Best Christmas Shows In London 2026

London’s theatres are preparing for a packed festive season, with Christmas shows, family musicals, spectacular circus entertainment and seasonal comedy arriving throughout November and December. Whether you are planning a family day out, a Christmas present or an evening in the West End, these are some of the best Christmas shows in London for 2026.

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

Mischief’s accident-prone amateur performers return to the West End with their disastrous interpretation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Predictably, the company’s attempts to tell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge do not proceed according to plan.

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong combines a familiar festive tale with collapsing scenery, theatrical disagreements and carefully organised chaos. It is a particularly good choice for families with older children and anyone looking for a Christmas comedy rather than a traditional musical.

The production plays at Wyndham’s Theatre from 18 December 2026 until 23 January 2027.

The Snowman

Raymond Briggs’ much-loved winter story returns to the Peacock Theatre in a newly created production. The Snowman follows a boy whose snowy creation comes to life, beginning an unforgettable nighttime adventure.

Combining dance, music and imaginative stage design, the show offers a gentle introduction to live theatre for younger audiences. The famous flying sequence and Walking in the Air remain central to this enchanting Christmas experience.

The Snowman runs from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show

Peppa Pig, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig arrive at Theatre Royal Haymarket for a colourful seasonal engagement. Filled with familiar characters, songs and family-friendly fun, Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show is designed especially for younger children and first-time theatregoers.

Its daytime performances also make it easier to combine the show with Christmas lights, shopping or another family attraction in central London. Performances run from 4 December 2026 until 3 January 2027.

The Nutcracker

English National Ballet brings The Nutcracker back to the London Coliseum for another Christmas season. Clara’s journey from a family celebration to a magical world of snow, adventure and dancing is accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s famous score.

Elaborate costumes, large-scale choreography and a live orchestra make The Nutcracker one of London’s most traditional festive theatre experiences. It plays from 17 December 2026 until 10 January 2027.

Cirque Alice

Cirque Alice transforms Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland into a Christmas circus spectacular at the Royal Festival Hall. Acrobats, contortionists, dancers and aerial performers reinterpret Alice’s encounters through physical performance and theatrical spectacle.

Running from 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, it offers an imaginative alternative to conventional Christmas pantomimes and musicals.

Cinderella

The Lyric Hammersmith’s annual pantomime returns with Cinderella, bringing music, comedy, audience participation and a fresh interpretation of the classic fairytale. It is an excellent option for families wanting a proper London Christmas pantomime, complete with familiar characters and plenty of festive silliness.

Family Musicals To See At Christmas

London’s long-running family musicals are also popular during the Christmas holidays. The Lion King delivers extraordinary puppetry and memorable music, while Matilda The Musical combines comedy, imagination and a wonderfully rebellious heroine. Wicked remains a spectacular choice for older children and adults, and Paddington The Musical offers a warm-hearted London adventure for the whole family.

Christmas performances can become particularly busy once schools close, so booking early provides the widest choice of dates and seats. Explore the latest Christmas theatre tickets and plan a festive trip to one of London’s most exciting shows.