Discover the Ultimate Yuletide Delights: London's Top Christmas Shows Await!
Step into a winter wonderland as we unwrap the glittering gift of London's top Christmas shows! The West End has a time-honored tradition of delivering holiday magic to theatergoers of all ages, from side-splitting pantomimes that'll have you laughing like Santa on Christmas Eve to heartwarming plays that'll melt even the frostiest of hearts. As December dawns upon the city, London's theaters come alive with a festive spirit that's as infectious as a Christmas carol. Whether you're dreaming of classics like "The Snowman" to get you into the holiday groove or yearning for fresh family favorites that'll become cherished traditions, we've got your ticket to the best Christmas theatre in London...
Elf The Musical
Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7AQ
Get ready to jingle all the way to the Dominion Theatre because Santa's most enthusiastic helper, Buddy the Elf, is back in town, and he's here to spread yuletide cheer like no other! Yes, "Elf The Musical" is back for a strictly limited season this winter, and it's guaranteed to be more delightful than a stocking full of candy canes. Based on the beloved film starring Will Ferrell, this heartwarming tale follows Buddy, a lovably overenthusiastic elf, on his hilarious journey of self-discovery. When Buddy learns he's actually a human, he heads to the bustling Big Apple to find his family and remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. With catchy tunes like "World's Greatest Dad" and "Sparklejollytwinklejingley," this musical is the perfect way to spread Christmas cheer in London. So don't be a cotton-headed ninnymuggins – grab your tickets now and join Buddy in his festive adventure at the Dominion Theatre from November 15, 2023, to January 6, 2024. With ticket prices starting at just £32.70, it's a holiday treat that won't land you on the Naughty List!
Nutcracker at The London Coliseum
London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES
Pirouette into a winter wonderland at the London Coliseum because "The Nutcracker" is back! This enchanting ballet has been a sparkling star of London's Christmas theatre for over half a century, and it's a tradition that's nut to be missed. Join Clara and her magical Nutcracker doll on a whimsical journey through Edwardian London, where they'll battle the mischievous Mouse King and float high above the Land of Snow in a hot air balloon. With over 100 world-class dancers and musicians, this production transforms the Coliseum stage into a winter wonderland that will leave you snow-struck. And of course, Tchaikovsky's iconic score will have you dancing in your seats. So don't be a mouse—grab your tickets now for performances from December 14, 2023, to January 7, 2024, with prices starting at just £20.50.
Hansel + Gretel
21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT
This winter, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is cooking up a gingerbread-flavored treat that's as sweet as it is twisted – it's "Hansel & Gretel" like you've never seen it before! Poet Laureate Simon Armitage's epic new version of this classic tale will have you gobbling up the magic, music, and enchanting storytelling faster than you can say "breadcrumbs." In a war-torn village, Hansel and Gretel's woodcutting dad and breadmaking mum hatch a plan to lead them into the woods and leave them there for their safety. But when a trail of delectable treats and a mysterious old lady come into play, things take a scrumptiously surprising turn. With words that dance through the frosty air and songs that warm the cockles of your heart, this heartwarming production is perfect for ages 5 and up. Performances run from December 8, 2023, to January 7, 2024, with ticket prices starting at just £6.
The Snowman
Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT
Time to get into the holiday spirit with "The Snowman" at the Peacock Theatre – it's snow joke, this classic Christmas show is a flurry of fun for the whole family! Based on Raymond Briggs' timeless children's story, this production will have you walking in the air with delight. Join a young boy on Christmas Eve as his snowman creation magically comes to life, leading them on a high-flying adventure to meet Father Christmas, dancing penguins, and even thwart dastardly Jack Frost. With dazzling storytelling, spectacular designs, and the enchanting music of Howard Blake, including the iconic "Walking in the Air," this show is the ultimate snow-stopper. Celebrating its 26th year in the West End, "The Snowman" is the gift that keeps on giving, running from November 18 to December 30, 2023, with ticket prices starting at just £17. So, make your winter magical and catch "The Snowman" before it melts away!
Christmas Actually
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
"Christmas Actually" – the hottest yuletide ticket in town! Richard Curtis, the mastermind behind romantic comedies like "Love Actually," is curating this star-studded festive extravaganza, featuring live music, heartwarming stories, side-splitting comedy, and more. It's a variety show that sleighs, all in aid of Comic Relief. With dazzling live illustrations, celebrity guests, Christmas cracker jokes, and even hilarious letters to Santa, this show is a true festive treat. It's set to be the showstopper of the season, running from December 7 to 11, 2023, with tickets starting from £31.
The Gruffalo's Child
2 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0HH
Dive into the world of "The Gruffalo's Child" at London's Garrick Theatre this Christmas! Join the Gruffalo's daring daughter on a wild adventure through the deep, dark wood as she sets out to discover if the Big Bad Mouse is more than just a bedtime story. This playful stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson's beloved picture book, brought to life by the award-winning children's theatre company Tall Stories, promises songs, laughs, and a sprinkle of scary fun for kids and adults alike. With performances running from December 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024, and tickets starting from just £11.90, it's the perfect treat for the whole family.
Father Christmas Needs A Wee
6-7 Great Newport St, London WC2H 7JB
If you're in need of some giggles this holiday season, look no further than "Father Christmas Needs a Wee!" at the Arts Theatre in Leicester Square. Santa's in a hilarious predicament, enjoying all those Christmas treats but forgetting a crucial detail – a visit to the loo! Join the laughter and merriment as this energetic musical, based on Nicholas Allan's beloved book, brings Santa's comical adventure to life. With witty humor, catchy tunes, and even some audience interaction, it's the perfect show to keep the little ones engaged and entertained. Performances run from December 2 to December 23, 2023, with tickets starting at just £26.20.
A Christmas Carol
103 The Cut, London SE1 8NB
The Old Vic Theatre's heartwarming production of "A Christmas Carol" is returning for its seventh year This timeless tale is spreading warmth, cheer, and the spirit of charity that'll melt even the iciest of hearts. Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed by the Emmy Award-winning Christopher Eccleston, learns the true meaning of Christmas through encounters with four spirits, including a visit from his old colleague Jacob Marley. With mince pies, music, and merriment filling the auditorium, this unique in-the-round staging immerses the audience in the heart of Victorian London. Directed by Matthew Warchus and adapted by Jack Thorne, this production, awarded five Tony Awards for its Broadway run in 2019, promises to be a festive tradition to treasure. Performances run from November 11, 2023, to January 6, 2024, with ticket prices ranging from £17 to £67.50. Don't be a Scrooge; grab your tickets and let the holiday spirit flow!
Peter Pan
8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF
Set sail for the swashbuckling adventure of the season as the Palladium Panto returns to the West End with a sensational production of "Peter Pan." Join Jennifer Saunders and Julian Clary as they steer the ship as Captain Hook and Smee in this high-flying Christmas extravaganza. The tale of the boy who never grew up takes flight with laugh-out-loud comedy, jaw-dropping special effects, and enough magic to rival even Tinker Bell's pixie dust. With a star-studded cast including Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Gary Wilmot, and Rob Madge as Tink, this is the ultimate pantomime adventure. But beware, the ticking crocodile won't wait! Performances run from December 9, 2023, to January 14, 2024, at the London Palladium, and ticket prices vary.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong!
29 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7ES
A panto pandemonium like no other with "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" at the Lyric Theatre! Mischief Theatre's uproarious production takes J.M. Barrie's classic tale and turns it topsy-turvy with sidesplitting chaos and mishaps. Watch as the members of The Cornley Drama Society attempt to put on the beloved story of Peter Pan, but with malfunctioning sets, missed lines, and epic blunders. It's a play-within-a-play gone hilariously wrong, and you're in for a treat. From flying accidents to cast disputes, this is a comedy adventure suitable for everyone, especially adults. Catch this awfully big adventure from November 23, 2023, to January 14, 2024, at the Lyric Theatre. Tickets are available starting at £17.40, so don't let this laugh-out-loud spectacle fly away without you!