The best Christmas theatre in London with kids

It’s not Christmas without a pantomime (oh no, it’s not!), plus you can also find some wonderful Christmas theatre in London for kids this year, whether you’re looking for traditional shows, classic ballet or new family-friendly performances. UPDATED FOR 2026

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As well as the usual West End hits, there’s always an added helping of theatrical magic to get you in the festive mood, including options for toddlers and preschoolers having their first theatre trips, as well as for older kids and teens.

It’s always worth doublechecking what ages are allowed before you book: some London theatres won’t accept children under five, even for some family-friendly shows – do be prepared to take a passport or some form of ID if your kids are five plus but look younger than their age.

2026 pantomimes in London

Cinderella – London Palladium

As ever, there are a string of celebs appearing in the 2026 London Palladium pantomime – this year, it’s Cinderella.

As well as Julian Clary, Nigel Havers and a reunited French & Saunders, the show has a string of West End stars in the key roles. Tickets are on sale now – only for children aged 4+ (parental discretion advised). Runs from December 5-January 10, 2027.

Cinderella – Lyric Hammersmith

Your wish has been granted! As long as it’s to see a pantomime, at least, with an updated version of the story of Cinderella at the Lyric Hammersmith.

As ever, there’s been a bit of a Christmas makeover, so you can expect comedy and plenty of live music as the moderately charming prince of the kingdom searches for a wife before midnight – otherwise everyone is doomed. For ages 6+, from November 14-January 3, 2027.

For more great things to do for Christmas in London with kids, check out my top picks

Jack and the Beanstalk – Hackney Empire

The Hackney Empire always has one of London’s best pantomimes – and this year’s choice of Jack and the Beanstalk means you can set off on an epic adventure along with the hero.

With plenty of classic panto fun as Jack sells his family’s cow for a handful of magic beans, sparking a series of events which sees him ending up in an enchanted land at the mercy of a powerful giant.

With live music, song and dance numbers and lashings of audience participation. From November 21-December 31. Suitable for all ages.

Potted Panto – Apollo Theatre

What’s better than seeing one panto at Christmas? Seeing seven (oh yes it is!) But you don’t need to book seven separate shows to do so, with the return of Potted Panto, this year at the Apollo Theatre.

The West End’s longest-running panto features some of the best-loved stories and characters from the world of pantomime – expect to see Aladdin’s lamp being rubbed, roam the streets of Dick Whittington’s London and discover if Cinderella does go to the ball.

Add in a large helping of slapstick, almost non-stop jokes and by the time the 70-minute show is up, you’ll be aching with laughter. For age 6+, runs from December 6 – January 3, 2027.

Dick Whittington & his Cat – King’s Head Theatre

If you’re looking for a panto that’s perfect for younger kids, the King’s Head Theatre in Islington is another family-friendly pantomime this year after the popular launch last year.

Dick Whittington and his Cat sees the hero heading to London to find fame and fortune… but what he discovers is rats running riot. Can he save Islington from the Rat King’s clutches and restore London to its former glory – and perhaps even find love along the way?

Runs from November 22-January 3, 2027. Once a week, there will also be a naughtier, adults-only show, so make sure you book the right performance!

Jack and the Beanstalk – Greenwich Theatre

Get ready for fee-fi-fo-fun at the Greenwich Theatre, with their hilarious version of Jack and the Beanstalk from the award-winning team behind previous pantos.

With an unconventional fairy adding a sprinkle of magic to the tale, there’s one giant problem in the way of Jack gaining his fortune at the top of the beanstalk – and plenty of singing and laughs along the way.

Runs from November 27-January 10, 2027. Suitable for all ages.

There is no pantomime running at the Duke of York’s Theatre this year,

Christmas musicals & ballet in London

Frozen has finished its long run and sadly Elf the Musical won’t be back for 2026 but there’s still plenty of other fun festive musicals and ballet to enjoy at Christmas in London with kids

The Nutcracker – London Coliseum

It’s simply not Christmas without the English National Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker at the London Coliseum.

With over 100 dancers and musicians bringing the magical world of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet to life, it’s the ultimate festive day out if you’re looking for Christmas theatre in London with kids. Strictly for age 5+ (except at special family-friendly performances), from December 17- January 10, 2027.

The Snowman – Peacock Theatre

Another Christmas classic, the Snowman is brought to life once more at the Peacock Theatre for its 28th London season.

The stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ much-loved book, there’s a live orchestra performing the music accompanying the heart-warming story.

As well as a special relaxed performance on December 2, the show is suitable for all ages – kids aged 2+ require tickets. Runs from November 21-January 3, 2027, tickets also available on TodayTix.

The Little Match Girl – Wilton’s Music Hall

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, the new production of The Little Match Girl at Wilton’s Music Hall transports the action to a snow-covered Christmas Eve in an imaginary Italian town.

With dance, song and live music, the story of hope and compassion unfolds of the young girl with one final match to keep her warm, as she encounters humanity and hardship. Runs from December 3-January 2, 2027.

Peter Pan – Polka Theatre

Swap panto for a musical retelling of the boy who never grew up at the Polka Theatre this Christmas, as you join Peter Pan and Wendy on an awfully big adventure.

Expect modern updates, including songs performed live by the company of award-winning vocalists, beatboxers and rappers, as the pair – joined by the Lost Boys and feisty fairy Tink – set out to defeat Captain Hook.

Recommended for age 5-12, from November 14-January 24, 2027.

For ways to save money in London with kids, including cut-price theatre tickets and other offers, check out my top tips

Christmas theatre in London with kids

A Christmas Carol – the Old Vic

Find the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future at this new retelling of Dickens’ Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol.

The new version at the Old Vic from Jack Thorne, one of the magical writers behind Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, is designed to immerse the audience, rather than merely watching Scrooge from afar. Aimed at Age 8+. Runs from November 10-January 9, 2027.

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – Wyndham’s Theatre

Prefer something to make you laugh at Christmas? Combine a festive classic with some sidesplitting situations as the team behind The Play That Goes Wrong take on Dickens.

In Christmas Carol Goes Wrong, expect bumbling ghosts, creaky sets and actors who couldn’t find Tiny Tim with both hands! God help us, every one… From December 18-January 23, 2027, aimed at 8+.

Ebony Scrooge – Sadler’s Wells

Another twist on the classic Christmas Carol tale, Ebony Scrooge is back at Sadler’s Wells East this Christmas, running from November 24-January 3, 2027.

Blending hip hop, comedy and physical theatre, the family-friendly show follows formidable fashion designer Ebony, who has cancelled Christmas to focus on her landmark fashion show. But despite her wealth, style and success, a visit from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future leads her to rediscover her Caribbean roots and the true meaning of happiness.

Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas – Alexandra Palace Theatre

Instead of Christmas cheer, performers are suddenly dropping dead mid-scene in the Victorian London’s West End in Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas at Alexandra Palace.

When the great detective uncovers a chilling connection to the classic rhyme, will he be able to catch the killer before the next murder?

Expect added shivers with the Victorian setting of Ally Pally’s theatre. From November 24-January 17, 2027, aimed at age 10+.

A Christmas Story in Concert – The Royal Albert Hall

For one night only, there’s a re-telling of the nativity at the Royal Albert Hall in this heartwarming, carol-filled adventure based on Michael Morpurgo’s book, On Angel Wings, illustrated by Quentin Blake.

On Christmas night, a shepherd family receives an extraordinary visit from the Angel Gabriel, and as their daughter Hannah sets off on an unexpected adventure, she discovers the true spirit of Christmas – all accompanied by a chance to sing along to some favourite carols. December 13 only.

Dear Santa – Battersea Arts Centre

Perfect for the youngest theatre-goers, Dear Santa at Battersea Arts Centre sees Father Christmas trying to deliver the most fantastic present to Sarah… and not getting it right straight away.

From the author of much-loved children’s book Dear Zoo, the story sees Santa accompanied by his cheeky elf as he hunts for the perfect gift. There’s also the chance to meet Santa after the show, and go home with your own gift.

For age 2+, select dates from November 28-December 24, including pay what you can performances on November 28-29.

Antarctica – Polka Theatre, Wimbledon

One of just a few children’s theatre venues in the UK, the Polka Theatre has a lovely Christmas production for little ones this year, with Antarctica.

The Adventure Theatre is transofrmed into a wintry wonderland to take audiences on a trip to the South Pole, home to comical penguins, cheeky albatrosses and mysterious creatures of the deep – expect clowning, pupets and plenty of snowy surprises.

Taking place in Polka’s Adventure theatre, it’s aimed at ages 3-7, and runs from November 27-January 17, 2027.

More 2026 Christmas shows in London

Cinderella on Ice – Alexandra Palace

The annual winter show at Alexandra Palace sees Cinderella brought to life on the ice, taking you on a magical journey into the fairytale world.

As ever, the cast includes home-grown talent of all ages, right from the youngest new skaters to national championship competitors and winners. Suitable for ages 3+. Runs from December 3-6.

Pinocchio – the Globe Theatre

Meanwhile there’s another classic tale with Pinocchio at Shakespeare’s Globe, bringing the story of the wooden boy to life – a lovely Christmas treat, even if it’s not quite a Christmas story.

With music, magic and songs, as Pinocchio sets off on a series of adventures with his creator Gepetto, it’s a timeless story of self-discovery. Aimed ages 5+. Runs from November 28 to January 3, 2027 – available to book on Todaytix as well.

Room on the Broom – Lyric Theatre

Join the witch and her cat in this Julia Donaldson adaptation of Room on the Broom, as the duo and their series of passengers encounter a hungry dragon.

With some magical puppets, plenty of chances to singalong with the songs, lots of giggle about and some gently scary fun, it’s another lovely option for younger kids.

Aimed at age 3+, Room on the Broom runs from November 27-January 3, 2027.

Stick Man – Bloomsbury Theatre

There’s another adaptation of one of Julia Donaldson’s stories with Stick Man at the Bloomsbury Theatre, as Stick Man’s morning jog turns into a series of adventures as he tries to get back to the family tree.

Packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and dance, the hour-long show is suitable for all ages. From December 3-January 3, 2027.

For more tips on the best things to do for Christmas in London with kids, check out my top picks

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