The Best Christmas Shows In London For Kids

As one of the theatre capitals of the world, the range of child-friendly Christmas shows in London is second to none. Here are our crowd-pleasing picks

For children, Christmas will always be a time of excitement and wonder. Naturally, the best Christmas shows are the ones that manage to capture this wide-eyed sense of anticipation – after all, few places can do this as well as the theatre, where magic is the stock in trade. As a global performance capital, London definitely delivers when it comes to festive theatre for kids. And while there’s a long history of pantomime in the UK, the range of Christmas shows in London goes far beyond panto dames and celebrity guest stars.

The Snowman At The Peacock Theatre

Many leading institutions take great pride in their kid-friendly programmes, with some flagship productions returning year after year. The Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s production of The Snowman is one of those productions. The reason for its longevity is simple: the story of one boy and his enchanted snowman is both timeless and incredibly moving. Tissues at the ready.

Until 5 January 2020

The Nutcracker At The Royal Albert Hall

The enduring popularity of the Nutcracker can be chalked up to its chocolate box vision of Christmas, with its gift-giving and candy canes, tin soldiers and famous Tchaikovsky score. This production, by the Birmingham Royal Ballet also includes music from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia orchestra. 

Until 31 December 2019

A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic

It wouldn't be Christmas time without the legendary tale of A Christmas Carol, would it? Suitable for children age 8+, we think this captivating performance will take your adolescents' minds off ipads and computer games for a while.

Until 18 January 2020

Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas At The Lyric Hammersmith

Younger audiences will be enchanted by this extremely likeable story that follows Father Christmas as he grumpily goes about his job on Christmas Eve. In fact, this tried and tested Lyric Hammersmith production has become something of a tradition, having first been staged at the theatre in 2012. The show brings the classic Raymond Briggs story to vivid life – and even captures the distinctive aesthetic of the much-loved illustrations – with eye-catching stage design, imaginative puppetry and great music.

Until 29 December 2019

Nativity! The Musical at the Eventim Apollo

A family-friendly show based on the hit film, this laugh out loud musical will get you feeling super Christmassy. And we bet you won't be able to help but sing along. Also, because this theatre is outside of the West End, you will blissfully dodge the inner-city tourists.

Until 29 December 2019

Disney on Ice at The O2 

See all of your Disney favourites take to this ice this Christmas in an utterly inspiring show. With a bumper cast and magical tricks, the whole family will be left feeling totally amazed. It's a skating spectacular not to be missed. 

Until 5 January 2020