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The Best Christmas Shows and Theatre in London 2023

London Christmas Shows. We always try to go to the theatre over the festive season. Whether it is a London pantomime or Christmas theatre production there are a great number of family-friendly shows on the London stage this year. Normally we try and visit one of the many London Christmas markets at the same time to make a festive day out. I have pulled together 18 of the best family Christmas shows in London 2023.

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18 of the best London Christmas shows and theatre in 2023

Garrick Theatre

Show: The Gruffalo’s Child
When: 1st December 2023 to 7th January 2024
Where: 2 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0HH
Good to know: Tickets start at £10 per person.
This is such a magical show that anyone from the age of 3 and upwards will love it. During the performance, you will follow Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. She follows snowy tracks and encounters mysterious creatures. Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun. A great option for the whole family and one the boys both loved when they were growing up.
To book and to find out more information CLICK HERE*.

Royal Albert Hall

Show: Various shows. Details below.
When: Starting Saturday 2nd of December and running through until the 21st of December
Where: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP
Good to know: Various shows with different pricing so check out the website to find out the price for the performance you want to see.
There are a lot of different Christmas performances taking place at the Royal Albert Hall this year. Meaning that there is something for everyone. Whether it is something suitable for children or a night out as a couple, there is a performance for you to help you get into the festive spirit. Here are the ones to look out for:
- Home Alone in concert – 2nd-3rd of December
- Christmas with the Salvation Army – 5th of December
- John Rutters Christmas Celebration – 6th of December
- Jamie Cullum: The Pianoman at Christmas – 8th of December
- Elf in Concert – Saturday 9th of December
- My Christmas Orchestral Adventure – Sunday 10th of December
- A Christmas Gaiety – 12th of December
- Carols at The Royal Albert Hall – 16th, 17th, 20th and 21st of December
- The Snowman at 40 – 18th-20th of December
- Guy Barkers Big Band Christmas – 20th of December
For more information on each of the shows, including prices and to book tickets head to the Royal Albert Hall website.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Show: Hansel and Gretel
When: 8th of December to 7th of January
Where: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
Good to know: There are peak and non-peak prices for tickets. Prices start at £10 for a standing off-peak performance. Half-price seated tickets for under-18s for all performances.
In the rubble of their war-torn village, the woodcutting dad and the bread making mum decide that the only chance they have to give their children, Hansel and Gretel, a safer life is to lead them, and leave them, in the woods. Left to fend for themselves, Hansel and Gretel’s plans to find their way home get side-tracked, quite literally, by a trail of treats too good to resist and a strange old lady with a plan of her own. This performance is filled with music, magic, songs and a sprinkling of hope and is a great show to consider this year.
For more information and to book CLICK HERE*.

The Old Vic Theatre

Show: A Christmas Carol
When: 11th November 2023 to 6th January 2024
Where: 103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB
Good to know: Various prices for tickets starting at £20, suitable for children ages 8 and over
A Christmas Carol is a very festive show that is bound to get you feeling the Christmas spirit. It  fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in London’s longest-running adaptation of this beloved festive favourite that teaches the true meaning of Christmas. This is definitely Christmas theatre in London not to be missed. Including a star-studded cast with Christopher Eccleston playing Ebenezer Scrooge, Rob Crompton as Bob Cratchit and an interchangeable tiny Tim.
For more information and to book tickets CLICK HERE*

Alexandra Palace

Show: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story
When: 24th November 2023 to 7th January 2024
Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Good to know: Recommended for ages 12+. There are some matinee performances and ticket prices start at £28.
It’s a cold Christmas Eve and mean-spirited miser Ebenezer Scrooge has an unexpected visit from the spirit of his former business partner Jacob Marley. Bound in chains as punishment for a lifetime of greed, the unearthly figure explains it isn’t too late for Scrooge to change his miserly ways in order to escape the same fate, but first, he’ll have to face three more eerie encounters. A great timeless tale that may be a little darker than you may have experienced before hence the higher minimum age.
To find out more and to book tickets visit the Alexandra Palace website.

London Palladium

Show: Peter Pan
When: 9th December 2023 to 14th January 2024
Where: 8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF
Good to know: Prices start at £40 for a matinee performance, suitable for the entire family.
If you are looking for star-studded pantos then this is it. Starring Jennifer Saunders as Captain Hook and Julian Clary as seaman Smee, the cast includes all your Palladium panto favourites, including Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Gary Wilmot and the return of Louis Gaunt and Rob Madge with Frances Mayli McCann making her Palladium pantomime debut. This is one of the most epic line-ups for a pantomime in London and it promises to be filled with lots of fun, laughter and Christmas cheer.
More information and to book tickets can be found on the London Palladium website

Lyceum Theatre

Show: Disney’s “The Lion King”
When: On until 2nd June 2024
Where: 21 Wellington St, London WC2E 7RQ
Good to know: Tickets start from £33. Recommended for ages 6+. Although not technically part of the Christmas theatre shows in London it would still make an amazing outing on the run-up. The boys absolutely loved this show as did I. It also means that if you can not fit it in prior to the big day then you can book into 2024. It is also worth looking at the touring options if getting into London is difficult for you.
Disney’s award-winning musical The Lion King explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. It follows the powerful story of Simba as he journeys from a wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.
For more information, bookings and details of the tour CLICK HERE*.

Dominion Theatre

Show: ELF the Musical
When: 15th of November – 6th of January
Where: 268-269 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7AQ
Good to know: Prices start from £27.50.
ELF the musical is a stage adaptation of the well known film. ELF is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his birth father (who turns out to be quite high on the Naughty List). After causing some merry mayhem in Manhattan, Buddy finally discovers the gift of family and falls in love. And when Santa’s sleigh crashes in Central Park, it’s Buddy who finds a way to save Christmas forever! This is the perfect feel-good Christmas show in London and one you have to see.
For More information and to book tickets CLICK HERE*.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Show: Frozen The Musical
When: Throughout December
Where: Catherine St, London WC2B 5JF
Good to know: Ticket prices from £29.50. Recommended for ages 6+ with children under 4 not being allowed into the theatre. The prefect family Christmas show in London 2023
When Queen Elsa’s hidden powers plunge the land of Arendelle into an eternal winter, her sister Anna sets out to find her and save the kingdom before it’s too late. But as the storm rages on, both sisters must learn that only an act of true love can thaw a frozen heart. Frozen will defy all expectations on an unforgettable journey packed with thrilling surprises, hilarious characters and soaring music, including twelve new songs written especially for the show, alongside all the classics such as ‘For the First Time in Forever’, ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman?’ and the worldwide smash-hit, ‘Let it Go’.
For more information and to book tickets CLICK HERE*.

Rose Theatre

Show: Peter Pan
When: 1st December to 7th January
Where: 56 Park St, London SE1 9HS
Good to know: Suitable for ages 5 and over.
Chasing his runaway shadow, a mischievous young boy crash lands through an open window and meets a headstrong young girl not yet ready to face growing up. With a sprinkle of fairy dust, they take flight on a whirlwind festive voyage over pirate ships, through mermaid lagoons and into the heart of Neverland. This is a Rose Theatre production so might be a little different from some performances as this is an adaption. A great option to see this Christmas instead of the traditional pantomime in London.
For more information and to book tickets visit the Rose Theatre website.

More Family Christmas shows in London 2023

Lyric Theatre

Show: Father Christmas and Cinderella
When: 22nd November to 30th December
Where: Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL
Good to know:The Lyric Theatre is showcasing three different London Christmas shows, individual show times and prices below.
- Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas – Watch as Father Christmas prepares for his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night before looking after Father Christmas needs once his duties are done. Suitable for younger children. The show length is 50 minutes so ideal if your children get a little distracted. A great Christmas show for the family. Prices start at £14.
- Cinderella – The traditional Christmas pantomime. Cinderella is a bonafide boss-lady who runs her own business at Shepherd’s Bush Market. One day the most handsome Prince Henry, who dreams of a life less spare, wears a disguise to the Market and falls instantly in love with Cinderella. With the paparazzi in hot pursuit, the Prince is forced to flee. And so begins the quest to unite the unlikeliest of likely romances, Cinderella and the hapless Prince. Prices start at £15 for this Pantomime in London. CLICK HERE*
- Peter Pan Goes Wrong – Mischief, creators of the multi award-winning sell-out success The Play That Goes Wrong, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery and the BBC TV series The Goes Wrong Show, return to the West End with their riotous spin on a timeless classic, the smash hit comedy Peter Pan Goes Wrong. The members of the Cornley Drama Society are back on stage, battling technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes, but will they ever make it to Neverland? Suitable for ages 8+. Prices start at £15 CLICK HERE*

Southbank Centre

Show: Nutcracker – A witty reimagined version of a Christmas classic
When: Runs from 28th October to the 6th Jan 2024. Shows are at set times of the day there are 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm, 5:30 pm, 7.30 pm & 8:30 pm
Where: Part of Winter Festival, Tuff Nutt Jazz Club, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall
Good to know: For ages 6+. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult, the show lasts around 60 minutes. There are three types of tickets available including a cabaret table for two, standard tickets and standing tickets. After some of the late shows the Jazz club and bar will stay open.
There are lots of things running including some FREE events over the holiday season, see the website for more information. Including Christmas Actually which was curated by Richard Curtis. A festive variety shows running from the 7th to 11th of December.
For more information and for a full run down visit the Southbank Centre website.

Peacock Theatre

Show: The Snowman
When: Selected dates and times from the 18th of November to the 31st of December
Where: Portugal Street, Holborn, London WC2A 2HT.
Good to know: There is a place to pick up drinks and snacks, a cloakroom is on the ground floor and it costs £1 per item. There is no programme but you do have the opportunity to buy various soft toys and The Snowman memorabilia. One of the best family Christmas shows in London 2023.
Nothing says Christmas more than watching The Snowman, which has just started its Christmas season at The Peacock Theatre and is now in its 26th year. This Christmas classic is performed to live music and is perfect for children of all ages. I have been lucky enough to see it twice now and we enjoyed each time immensely. There are various dates and times including some matinee performances. Ideal for a festive day out in London with children. You can read all about what to expect and our visit here – The Snowman at The Peacock Theatre.
To book tickets and for more information CLICK HERE*.

London Coliseum

Show: The Nutcracker
When: Selected dates between
Where: London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4ES
Good to know: The London Coliseum is the largest theatre in London’s West End. You can upgrade your visit with dinner beforehand and dessert brought to your table during the interval
Although this is probably more a show for the adults than the children there is something very special about watching The Nutcracker ballet this time of year. Children go half-price with two children for every adult. Over 100 dancers and musicians from the English National Ballet bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live.
To book tickets and for more information CLICK HERE*.

New Wimbledon Theatre

Show: Cinderella
When: 8th December to the 7th of January
Where: 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG
Good to know: If you a Strictly Come Dancing fan then this is the pantomime in London is for you as Craig Revel Horwood is playing the wicked stepmother. Unsurprisingly this family Christmas show London 2023 is likely to sell out.
Standing proudly since 1910, New Wimbledon Theatre has garnered a glittering reputation as a premier theatrical venue in South West London. The Grade II listed building has a beautiful Edwardian auditorium and is the perfect location for the best Christmas theatre. With a star studded cast, this popular show operates two performances a day with tickets from £13.
To book tickets and for more information CLICK HERE*.

Theatre Royal Stratford East

Show: Jack and the Beanstalk
When: 18th November to the 6th January 2024
Where: Gerry Raffles Square, Theatre Square, London E15 1BN
Good to know: Suitable for the whole family, tickets sell out fast. A hillarious pantomime in London.
Welcome to Splatford! Jack lives here with his cow, Winnie The Moo, and his mum, Milky Linda. The town is home to a magical marsh full of healing mud, which Jack and his pals spend their days mining. But there’s a BIG problem: Giant Belch. He dominates Splatford from the sky – stealing the mud, charging outrageous rents and polluting the air with his burps and farts!
For more information and to book tickets visit the Theatre Royal Stratford East website.

Theatre Royal Haymarket

Show: Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out
When: Running throughout December at set times each day of the week except for Wednesday
Where: Haymarket, London SW1Y 4HT
Good to know: Tickets from £10, only collapsable strollers are allowed.
Although technically not a London Christmas Show, Peppa Pig is back in her oinktastic brand new live show, Fun Day Out! Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party- it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day. Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea. Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa’s Fun Day Out guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans and a perfect introduction to theatre.
For more information and to book tickets CLICK HERE*.

Royal Opera House

Show: The Nutcracker
When: 6th December into the new year finishing on the 13th of January
Where: Bow St, London WC2E 9DD
Good to know: Children under 5 are not permitted. Quite often a sell-out it is recommended to book well in advance. Ticket prices vary from £5 to £160
Join Clara at a delightful Christmas Eve party that becomes a magical adventure once everyone else is tucked up in bed. Marvel at the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s score, as Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker fight the Mouse King and visit the Sugar Plum Fairy in the glittering Kingdom of Sweets.
For more information and to book tickets visit the Royal Opera House website.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog post about family Christmas shows in London 2023. If you think I am missing some good ones or know of some Pantomimes in London that I should be including, please let me know in the comments below.

You may also be interested in our visit to London and our festive weekend with children in London.