton John. Best for age 6+.

The Lives of Others

The Lives of Others

Keira Knightley stars in a new stage adaptation of Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s story of censorship, surveillance, art and politics.

Matilda the Musical

Matilda the Musical

Tim Minchin's mischievous musical adaptation is a hilarious, heart-warming modern classic for the whole family. Best for age 6+.

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon

From the creators of South Park this outrageous, multi-award winning musical tells the hilarious story of two naïve Mormon missionaries.

The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada

The iconic film becomes a fun and fabulous new musical, with songs by Elton John. Dress to impress because Miranda Priestly is on her way!

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Immerse yourself in a world of spectacle and faded glamour at this unmissable jukebox musical, based on Baz Luhrmann’s film.

Oh, Mary!

Oh, Mary!

This deliciously dark Tony Award-winning comedy turns history on its head and puts Mary Todd Lincoln in the spotlight.

Titanique

Titanique

Climb aboard the funniest, campest musical in town, girlfriends! Forget Jack and Rose… Céline Dion is the star of this Off-Broadway hit.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Discover the thrilling origins of the Upside Down in this incredible new prequel to the Netflix series, co-created by the Duffer Brothers.

Cabaret

Cabaret

A daring revival of the hit musical welcomes audiences to 1930s Berlin, via the immersive Kit Kat Club.

Hamilton

Hamilton

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hugely popular musical Hamilton follows the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of America.

Avenue Q

Avenue Q

The raunchy and hilarious Tony-winning puppet musical - “Sesame Street for grown-ups” (EW) - returns to the West End.

Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice

The smash-hit Broadway comedy, based on Tim Burton’s cult classic film, finally makes its London debut.

Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia!

Dance the night away to ABBA’s greatest hits at the hilarious West End musical that inspired the film.

ABBA Voyage

ABBA Voyage

The Swedish pop group are projected into the ABBA Arena in a cutting-edge digital performance, promising a concert experience like no other.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus Christ Superstar

Tim Sheader's exhilarating revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's iconic musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, is back in the West End.

The Mousetrap

The Mousetrap

Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit is the world's longest running show. Can you keep the secret?

My Neighbour Totoro

My Neighbour Totoro

The Olivier Award-winning adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s film is a magical West End experience. Best for age 6+.

Hadestown

Hadestown

Tony Award winner Anaïs Mitchell's genre-defying take on Greek mythology takes audiences on an unforgettable trip to the Underworld.

The Hunger Games: On Stage

The Hunger Games: On Stage

Join Katniss Everdeen as she battles for survival and self-discovery in this immersive adaptation of the smash-hit book and film series.

The Play That Goes Wrong

The Play That Goes Wrong

Mischief Theatre’s hilarious comedy of errors will leave you in stitches, as an am-dram group's latest murder mystery goes awry.

Six the Musical

Six the Musical

Henry VIII’s embattled ex-wives reign over the West End with their fist-pumping histo-remix.

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular

Step under the big top! Songs from The Greatest Showman meet breathtaking circus acts in this immersive family spectacle. Best for age 6+.

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker

Enjoy a Christmas classic as London’s most popular festive ballet returns for another exhilarating season. Best for age 5+.

Witness for the Prosecution

Witness for the Prosecution

The landmark production of Agatha Christie's courtroom thriller is set inside the magnificent council chamber of London County Hall.

Paddington The Musical

Paddington The Musical

Join a little bear for a very big adventure! Paddington finds a new home in London in this brand new musical adaptation. Best for age 6+.

Cirque Alice

Cirque Alice

Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale is transformed into a kaleidoscopic adventure from the creators behind Circus 1903. Best for age 5+.

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

Dickens’ classic goes off the rails in this hilarious Christmas show from Mischief Theatre, the team behind The Play That Goes Wrong.

One Day The Musical

One Day The Musical

This moving love story follows Emma and Dexter as their lives intertwine over the decades - revisiting them on the same day they met.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

J. K. Rowling's Wizarding World is transformed on stage, offering fans a unique return to their favourite fantasy world. Best for age 10+.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Emmy winners Gillian Anderson and Billy Crudup star in this spiky revival of the American classic, directed by Marianne Elliot.

Rent

Rent

The iconic, Tony-winning rock musical, about a group of bohemian friends in NYC, returns to London in celebration of its 30th anniversary.

Operation Mincemeat

Operation Mincemeat

The zany true story of the corpse that fooled Hitler is turned into a high-spirited musical that riffs on WWII films and classic showtunes.

Magic Mike Live

Magic Mike Live

Let your hair down with a night of irresistible, temperature-raising entertainment, inspired by Channing Tatum’s sizzling film franchise.

The Cherry Orchard

The Cherry Orchard

Conor McPherson’s striking new adaptation of Chekhov’s classic arrives at the Harold Pinter Theatre, starring Kristin Scott Thomas.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

The Old Vic’s hit show returns! Immerse yourself in the warmth, cheer, and charity of this timeless Christmas classic. Best for age 8+.

Hay Fever

Hay Fever

Emily Burns directs Hay Fever, a new production starring Christine Baranski and Richard E. Grant in the West End this autumn.

Burlesque The Musical

Burlesque The Musical

Be seduced by this sizzling musical about a small-town girl who finds her voice at a glitzy Burlesque bar, based on the campy 2010 film.

The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book

Step into a roarsome new play adaptation of the famous children’s story The Jungle Book at the National Theatre. Best for age 7+.

Into The Woods

Into The Woods

Jordan Fien’s Olivier Award-winning revival of Sondheim’s subversive fairytale musical transfers to the West End.

Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean

Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean

Strictly winner and oddball comedian Bill Bailey returns to the West End with a musical comedy show celebrating the golden age of variety.

Cinderella: The Pantomime

Cinderella: The Pantomime

Expect show-stopping songs and side-splitting comedy at Lyric Hammersmith’s pantomime - a delight for the whole family. Best for age 6+.

High School Musical

High School Musical

Wildcats! Twenty years after the release of the movie, a new non-replica stage production of Disney's High School Musical returns to London.

The Smartest Giant in Town

The Smartest Giant in Town

Julia Donaldson’s story about helping others is adapted into an engaging family musical. Best for ages 2+. Babes in arms under 12 months.

Cloud 9

Cloud 9

Ghosts star Charlotte Ritchie leads Dominic Cooke's major revival of Caryl Churchill’s landmark play about colonialism, gender and power.

Austentatious

Austentatious

The Jane Austen-inspired improv troupe pulls a fantastic new show out from under their bonnets every night, based on your suggestions.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

You give a place, time and situation and they create a brand-new musical! Showstopper is perfect for theatre fans who enjoy the unexpected.

Tosca

Tosca

Explore the art of resistance and love in the face of political censorship in Annilese Miskimmon's reimagining of the timeless opera.

The Afronauts

The Afronauts

Zambia, 1964; a schoolteacher rallies misfit dreamers to train as astronauts and defy the space race’s status quo.

Adriana Mater

Adriana Mater

This new translation of Kaija Saariaho’s powerful, rarely staged opera follows a young woman raising a son during a brutal civil war.

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show!

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show!

Join Peppa & family as they prepare for a new arrival in this oinksome live stage show! Suitable for all ages.

There's a Bear on My Chair

There's a Bear on My Chair

Enjoy laughs, entertainment and lots of puppets in this fantastic family show, based on Ross Collins’ picture book. Best for age 2+.

Best Christmas Shows in December 

Many Christmas shows for December 2026 are yet to be confirmed, but usual returning favourite long-running Christmas ballet The Nutcracker, which has been entertaining theatregoers at Christmas for over 50 years, is available to book now. The Palladium Pantomime and the Old Vic’s festive play A Christmas Carol, are both likely to be on sale very soon. Plus, while it's not strictly a Christmas show, it will spread some cheer - as comedian Bill Bailey returns to London with a residency of his new show Vaudevillean at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.  

Best Family-Friendly Shows in December

With the Christmas holidays in full swing, December is packed with family-friendly theatre that’s big on fun, spectacle and festive cheer. It’s the perfect time to start a new family tradition or keep the kids entertained during the school break. 

Pantomimes, Christmas specials and magical stage adaptations take centre stage across London, while West End favourites such as The Lion King musical and family-friendly show Matilda The Musical continue to wow audiences of all ages.

December is one of the busiest months for theatre, so booking early is always a good idea, but you might still find special festive theatre ticket discounts, especially for weekday theatre matinees.

Top comedy shows in December

December is usually packed with comedy shows that bring festive fun to the West End, including Pantomimes and family-friendly comedy shows. Christmas comedies are yet to be announced, but these long-runners are guaranteed to offer some cheer! The Play That Goes Wrong delivers big laughs with its chaotic slapstick and tongue-in-cheek humour, while comedy musical Book of Mormon offers edgy giggles for fans of South Park and satirical comedy.

With theatres buzzing in the run-up to Christmas, booking early is a smart move, though it’s still possible to find last-minute theatre tickets at discounted prices.

What’s on in London in December

London comes alive with a special energy as the holiday season takes over in December. The city is fully in festive mode, with Christmas lights twinkling, markets buzzing, and events popping up in every corner. From ice rinks and light trails to Christmas markets and concerts, it's one of the most magical times to be in London.

Theatre takes centre stage in December, with Christmas themed shows, pantomimes and family-friendly productions running alongside West End staples. Seasonal favourites like The Nutcracker ballet and festive concerts are also on the programme at opera houses and theatre venues across the city.

Christmas markets at Southbank, Leicester Square and Greenwich serve up mulled wine, street food and handmade gifts, while iconic skating spots like Somerset House and Canary Wharf draw in crowds. Kew Gardens and Kenwood House become illuminated trails that turn a winter evening into something spectacular.

Major museums and galleries continue their winter exhibition runs throughout the month, a great option if you’re looking to escape the cold for a few hours. And if you’re in the city for New Year’s Eve, expect crowds, fireworks and one of the biggest celebrations in the world.

Tips for visiting London in December

Wrap up warm: Temperatures usually range from 4–9°C. Pack a warm coat, gloves, and waterproof boots, especially if you’re planning to walk between shows, shops or Christmas markets.

Book early, plan ahead: December is one of the busiest months for London theatre and festive shows, family productions, and weekend performances often sell out weeks in advance.

Public transport: Trains and buses run reliably, but can be crowded near major shopping hubs like Oxford Street. Check for reduced services over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Where to eat: Cosy pubs, hotel lounges and restaurants offering festive menus are great options for a pre-show meal. Covent Garden, Soho and Charlotte Street are full of places with seasonal flair.

Evening vs matinee: With the sun now setting before 5pm, evening shows feel especially cosy. Matinees are also a great option if you want to catch a show before you catch dinner or take in some evening sightseeing.

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