Top Christmas shows and pantomimes in London

Discover some of the best Christmas theatre London has to offer over the festive season.

There are lots of magical London Christmas shows to enjoy over the holiday season. From Christmas pantomimes and festive ballet, to spectacular Christmas theatre productions and the latest West End shows, there's plenty to see this winter in London.

English National Ballet’s Nutcracker at the London Coliseum

English National Ballet's The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum. Image courtesy of English National Ballet.English National Ballet's The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum. Image courtesy of English National Ballet.

Step into a magical world where toys come to life in the annual production of the Nutcracker, a classic Christmas ballet in London. More than 100 dancers and musicians tell the story of a young girl’s Christmas adventure that begins in snowy Edwardian London. 11 Dec-5 Jan.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the London Palladium

Join a star-studded cast for the annual festive family Christmas pantomime at London Palladium. This top Christmas panto in London includes Paul O'Grady, Matt Baker and Julian Clary, as Dame Betty Barnum and Goldilocks strive to save the beloved family circus. 7 Dec-12 Jan.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Alexandra Palace Theatre

Peter Pan Goes Wrong cast in action. Credit: Alastair Muir. Image courtesy of Helen Snell.Peter Pan Goes Wrong cast in action. Credit: Alastair Muir. Image courtesy of Helen Snell.

Catch a hilarious farce at newly opened Alexandra Palace Theatre this winter. Watch the clumsy members of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society disastrously attempt to put together a production of J. M. Barrie’s most famous tale, in West End smash hit Peter Pan Goes Wrong – certainly one of the more unique Christmas plays in London! 13 Dec-5 Jan.

Nativity! The Musical at the Eventim Apollo

Chuckle at a primary school’s hapless attempt to put together a festive production during Nativity! The Musical on the Christmas film series, this family-friendly stage adaptation features many of its catchy tunes, including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth and One Night One Moment. 11-29 Dec.

Circus 1903 at Royal Festival Hall

Two elephants with the cast of Circus 1903 at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. Circus 1903 at Southbank Centre's Royal Festive Hall. Image courtesy of Southbank Centre. Image credit: Alvin Tam.

Step back in time to the golden age of the circus, with daredevils, acrobats and even life-size elephants thanks to the expert puppeteers behind War Horse as Circus 1903returns to the Southbank Centre for a special Christmas season. 19 Dec-5 Jan.

Disney on Ice at various venues

Celebrate 100 years of Disney magic as your favourite characters take to the ice, performing to musical classics that will have both young and old singing along. Performances will happen at the SSE Arena, Wembley and The O2. 13 Nov-5 Jan.

A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic

Enjoy Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in London, as the acclaimed production is brought to life on The Old Vic stage. Follow the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by spirits wanting to help him change his miserly ways. 29 Nov-18 Jan.

The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre

A snowman and a boy in The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre.The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre. Image courtesy of Sadler's Wells. Photo credit: Alastair Muir.

Spark that festive feeling as the classic winter tale of The Snowman returns to enchant the whole family at the Peacock Theatre. Raymond Briggs’ Christmas story is filled with dance, storytelling and songs from the film, as the two friends embark on a magical adventure to the North Pole. 21 Nov-5 Jan.

White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre

Catch a true classic with the stage production of the famous Bing Crosby film, White Christmas. Featuring one of the season's most famous songs, this is still a Christmas must. 16 Nov-4 Jan.

Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre

Mary Poppins dancing with chimney sweeps dancing behind her.Zizi Strallen as Mary Poppins and the Company. Photo credit Johan Persson.

Discover the timeless tale of Mary Poppins as it returns to London's West End. Join Mary, Bert and the Banks family for a magical adventure this Christmas, and sing along to classic tunes including Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and a Spoonful of Sugar. 23 Oct-3 May.

Peppa Pig's Best Day Ever at The Duke of York's Theatre

Join Peppa Pig, George and rest of the family on their road-trip adventure this Christmas. Explore castles, meet dragons and come across plenty of muddy puddles... and maybe even jump in some, for that bit of extra fun! 29 Nov-5 Jan.

Raymond Gubbay's My Christmas London

Enjoy a series of festive concerts across the capital with My Christmas London, from a classic Christmas performance and a night of festive tunes from The Jingle Belles at the Barbican, to carols with the Philharmonia Orchestra and The Bach Choir at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. 12 Dec-1 Jan.