This post lists the many Christmas and Holiday shows in London in 2023.
We include musicals, concerts, ballet performances, plays, and traditional pantomimes this holiday season.
- Top London Christmas Shows
- Family-Friendly Options
- Christmas Caroling
- Christmas 'Pantomimes'
- Christmas in London
- Things to Do in London Year-Round
The Nutcracker
Two different ballet companies will perform this holiday classic. See the all-time favourite tale of a girl’s Christmas adventure that begins in snowy London.
English National Ballet’s Nutcracker
- Dates: Dec 6th, 2023 - Jan 13th, 2024
- 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
Note: This year concert will not take place in London.
This modern classic screened at the OVO Arena at Wembley for the holiday season last year.
As the film played, a live orchestra performed the musical score.
Danny Elfman, the original voice of Jack Skellington, sang along with all the songs in which his character performs.
Considering Elfman also wrote the score, it's fitting that he was there!
- Dates: Not taking place in London in 2023 (last year it took place on December 9th and 10th)
- 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 2nd and 3rd, 2023 at 19:30pm and 10:30am respectively
- 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 11th, 2023 - January 6th, 2024
- 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 Albert Hall - November 12th, 2023 at 19:00
- St Martin in the Fields - December 5th, 2023 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 10th - 24th, 2023
- 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 2023
- Where: Dominion Theatre
Elf the Musical
"Elf the Musical" in London is a lively, festive stage adaptation of the beloved movie.
It brings Buddy the Elf's charming journey to the West End, captivating audiences with catchy songs and holiday spirit.
The show enchants with its colorful sets, joyful performances of actors and musicians, and heartwarming storyline, making it a must-see during the holiday season.
- Dates: 15th November, 2023 - 6th January, 2024
- Where: Dominion Theatre
- Purchase tickets here.
The Snowman
The Snowman is a magical seasonal spectacle. Based on the beloved story, it features enchanting music and captivating choreography.
Audiences are transported into a winter wonderland, experiencing the timeless tale come to life. It's a cherished tradition for families during the festive period.
- Dates: Nov 18th, 2023 - Dec 30th, 2023
- Where: Peacock Theatre
- Purchase tickets here.
Hansel and Gretel
Hansel and Gretel is a popular fairy tale that has been adapted into numerous theatrical performances, dance performances, operas, ballets, and musicals.
The story typically revolves around two young siblings, Hansel and Gretel, who are abandoned in the forest by their impoverished parents.
They encounter a witch's house made of candy and face various trials and adventures.
- Dates: Dec 8th, 2023 - Jan 7th, 2024
- Where: Globe Theatre
- Purchase tickets here.
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 from December 21st - 31st, 2023 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 21st, 2023 - December 21st, 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 3rd, 2023 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: Information about 2023 event not yet announced.
The Gruffalo's Child
The Gruffalo's Child is a popular children's stage adaptation based on the beloved children's book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
The story follows the Gruffalo's child as she embarks on a daring adventure through the deep, dark woods to find the Big Bad Mouse her father had warned her about.
Along the way, she encounters various woodland creatures, including the sly Fox, wise Owl, and cunning Snake, who share their imaginative and exaggerated versions of the Big Bad Mouse.
- Dates: 1st December, 2023 - 7th January, 2024
- Where: Garrick Theatre
- Purchase tickets here.
Father Christmas Needs a Wee!
Father Christmas Needs a Wee! is a festive and comedic children's stage show based on the picture book by Nicholas Allan.
The story revolves around Father Christmas as he makes his yearly deliveries, but encounters a hilarious predicament - he really needs to use the toilet!
As he visits various homes, he faces amusing challenges in finding a suitable place for a 'wee' while keeping the spirit of Christmas alive.
The show is lively and filled with laughter, engaging young audiences with catchy songs, playful humor, and the joy of the holiday season, making it a delightful experience for families during Christmastime.
- Dates: On select dates between Dec 2nd, 2023 - Dec 23rd, 2023
- Where: Arts Theatre
- Purchase tickets here.
Stick Man
Stick Man is a theatrical adaptation based on the beloved children's book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
The story follows Stick Man, a stick figure who embarks on an adventurous journey to find his way back home after being separated from his family.
Along the way, he encounters various characters and faces numerous challenges, all while hoping to reunite with his loved ones.
The show brings this endearing tale to life with a combination of puppetry, catchy songs, and energetic performances.
- Dates: Oct 21st, 2023 - Jan 2nd, 2024
- Where: Leicester Square Theatre
- Purchase tickets here.
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 are holding this event once again in 2023, 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 16th - 24th, 2023
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 6th, 2023, at 21:30. 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.
A Sherlock Carol
Prepare for an exciting fusion of deduction and festive enchantment with the revival of "A Sherlock Carol" at Marylebone Theatre.
This production is far from ordinary, promising a captivating experience as it intertwines the realms of Sherlock Holmes and Charles Dickens.
Witness Holmes embarking on a mysterious holiday investigation, guided by spirits that help him rekindle the genuine spirit of Christmas.
The show runs from Nov 24th, 2023 to Jan 7th, 2024.
To learn more or to book, click here.
Other Concerts
- Christmas Concert at Westminster Abbey - Dates and times for the 2023 festive season are still to be determined. (Find out how to visit Westminster Abbey.)
- Christmas Christmas Actually at Royal Festival Hall - December 7th - 11th, 2023 at 15:00 and 19:30 (vary with dates).
- Christmas Carols at St Martin in the Fields - December 1st - 23rd, 2023.
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 2023 Christmas 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
- Dates: Nov 22nd - Dec 30th, 2023
- Tickets here.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
A simple story made extraordinary with thrilling stunts, circus acts, a superstar cast including Julian Clary and amazing special effects.
- Theatre Royal Plymouth, 8 Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR
- Dates for 2023 have not yet been announced
- Tickets here.
Cinderella
At Cinderella in London, anticipate a lively and entertaining production.
You'll witness a modern twist on the classic fairy tale, filled with vibrant performances, catchy musical numbers, and interactive elements that engage the audience.
Expect exaggerated characters, comedic moments, dazzling costumes, and a sense of festive joy, making it an enjoyable experience for all ages during the holiday season.
- Location: New Wimbledon Theatre
- Dates: Dec 8th, 2023 - Jan 7th, 2024
- Tickets here.
OTHER POPULAR PANTOS
Dick Whittington and His Cat
- Venue: Richmond Theatre
- Dates: Dec 9th, 2023 - Jan 7th, 2024. Tickets available from £13.00
Sleeping Beauty Takes a Prick
- Venue: Charing Cross Theatre
- Dates: Nov 23rd, 2023 - Jan 13th, 2024
Peter Pan Goes Wrong in London
- Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES
- Dates: Nov 23rd, 2023 - Jan 14th, 2024
- Tickets here.
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