10 Best Christmas Shows in London This Christmas (2026)

To be in London for Christmas is one of the best periods to be in the city. Christmas lights and decorations are everywhere, the smell of mulled wine spreads through the city and everything around you is so magical that you’d feel like you’re in a Christmas movie from your childhood. While there are many great things to do in London for Christmas, one of my favourite festive activities is seeing a Christmas show.

In this blog post I’m bringing you the best London Christmas shows with a brief overview of the show, venue and price. I included a diverse set of shows: from musicals and ballets, to carols and pantomimes, and for every age.

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Nutcracker

I’ve always wanted to see a Nutcracker and I didn’t mind where as long as I saw it. Now, I am so happy I’ve seen my very first Nutcracker in London because I can’t imagine it can get better than this!

Usually there are different Nutcracker ballet performances in London, with the most famous one being at the Royal Opera House, Royal Albert Hall and London Coliseum. I saw the one at London Coliseum performed by English National Ballet and I truly cannot recommend it more!

The famous Tchaikovsky ballet, which was inspired by the children’s classic book, features over 100 dancers and musicians and the setting is truly magical. A proper Christmas fairytale.

While Nutcracker is an enjoyable ballet for all ages, kindly note that unfortunately children under 5 years old won’t be permitted to see the show.

⭐️ 4.6 💰£18+ 📆 11 December 2025 – 11 January 2026📍London Coliseum
✅ Book tickets

The Snowman

Based on the children’s famous story The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, the Snowman musical is the best choice for families, especially as children of all ages are permitted to see the show and the little ones under 2 years old go free.

However, The Snowman is not only for kids and families, but for everyone who wants to experience a classical Christmas musical. The story itself is pretty beautiful and very Christmassy if you ask me: a timeless tale of a boy and snowman who comes to life.

⭐️ 4.5 💰18+ 📆 22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026📍Peacock Theatre ✅ Book tickets

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic Theatre is a classic and one of the best Christmas shows in London. Let’s just say that Christmas in London wouldn’t be complete without this Charles Dickens classic (yes, another book adaptation).

This beautiful story of love, greed, redemption and family is perfect for the Christmas season and is such a beautiful traditional tale.

A Christmas Carol is suitable for ages 8+ years old because some scenes contain haunting supernatural themes which younger audiences may find upsetting.

⭐️ 4.8 💰£31+ 📆 18 November 2025 – 10 January 2026📍Old Vic ✅ Book tickets

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong 

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong is a unique take on Dickens’s Christmas Carol, so if you’ve already seen that one or you want something different, then this is a great choice for you.

You can expect a series of hilarious blunders, missed cues and theatrical calamities that turn this classic story into a comedic spectacle. 

⭐️ N/A 💰£24+ 📆 06 December 2025 – 26 January 2026📍Apollo Theatre ✅ Book tickets

A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story

A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story is another retelling of Dickens’s story.

The story follows miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge on a frozen Christmas Eve who is shocked by an unexpected visit from the apparition of his long dead former business partner Jacob Marley.

Because of its eerie atmosphere, it is only allowed to attend from age 12+.

⭐️ 4.7 💰£19+ 📆 22 November 2025 – 04 January 2026📍Alexandra Palace Theatre ✅ Book tickets

Elf The Musical

The one musical I really want to go to this year is The Elf Musical.

Elf The Musical is based on the 2003 Christmas comedy film of the same name. It stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a misfit who grew up as an elf in the North Pole, only to discover he’s human.

I dare to say it’s probably going to be the best Christmas musical in London this year and is a perfect fit for every age, but do bear in mind that children under age 5 will not be permitted to the show.

⭐️ 4.5 💰£35+ 📆 28 October 2025 – 03 January 2026📍Aldwych Theatre ✅ Book tickets

📖 Read my How to Spend 2 Days in London: London’s Main Attractions blog post.

Home Alone in Concert

Everyone’s favourite Christmas movie Home Alone is coming again to Royal Albert Hall this Christmas.

Honestly, watching a favourite movie while the orchestra plays the original movie songs in a beautiful venue as Royal Albert Hall is a dream come true moment. I watched all 3 Lord of The Rings parts here and the words can’t really describe it.

💡The tickets sell out quickly, so make sure to buy them ASAP!

⭐️ 5 💰N/A 📆 6 & 13 December 2025📍Royal Albert Hall ✅ Book tickets

Cinderella

Cinderella is a retelling of the classical fairytale.

It tells the story of a 16-year-old Ella who finds herself spending Christmas at dad’s house, wishing she could be anywhere else.

Wishes are answered and Ella is whisked away to a magical world of castles, balls, and handsome princes. Yet it soon becomes clear that all is not quite as it seems. And, perhaps this isn’t the happily-ever-after ending Ella thought it would be?

⭐️ N/A 💰17+ 📆 26 November 2025 – 04 January 2026📍Rose Theatre ✅ Book tickets

Christmas by Candlelight

Christmas by Candlelight is one of the most beautiful Christmas carols you can go to.

You can expect a Christmas concert gently lit by candlelight.

All ages are welcome, however it is not recommended for babies that need to be held in arms.

⭐️ 4.6 💰£28+ 📆 05 December 2025 – 27 December 2025📍235 Shaftesbury Avenue ✅ Book tickets

Candlelight: Christmas Movie Soundtracks

And lastly, Christmas Movie Soundtracks by Candlelight is one of the best Christmas shows, especially if you love watching Christmas movies.

You can expect songs from All I Want for Christmas Is You from Love Actually to Carol of the Bells from Home Alone.

⭐️ 4.2 💰£21+ 📆 13 December 2025📍Central Hall Westminster ✅ Book tickets

Where to Stay in London for Christmas

The best areas to stay in London for Christmas are these neighbourhoods in central London: Covent Garden, Soho and Mayfair. That way you are not spending neither time nor money on the public transport because most of the things are within a walking distance.

📖 For more, have a look at my hotel recommendation blog posts:

– Top 11 London Hotels with the Best Views (All Budgets!)
– 6 Best Hotels with Amazing Views of Tower Bridge in London
– 5 Best Hotels with Big Ben Views in London for Every Budget

✅ If you’re looking for a custom travel plan, find out more about my personalised itinerary service here.

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