This post lists the many Christmas and Holiday shows in London in 2022.
We include musicals, concerts, ballet performances, plays, and traditional pantomimes this holiday season.
- Top Christmas Shows
- Family-Friendly Options
- Christmas Caroling
- Christmas 'Pantomimes'
- Christmas in London
- Things to Do in London Year-Round
TOP CHRISTMAS SHOWS
The Nutcracker
Two different ballet companies will perform this holiday classic. See the beloved tale of a girl’s Christmas adventure that begins in snowy London.
English National Ballet’s Nutcracker
- Dates: Dec 7th, 2022 - Jan 14th, 2023
- Where: Royal Albert Hall
- Purchase tickets here.
Frozen: The Musical
Based on the hit Disney movie, this popular Off-Broadway musical has made its way to London, and it will be playing at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane throughout most of the holiday season.
If you're looking for a great show the whole family will enjoy, this is a great opportunity to experience a modern classic on stage.
Dates: Wednesday - Sunday in November and December.
Tim Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' in Concert
This modern classic will be screened at the OVO Arena at Wembley for the holiday season in 2022.
As the film plays, a live orchestra will perform the musical score.
Danny Elfman, the original voice of Jack Skellington, will be singing along with all the songs in which his character performs.
Considering Elfman also wrote the score, it's fitting that he should be there!
- Dates: December 9th and 10th, 2022
- Where: OVO Arena
- Purchase tickets here.
Home Alone in Concert
As with The Nightmare Before Christmas, this holiday classic will also be screened with a live orchestra playing the musical score of the film.
- When: December 10th, 2022 at 14:30 and 19:30
- Where: Royal Albert Hall
- Purchase tickets here.
A Christmas Carol
Enjoy the Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits who visit him in the night to show him the true meaning of Christmas.
- Dates: November 12th, 2022 - January 7th, 2023
- Where: The Old Vic Theatre
- More details here.
Handel’s Messiah
In London, Handel has more than one Messiah!
Here are four different performances by different troupes with a variety of prices that are quite affordable.
- Royal Festival Hall - December 4th, 2022 at 19:30
- St Martin in the Fields - December 6th, 2022 at 19:00
Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall
This iconic annual holiday series offers a month-long program of performances of all kinds.
Choose from a jazzy Christmas, a ballet, a big-band concert and so much more.
- Dates: December 8th - 24th, 2022
- Where: Various Locations
- Purchase tickets here.
Irving Berlin's White Christmas
This adaptation of the iconic film returns to London for the holiday season.
Its heartwarming songs and cheerful spirit make this a family-friendly show.
- Dates: Not running in London in 2022
- Where: Dominion Theatre
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
There are multiple Christmas and Holiday Shows catered to children and the entire family.
From shows you may know to new ones to love, here are the best kids’ holiday shows in London.
Find out about other family-friendly shows and other activities, from our post on things to do in London with kids.
Disney on Ice
Disney on Ice will be returning to London on December 23rd, 2022 at the O2 Arena. Their newest show is entitled Big Dream.
You can see some popular characters from Disney’s best movies such as The Lion King, Toy Story, Pinocchio, and Frozen.
Circus 1903 at Royal Festival Hall
Travel back in time to experience a circus from the olden days. Along with acrobats and daredevils, there will be life-size elephants!
This is a fantastic show for the whole family!
Dates: December 15th, 2022 - January 1st, 2023
The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
The Royal Albert Hall will be hosting a screening of the holiday classic
The Muppet Christmas Carol with music performed live by a full symphony orchestra.
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience one of the most popular Christmas movies of the last few decades in an entirely new way.
Dates: December 4th, 2022 at 14:30 and 19:00
Nativity! The Musical
This is a family-friendly show based on the film in which a reluctant school teacher is put in charge of producing the school’s Christmas play.
Many hysterical moments and songs from the movie make this show a winner.
NOTE: This event will be taking place in Birmingham for 2022.
WHERE TO HEAR CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Throughout December, at venues across the city, you can hear your holiday favorites.
Some performances are free, some are pricey, but all will be festive for sure.
Free Carols in Trafalgar Square
This is our pick for the best place to hear carols.
While they should be holding this event once again in 2022, there are not yet any details about when.
Check this post on Christmas at Trafalgar Square for more details.
If you do go to one of these performances, read our post on things to do in Trafalgar Square.
Free Carols at St. Paul’s Cathedral
Hear a variety of performances of carols and other Christmas music and readings in this historic cathedral.
Most events are free, though some require advance reservations.
Find out how you can visit St. Paul’s Cathedral here.
Carols Sing-along at the Royal Albert Hall
This fantastically fun show invites the audience to sing along to the holiday classics. An annual favorite with the locals.
Dates: December 18th - 24th, 2022
Southwark Cathedral Carols in the City
Donate to a charitable cause while listening to the renowned chamber choir Canticum and other performers in the beautiful Southwark Cathedral.
The date is December 7th, 2022, at 19:00. Check here for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Cathedral is right near London Bridge which may or may not be a sight on your list of places to see. Find out more about London Bridge here.
Other Concerts
- Christmas Concert at Westminster Abbey - Dates and times for the 2022 season are still to be determined. (Find out how to visit Westminster Abbey.)
- Christmas Carol Singalong at Royal Festival Hall - December 10th, 2022 at 12:30 and 16:15.
- Christmas Carols at St Martin in the Fields - December 3rd - 23rd, 2022.
CHRISTMAS PANTOMIMES
Traditionally performed at Christmas and afterward, Bristish pantomimes are not shows with silent performers with white faces.
In fact, panto (as it is informally called) is anything but silent!
This video from the BBC will give you an idea of what to expect.
Panto is theater made for those who like to participate. Shows are usually based on a familiar fairy tale or story told through music, comedy, and lots of buffooneries.
The audience is encouraged to participate by singing along at certain parts of the show or shouting out to the performers.
The Nativity Panto - A Not So Silent Night!
The most familiar story of Christmas performed with a bit of irreverence.
There will be both All Ages, Adults Only and Young Children performances.
- King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper St, The Angel, London N1 1QN
- No information about the 2022 season is available. The show's availability is uncertain.
- Learn more here.
Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas
Lyric Theatre will be hosting their interpretation of a Father Christmas who dreams of sun, sea and sand, but he wakes up to realize that it's Christmas Eve and he needs to get to work!
- Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, 2 King Street, London W6 0QL
- No information about the 2022 season is available. The show's availability is uncertain.
- Tickets here.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
A simple story made extraordinary with thrilling stunts, circus acts, a superstar cast and amazing special effects.
- London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, London, W1F7TF
- Dates for 2022 have not yet been announced
- Tickets here.
OTHER POPULAR PANTOS
Dick Whittington and His Cat
- Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, London E8 1EJ
- Dates: No information about the 2022 season is available. The show's availability is uncertain.
Sleeping Beauty
- Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES
- Dates: No information about the 2022 season is available. The show's availability is uncertain.
- Tickets here.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong in London
- Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
- Dates: No information about the 2022 season is available. The show's availability is uncertain.
- Tickets here.
