Top 10 Christmas Shows in London

Discover the best West End shows to see at Christmastime in 2024, including a fresh comic take on A Christmas Carol, and some glorious festive dance.

Whether you're looking for a festive production that packs a punch or you're wanting a crowd-pleaser for all ages, spend your Christmas in the West End at these seasonal shows. Whatever age you are, there's a show to suit you.

If you're wanting to create traditions with your children, nieces or nephews, then we recommend a pantomime that's packed with silliness and jokes a-plenty. There is also a fabulous range of festive dance, from The Nutcracker to The Snowman. Here, we round up the top 10 Christmas shows in London.

Book tickets to West End Christmas shows on London Theatre.

A Christmas Carol (ish)

The Charles Dickens classic is a must for festive theatre, and you'll find several variations on the tale of Scrooge and his ghostly visitations this Christmas. But this new production at @sohoplace looks particularly fun, from its cracking cast to its promise of an all-singing, all-dancing show.

Nick Mohammed (of TV hit Ted Lasso) stars, bringing us a seasonal take on his wonderful alter-ego Mr Swallow. He's joined by Martha Howe-Douglas (Ghosts), David Elms (Borderline) and Kieran Hodgson (Two Doors Down) for an evening of comic mayhem.

Book A Christmas Carol (ish) tickets on London Theatre.

The Snowman

It simply wouldn't be a London Christmas without this heart-warming family favourite. Now in its 27th year, the gorgeous dance-theatre version of Raymond Briggs's picture book continues to charm and thrill young audiences – and leave their grown-up companions misty-eyed.

Join a lucky boy whose snowman comes to life, and who explores his new world in adorably slapstick fashion. Then he takes his new friend on a magical adventure, including a visit to the North Pole and an unforgettable flight set to “Walking in the Air”.

Book The Snowman tickets on London Theatre.

Nutcracker

Another joyful Christmas treat is this wonderful festive ballet. The plot is easy to follow (it's pretty close to Toy Story), making it an easy entry point for anyone new to ballet, but the sheer scale, skill and wonder of the storytelling makes this a real treat.

English National Ballet's epic London Coliseum version features more than 100 dancers and musicians. Set in a picturesque Edwardian London, their 2024 production combines tradition with innovation: Aaron S. Watkin and Arielle Smith have created a new staging.

Book Nutcracker tickets on London Theatre.

Aladdin

He's behind you! If you're looking for a properly good laugh this Christmas, and fun for all the family, you need to get to a pantomime, and the Lyric Hammersmith's panto is always a winner: packed with pop songs, local jokes, and a fun contemporary spin on a classic tale.

This year, it's Aladdin getting the Lyric treatment. Get ready for a magic carpet ride with Aladdin and Jasmine: he's a cheeky chancer working at his mum's launderette, she's a badass princess longing to break free. This romp of a panto should grant all your Christmas wishes.

Book Aladdin tickets on London Theatre.

Hansel and Gretel

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage brings the Brothers Grimm fairy tale to life in a fantastical new adaptation for Shakespeare's Globe. Audiences of all ages will be enthralled as they watch siblings Hansel and Gretel try to find their way through the dark woods, and stop at a stranger's sweet-covered cottage.

This spell-binding production, directed by Nick Bagnall, features music, poetry and plenty of festive magic. At just an hour long, it's also a great length for more restless theatre-goers – and gives you lots of time afterwards for a Christmassy hot chocolate!

Book Hansel and Gretel tickets on London Theatre.

The Nutcracker

We're spoiled for choice in London when it comes to productions of The Nutcracker. Another brilliant choice is Birmingham Royal Ballet's sparkling staging, which takes full advantage of the majestic setting of the Royal Albert Hall – a particularly special treat at Christmas.

Featuring beautiful period costumes and spectacular projections, and dancers accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia playing Tchaikovsky's indelible score, it's a winter wonderland. Enjoy whirling snowflakes, the Kingdom of Sweets, and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Book The Nutcracker tickets on London Theatre.

Slava's SnowShow

If you're looking for something a bit different in the West End this Christmas, the boundlessly inventive Slava's SnowShow is a must-see. Russian performance artist Slava Polunin draws on the great tradition of clowning, but adds a whimsical twist – and an actual blizzard of snow!

It's circus-meets-theatre, packed with crazy slapstick, amazing visuals, and even creative audience participation. You might just be invited to pass around a giant inflatable ball, and to remember the fun of play.

Book Slava's SnowShow tickets on London Theatre.

Horrible Christmas

Alexandra Palace's majestically marvellous Christmas show in 2024 is a family-friendly treat from the smash-hit Horrible Histories team. In this seasonal special, they're digging into the past of Christmas itself – and remember, this is history with the naughty bits left in.

Journey from the treacherous Tudors and Medieval monks to Puritan parties and Victorian villains, with famous figures like Charles Dickens, Henry VIII and St Nicholas popping up along the way, all in the name of saving Christmas.

Book Horrible Christmas tickets on London Theatre.

Musicals by Candlelight at Christmas

For a truly enchanting festive outing, try the beautiful Musicals by Candlelight Christmas concert. The award-winning string quartet Icon Strings play all your seasonal favourites, including “All I Want For Christmas is You”, “Fairytale of New York”, and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Even better, the entire show takes place by magical candlelight, creating an extraordinary atmosphere. Sip your mulled wine and be transported by the music. The concert is at two central London venues: the Actors' Church and St-Giles-in-the-Fields.

Book Musicals by Candlelight at Christmas – The Actors' Church tickets on London Theatre.

Book Musicals by Candlelight at Christmas – St-Giles-in-the-Fields tickets on London Theatre.

Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas

Ever wondered where snow comes from, or just why Brussels sprouts make you fart? The answer to those and plenty more Christmas queries will be revealed in a jolly spin on scientific discovery in this new family show.

Children's TV presenter and author Maddie Moate makes her West End debut with the live version of her hit book, bringing facts, experiments and lots of festive fun to the Apollo Theatre. This is unmissable entertainment for any budding STEM stars.

Book Maddie Moate's Very Curious Christmas tickets on London Theatre.