Going to see a Christmas show in London has been one of my favourite things to do at Christmas ever since the boys were little. It’s such a win-win treat: the boys are completely engaged, I get a break from running around after them, and we all get to enjoy something together!
I’m quite selective about the Christmas theatre shows we book. I always choose something I know I’ll enjoy too, with great production values, excellent music and, ideally, plenty of laughs.
This guide brings together what I think are some of the best Christmas shows in London for kids in 2026, from shorter, more accessible productions for toddlers and younger children to big spectacular shows that are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. I’ve also included some of London’s best family pantomimes (he’s behind you! – although watch out for some of that adult humour), as well as ballet, circus and family Christmas concerts.
There really is something for every age and hopefully something that parents will enjoy just as much as the kids.
For more festive ideas, have a look at my guide to the best things to do at Christmas in London with kids.
My Top Picks for the best Christmas Shows in London
Best overall family Christmas show: The Snowman
Best for younger children: Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas
Best pantomime: Dick Whittingberg Gets Into a Pickle
Best ballet: The Nutcracker
Best for something different: Scrooge Cirque Extravaganza
Best for babies and toddlers: Bach to Baby
Best Christmas concert: A Christmas Story at the Royal Albert Hall
Best for something different: Scrooge Cirque Extravaganza
Best Family Christmas Shows in London
The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre
What to expect: The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre brings Raymond Briggs’ much-loved Christmas story to the stage. On Christmas Eve, a snowman magically comes to life and a young boy sets off with his new friend on an adventure through the starlit sky, encountering dancing penguins, reindeer and Father Christmas along the way. This year’s production features brand-new staging, alongside all the familiar magic and the iconic Walking in the Air.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is a really gentle introduction to Christmas theatre and works really well with very young children. I actually took Noah when he was a newborn, so it’s one I’d happily recommend even with a baby in tow.
Best for: All ages (under 2s go free)
Dates: 21 November–3 January
Price: From £18
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including one 20 minute interval)
Where: Peacock Theatre, Holborn
Getting there: Holborn is the nearest Tube station
Booking: Book here
Pinocchio at Shakespeare’s Globe
What to expect: Pinocchio at Shakespeare’s Globe is a brand-new musical version of the classic story, staged at the Globe over the festive season. Expect a fresh take on Pinocchio’s adventures, with music, storytelling and all the atmosphere of seeing a family production inside this iconic London theatre.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is a great-value option, with standing tickets starting from just £5. Of course, standing for an entire performance won’t suit every child and due to the length this is intended for children over 5.
Best for: Ages 5+
Dates: 28 November–3 January
Price: From £5 for standing tickets
Running time: 2 hour 10 minutes
Where: Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside
Getting there: Blackfriars, Mansion House and London Bridge are all within walking distance
Booking: Book here
Disney on Ice
What to expect: Disney on Ice brings favourite Disney characters, stories and songs to the ice in a big, colourful family spectacular. Discover the Magic tours throughout the UK from November to January, with the London shows taking place over the Christmas holidays. Expect plenty of familiar characters such as Mickey, Moana and Woody, impressive skating and songs that even the youngest Disney fans will recognise.
SilverSpoon Tip: Book well in advance! I missed out on tickets a few years ago, so the following year I made sure I booked really early. Although it’s suitable for all ages, I think it’s particularly fun for younger children who will love hearing their favourite Disney songs and spotting characters they know.
Best for: All ages (under 2s go free)
Dates: UK shows November–January; London 24 December–3 January
Price: From £44
Where: The O2
Getting there: North Greenwich Station.
Running time: Running times vary, but performances are generally between 1.5 and 2 hours
Booking: Book here
Scrooge Cirque Extravaganza
What to expect: Scrooge Cirque Extravaganza puts a spectacular cirque-style spin on the classic Christmas tale. Expect a combination of musical theatre, impressive circus performances, acrobatics and plenty of laughs as the story of Scrooge is reimagined for a family audience.
SilverSpoon Tip: This looks like something completely different to a traditional Christmas theatre show or pantomime. I love the combination of circus and musical theatre, with plenty of action and spectacle.
Best for: All ages
Dates: 23–28 December
Price: From £29.99
Where: ExCeL London
Getting there: Custom House is the nearest station
Booking: Book here
Cirque Alice at the Southbank Centre
What to expect: Cirque Alice is a spectacular acrobatic adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Expect gravity-defying feats, incredible circus performances and familiar characters from Wonderland brought to life in a completely different way.
SilverSpoon Tip: I love the idea of something a little different from the usual Christmas shows, and this looks like a really fun option with plenty of spectacle.
Best for: Ages 5+
Dates: 12 December–23 January
Price: From £35
Running time: 2 hours
Where: Southbank Centre
Getting there: Waterloo is the nearest mainline and Tube station
Booking: Book here
The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum
What to expect: The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum is one of London’s most magical Christmas traditions. English National Ballet brings Clara’s fantastical adventure to the stage with more than 100 dancers and musicians, beautiful sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s famous score.
SilverSpoon Tip: Children need to be 5+ for the main performances, but there’s a special Family Friendly performance on 9 January where children under five are welcome which would be a great opportunity if you want to introduce younger children to The Nutcracker.
Best for: Ages 5+ (under 5s welcome at the Family Friendly performance on 9 January)
Dates: 17 December–10 January
Price: From £27.25
Where: London Coliseum, Covent Garden
Getting there: Leicester Square and Charing Cross are the nearest stations
Booking: Book here
Christmas Theatre Shows in London for Younger Children
Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas at Lyric Hammersmith
What to expect: Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas brings the much-loved picture book to life on stage. Follow Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest night of the year, preparing his deliveries, feeding his reindeer and finally taking flight on his Christmas Eve journey.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is a great choice for younger children who might not be ready for a big West End production. I took the boys when Oscar was four and Noah was a baby and we all loved the festive magic of the Raymond Briggs’ story.
Best for: Under 6s
Dates: 18 November–31 December
Price: From £15
Where: Lyric Hammersmith
Getting there: Hammersmith is the nearest Tube station
Booking: Book here
If Father Christmas is the main attraction for your little ones, I’ve also rounded up the best Santa’s Grottos in London for kids.
Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show
What to expect: Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show comes to the Theatre Royal Haymarket this winter, with Peppa and her family preparing for a new arrival. There’s lots to do before Baby Evie arrives, from building and decorating to getting the family ready for their newest member.
SilverSpoon Tip: This isn’t actually a Christmas-themed show, but it’s a great option for younger children over the festive period. My boys absolutely loved seeing Peppa live on stage and getting to see Baby Evie makes this one super cute. It’s bright, familiar, with fun songs so even the tiniest Peppa fan should engage with it.
Best for: All ages, particularly toddlers and preschoolers
Dates: 4 December–3 January
Price: From £10
Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Where: Theatre Royal Haymarket
Getting there: Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross are the nearest stations
Booking: Book here
Polka Theatre
What to expect: Polka Theatre is a great place to look for children’s theatre in London, particularly for younger children, and this Christmas there are three festive productions for different ages.
Christmas Lights – A gentle show for the very youngest audiences, exploring how friendship can light up the dark.
Dates: 11–22 November
Best for: Ages 1–4
Running time: 50 minutes
Peter Pan – Take a journey to Neverland in Polka’s Christmas production for older children.
Dates: 14 November–24 January
Best for: Ages 5–12
Running time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Antarctica – The Adventure Theatre is transformed into a wintry wonderland for younger audiences.
Dates: 27 November–17 January
Best for: Ages 3–7
Running time: 50 minutes
SilverSpoon Tip: The Polka also has free play spaces and reading nooks if you need a place to play before or after the show.
Where: Polka Theatre, Wimbledon
Getting there: Wimbledon station
Booking: Book directly with Polka Theatre
Stick Man at Bloomsbury Theatre
What to expect: Stick Man is a brilliantly fun stage adaptation of the much-loved Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book. Stick Man sets off on an adventure that takes him further and further away from the family tree – but will he manage to make it home in time for Christmas?
SilverSpoon Tip: If your child already loves the book, this is a perfect first theatre experience as the story and characters will already feel familiar. I took Oscar a few years ago and he really engaged with the songs and the festive spirit.
Best for: All ages (under 2s go free)
Dates: 3 December–3 January
Price: From £10
Where: Bloomsbury Theatre
Getting there: Euston Square and Warren Street are the nearest Tube stations
Booking: Book here
The Smartest Giant in Town at St Martin’s Theatre
What to expect: The Smartest Giant in Town brings another favourite Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler story to the stage. George is tired of being the scruffiest giant in town and treats himself to a very smart new outfit only to discover that his new clothes might be even more useful to the friends he meets along the way.
SilverSpoon Tip: This isn’t a Christmas story, but it makes a great festive-season theatre trip for younger children. It’s another good choice for children who already know and love the book, particularly toddlers and preschoolers. It’s on my list for this year as I’ve heard such good things about it.
Best for: Ages 2–8
Dates: 9 December–3 January
Price: From £13
Where: St Martin’s Theatre, West End
Getting there: Leicester Square is the nearest Tube station
Booking: Book here
Unicorn Theatre
What to expect: Unicorn Theatre specialises in theatre made specifically for children, and this Christmas there are two festive productions aimed at different ages.
Santa’s First Christmas – Santa spends every Christmas Eve spreading joy around the world, but he’s so busy he never gets the chance to celebrate himself. This year, his elves are determined to change that.
Dates: 14 November–3 January
Best for: Ages 4+
Price: Children £10
Running time: 50 minutes
Huddle – In the frozen landscape of Antarctica, Mr Penguin receives a very special delivery: his very own egg. A gentle wintery production created for the youngest theatre-goers.
Dates: 27 November–3 January
Best for: Ages 1–4
Price: Children £16.50
Running time: 50 minutes
SilverSpoon Tip: Unicorn Theatre is a great choice for a first theatre experience, with productions created specifically with young audiences in mind. I also like the fact that both shows are only 50 minutes.
Where: Unicorn Theatre, London Bridge
Getting there: The nearest station is London Bridge
Booking: Book directly with Unicorn Theatre
Little Angel Theatre
What to expect: Little Angel Theatre is one of London’s loveliest theatres for younger children, specialising in puppetry and imaginative storytelling. This Christmas there are two productions for different ages.
The Snowflake – Based on the timeless Christmas story by Benji Davies.
Dates: 21 November–23 January
Best for: Ages 5+
Price: Adults £18, children £16
Running time: 50 minutes
Scruff’s Christmas Adventure – It’s Christmas Eve and Scruff the puppy can’t sleep, in this festive adventure created especially for younger children. This show is only 35 minutes long, so it’s a good option for active little ones who may struggle with longer shows.
Dates: 28 November–3 January
Best for: Ages 3–6
Price: Adults £18, children £16
Running time: 35 minutes.
SilverSpoon Tip: Little Angel Theatre is great if you’re looking for something smaller and more intimate than a big West End Christmas production.
Where: Little Angel Theatre, Islington
Getting there: The nearest Tube is Angel
Booking: Book directly with Little Angel Theatre
There’s a Bear on My Chair at the Southbank Centre
What to expect: There’s a Bear on My Chair brings Ross Collins’ much-loved books to life with puppetry, plenty of laughs and the mischievous Bear and Mouse. Poor Mouse has discovered a bear sitting in his favourite chair and, no matter what he tries, he simply can’t get him to move. The tables soon turn when Bear finds Mouse making himself at home in his house! At just 55 minutes, it’s a good length for little ones.
SilverSpoon Tip: The short running time, familiar story and puppetry should make this show easy for a first Christmas theatre trip.
Best for: Ages 2–7 (babes in arms under 18 months don’t need a ticket)
Dates: 11 December–3 January
Price: From £20
Running time: Approximately 55 minutes
Where: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre
Getting there: Waterloo is the nearest mainline and Tube station
Booking: Book here
If you’re visiting with very little ones, you might also like my guide to the best Christmas things to do in London with babies and toddlers.
Best Christmas Pantomimes in London for Kids
Cinderella at the London Palladium
What to expect: Cinderella at the London Palladium is the West End’s big Christmas pantomime, and this year sees Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders reunited on the West End stage for the first time in 17 years as the Ugly Sisters. They’re joined by Palladium panto favourite Julian Clary as the Fairy Godfather, so expect a huge, glittering production packed with comedy, costumes and spectacle.
SilverSpoon Tip: A big caveat with this one: although the official age recommendation is 4+, there is a lot of innuendo and the humour can be pretty rude! Much of it will go straight over younger children’s heads, but it’s worth knowing before you book. I took Oscar a few years ago and I was cringing but he didn’t understand most of it.
I’d personally think of this as more of a family show for older children and adults than a traditional little-kids panto. It is very funny but I did get quite a surprise with how rude it was!
Best for: Ages 4+ (under 4s are not admitted)
Dates: 5 December–10 January
Price: Prices vary
Where: London Palladium, Soho
Getting there: Oxford Circus is the nearest Tube station
Booking: Book here
Jack and the Beanstalk at the Greenwich Theatre
What to expect: Jack and the Beanstalk at Greenwich Theatre is the theatre’s big family pantomime for 2026. Expect a traditional panto adventure filled with larger-than-life characters, plenty of laughs and, of course, a rather enormous beanstalk.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is a more traditional family pantomime so it won’t have so much of the adult humour of the London Palladium. There’s no minimum age, so it can also work well for families with younger children.
Best for: All ages
Dates: 27 November–10 January
Price: Children £23.75, adults £46
Running time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Where: Greenwich Theatre
Getting there: Cutty Sark DLR and Greenwich station are both nearby
Booking: Book here
Dick Whittingberg Gets Into a Pickle at JW3
What to expect: Dick Whittingberg Gets Into a Pickle is JW3’s annual pantomime, putting a distinctly Jewish twist on the traditional Christmas panto. This year, Dick and his cat Tevye arrive in Victorian London in search of a better life, with plenty of comedy and Jewish humour along the way.
SilverSpoon Tip: I went to the JW3 panto last year and thought it was absolutely hilarious. I’m Jewish myself, so I particularly love all the Jewish humour and the way JW3 puts its own spin on the traditional Christmas pantomime. I can’t wait to see what they do with this one. While you are welcome to bring children, this is a show that can also be enjoyed without them.
Best for: Parental guidance advised
Dates: 6 December–3 January
Price: Adults £27/£32, children £17/£20
Where: JW3, Finchley Road
Getting there: Finchley Road and Swiss Cottage are the nearest Tube stations
Booking: Book here
Cinderella at Lyric Hammersmith
What to expect: Cinderella at Lyric Hammersmith is the theatre’s big festive pantomime for 2026, giving the classic fairy tale a lively Lyric Hammersmith twist. Expect plenty of comedy, music, larger-than-life characters and all the fun of a traditional family panto.
SilverSpoon Tip: A good choice if you want a proper London pantomime without the scale or the adult humour of the Palladium. Having said that, the two-hour running time may make it less suited to younger children. With tickets starting from £10, it’s also one of the more affordable pantos on this list.
Best for: Ages 6+
Dates: 14 November–3 January
Price: From £10
Running time: 2 hours
Where: Lyric Hammersmith
Getting there: Hammersmith is the nearest Tube station
Booking: Book here
Christmas Concerts and Musical Experiences for Kids in London
A Christmas Story in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall
What to expect: A Christmas Story in Concert is a heartwarming, carol-filled retelling of the Nativity based on Michael Morpurgo’s On Angel Wings, illustrated by Quentin Blake. The story follows a young shepherd girl on a magical Christmas night, accompanied by favourite carols including Ding Dong Merrily On High and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, National Youth Choir and a cast of actors.
SilverSpoon Tip: There’s something very special and grand about going to the Royal Albert Hall, so a Christmas concert here always feels like a real occasion. It works really well as a treat with grandparents too.
Best for: Families
Date: 13 December
Times: 1.15pm and 5.30pm
Where: Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington
Getting there: South Kensington and High Street Kensington are the nearest Tube stations
Booking: Tickets go on general sale at 10am on 25 September.
Bach to Baby Concerts
What to expect: Bach to Baby offers classical concerts designed especially for families with babies and young children, with festive-themed performances taking place around London in the run-up to Christmas. The relaxed format means there’s no need to worry about little ones sitting perfectly still throughout.
SilverSpoon Tip: This is perfect if you have a baby or toddler and want to enjoy some live Christmas music with no pressure. The whole concept is designed around bringing little ones along.
Best for: All ages, particularly babies and toddlers
Dates: Various dates and locations
Price: From £15
Booking: Book here
Candlelight Christmas Classics
What to expect: Candlelight Christmas Classics is an atmospheric live music experience performed surrounded by the glow of thousands of candles. The festive editions feature familiar Christmas music in a really beautiful setting.
SilverSpoon Tip: A relaxing and atmospheric night of classic Christmas songs and a slightly more grown-up option.
Best for: Age 8+
Dates: 12 and 18 December
Price: From £20
Booking: Book here
Family Christmas Carols with Little London Music School
What to expect: Family Christmas Carols with Little London Music School is an afternoon of Christmas carols and festive songs created specifically for families. Babies and toddlers are just as welcome as school-aged children, making this a lovely way for the whole family to enjoy some Christmas music together.
SilverSpoon Tip: These concerts are really designed with little ones in mind and a great opportunity to introduce them to live music.
Best for: All ages, including babies and toddlers
Price: From £10
Booking: Book here
Christmas in London doesn’t all have to involve expensive tickets – I’ve also put together the best free things to do in London at Christmas with kids
Which Christmas Show Is Best for Your Child’s Age?
Babies and toddlers: Bach to Baby, Christmas Lights at Polka, Huddle at Unicorn Theatre and The Snowman
Preschoolers: Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, Peppa Pig, Stick Man and Scruff’s Christmas Adventure
Primary school children: The Snowman, Pinocchio, The Nutcracker and the family pantomimes
Older children: Cinderella at the London Palladium, Cirque Alice and Scrooge Cirque Extravaganza
Final Thoughts on the Best Christmas Shows in London for Kids
There are so many brilliant Christmas shows in London for families this year, whether you’re looking for a first theatre experience with a toddler, a traditional pantomime, a spectacular West End production or something a little different.
For me, going to the theatre is such a special part of Christmas in London, plus a chance to slow down and be together. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect show for your family this festive season.
Have you booked any Christmas shows in London this year? I’d love to know what you’re seeing!
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