Here is my independent show guide for the best Christmas kids theatre London 2025 – 2026. A trip to a festive theatre show is a great way to highlight the slow build in anticipation to Christmas and engage young imaginations with the magical world of live performance. In our house these wheels set in motion around 1st November with Halloween packed off back to the attic. Ticket prices for Christmas Kids Theatre shows often increase due to demand. There are benefits to doing your research and booking early. Shows are grouped by area – links below.
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Christmas Kids Theatre London 2025 – Central London / West End
The Snowman
The Peacock Theatre, Sadlers Wells
- 22nd Nov – 4th Jan
- All ages
- No ticket needed for infants >24 months
- Tube: Holborn
The most iconic of all Christmas theatre. Get ready to fly across the rooftops with the snowmen in this enchanting stage adaptation of Raymond Briggs‘ Classic story book. Returning: to the West End for yet another year, The Snowman is guaranteed to build festive excitement for the whole family.
Stick Man Live
- 4th Dec – 4th Jan
- Ages 3+
- No ticket needed for infants >18 months
- Tube: Euston Sq/ Euston
Journey with Stick man on this tale of triumph over adversity as we will him home to the family tree in time for Christmas Day. A wholesome feast of live music, puppetry and dance from award winning Freckle Productions, adapted from the best selling story book by Julia Donaldson.
Elf The Musical
- 28th Oct – 3rd Jan
- Ages 5+
- Tube: Covent Garden |Charing Cross
If your family loves the classic Elf movie (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), this is the must-see festive theatre trip for your kids! Buddy is jumping straight from the screen and onto the Aldwych Theatre stage for a limited season.
Get ready to roar with laughter as Buddy, the oversized human raised by elves, trades the North Pole for the very cynical streets of New York City in search of his real dad. The stage show is packed with spectacular costumes and huge dance numbers, a real festive treat for families.
Father Christmas needs a Wee
- 6th -24th December 2025
- Ages 6yrs +
- No ticket Required for infants>18 months
- Tube: Leicester Sq
Ho Ho Ho – He’s Back! Who doesn’t love a bit of toilet humour? Be prepared for chuckles a plenty in this playful musical adaptation of Nichols Allans’ Christmas Classic.
Maddie Moate’s ‘A Very Curious Christmas’
- 12th Dec – 4th Jan ’25
- Ages- 4+
- Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Where does Snow come from? How do crackers bang? Much loved Cbeebies presenter Maddie Moate gets to the bottom of all your yuletide questions in this fun packed and educational 60 minute show. Maddie shares her passion for science with fascinating experiments – perfect for curious minds!
The Nutcracker
- 10th Dec – 4th Jan
- Ages 5+
- Babes in Arms >12 months FREE
- Tube: Covent Garden| Leicester Sq
This Olivier-nominated show is the cheekiest Christmas treat for your family. The talented Little Bulb theatre company has completely reimagined the classic Nutcracker as a madcap musical quest with not a single pirouette in sight.
Your kids will love being whisked away with two squabbling siblings into ‘The Mousey Realm’—a world brought to life with ingenious cardboard creations, tonnes of laugh-out-loud comedy, and a chorus of singing mice! It’s a high-energy, joyously silly, and surprisingly heartfelt adventure.
The Gruffalo’s Child
- 28th Nov -11th Jan
- Ages 3+
- Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Escape the cold and snuggle up with little ones for a snowy adventure this festive period. Tall Stories’ The Gruffalo’s Child returns to London this festive season as one of creative duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler ‘s most loved stage adaptations. In this sequel to her No 1 Bestseller we head back into the enchanting deep dark wood with The Gruffalo’s child as she bravely ventures out in hot pursuit of the infamous mouse. This is one sequel that definitely does not disappoint!
English National Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’
- 11th Dec – 11th Jan
- Ages 5+
- Tube: Covent Garden
Nothing screams Christmas more that the sight of a nutcracker! This year’s production brings 100 ballerinas and musicians together in this must see festive and classic Ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s familiar score. Bursting with opulence and colour, this is one theatrical experience your child will remember forever.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2025- West London
Slava’s Snow Show
Richmond Theatre
- 5th – 9th Nov 2025
- Tube: Richmond
- Ages 8+
Having accumulated numerous accolades for his hilarious style of self proclaimed ‘Expressive Idiotism’ Slava lands in Richmond ahead of the Christmas rush on a mission to stir fits of giggles. This is a magical, unique and immersive musical and visual extravaganza not to be missed. Expect clowns, snowfall and audience interaction from this Olivier Award winning hit. The show caused quite a stir in London’s West End last year.
Raymond Brigg’s Father Christmas
- 19th Nov – 27th Dec
- Ages 6 and under
- No ticket required for infants > 18 months
- Tube: Hammersmith
A firm family favourite for little theatre goers. Spend the day with Father Christmas at the Lyric Hammersmith as he prepares for Christmas eve in this warm and charming 50 minute show. Expect Puppetry, Song and a very British sense of nostalgia.
The Snowflake
- 29th Nov – 25th Jan
- Ages 3-6 yrs
- Babes in arms >1 year (£1)
- Tube: Wimbledon
The Snowflake is a magical and enchanting stage show at Polka Theatre, bringing Benji Davies’ beloved Christmas story to life.
This co-production with Birmingham Rep and Little Angel Theatre uses beautiful puppetry and a captivating score to tell the heartwarming story of a little girl, her Pappie, and a single snowflake, all searching for their own special place in the world. It’s a wonderful, sensory-rich production that’s the perfect introduction to theatre for young audiences this festive season.
Santa’s North Pole Adventure
- 11th – 24th December
- Ages 3-8 yrs
- Tube: Wimbledon
With the big night fast approaching, there’s plenty to be done at the North Pole, and Santa needs your help! This delightful production is filled with fun, laughter, and audience participation, all set to the tune of your favourite Christmas songs. Look out for some special appearances from Rudolph and a dancing polar bear! A perfect festive treat that promises to get everyone in the Christmas spirit, complete with a chance to get a photo with the big man himself.
Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas
- 22nd Dec
- Ages 5+
- Tube: Sloane Square
When a jolly man dressed in red threatens to destroy Christmas, a young boy must embark on a hair-raising journey through history to save the festive season with the help of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII, and St Nicholas.
Cinderella
- 26th Nov – 4th Jan
- Ages 5+
- Babes in arms >18 months go free
- Overground: Kingston
This festive season, Cinderella is getting a modern makeover in a new version by Olivier Award-winning writer Chris Bush.
When 16-year-old Ella is forced to spend Christmas at her dad’s house with a new stepfamily, she wishes she could be anywhere else. But when her wish is granted, she finds that a magical world of princes and castles isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. This delightful “Rose Original Production” features members of the celebrated Rose Youth Theatre alongside a professional cast, blending tradition with a mischievous new adventure. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming story about finding your place, and a reminder to be careful what you wish for!
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2025- South London
Pinocchio
- 29th Nov – 4th Jan
- Ages 5+
- Tube: Blackfriars
For a truly magical festive day out head to Shakespeare’s globe this Christmas. This surprising, funny, and heartfelt musical reimagines the classic tale of the wooden puppet who longs to be real. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Globe’s open-air wooden “O,” your kids will be swept away by Pinocchio and his creator, Geppetto, as they embark on a wild adventure filled with fantastical creatures and catchy songs.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2025 – North London
The Night Before Christmas
- 8th – 31st December
- Ages 3-7yrs
- Tube: West Finchley
Inspired by the classic poem, this new musical brings Christmas Eve to life with skillful puppetry and a sprinkle of festive magic. Six-year-old Amber’s grumpy Christmas takes a turn for the magical when a surprise visitor whisks her away on an unforgettable adventure. Get ready for a heartwarming story where surprises can happen on the most special night of the year.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2025 – South London
A Christmas Carol
- 12th Nov – 10th Jan
- Ages 8+
- Tube: Waterloo/Southwark
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a mince pie and a check in with old Ebenezer Scrooge. The Charles Dickens Classic ghost story ‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to the Old Vic this winter in this unique and immersive production by Matthew Warchus. Not to be missed.
The Snow Queen – A woodland Adventure
- 6th – 24th December
- Ages 3-8 yrs
- Babes in arms >18 months go free
- NR: Deptford
In this enchanting, interactive show at the Bluebell Wood, it’s up to the little mouse, Gerda, to save Christmas. When her best friend Kai disappears in a flurry of snow, she must embark on a brave adventure to break the mysterious Snow Queen’s spell and bring him home. This musical retelling is filled with catchy songs, lively puppetry, and a whole lot of winter magic.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2025 – East London
Cinderella
- 22nd Nov – 31st Dec
- All Ages
- Babes in arms >3yrs go free
- Tube: Hackney Central
If you like a panto with all the trimmings look no further. Hackney Empire knows how to put on a panto and this year’s Cinderella looks set to be a cracker.
Read Next: Christmas Toddler Theatre Shows 2025
Ongoing shows for Children:
The Lion King – Lyceum Theatre – Long Running Kid’s Favourite
Paddington the Musical – Savoy Theatre
Disney’s Hercules Musical – Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child – Palace Theatre
