Here is my independent show guide for the best Christmas kids theatre London 2023. 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.
Disclosure – this post may contain affiliate links
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2023 – Central London / West End
The Snowman
The Peacock Theatre, Sadlers Wells
- 18th Nov – 30th Dec
- All ages
- No ticket needed for infants >18 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.
Frozen
- Until June 2024
- Ages 6+
- Tube: Covent Garden
Filled with Christmas sparkle this spectacular theatrical, a relative newcomer to London’s West End, is sure to dazzle and delight this festive season. Special effects and an original score bring to life the much loved Disney story of Elsa and Anna. Read here for other long running Kid Friendly West End Musicals.
Stick Man Live
- 21st Oct – 2nd March
- Ages 3+
- No ticket needed for infants >18 months
- Tube: Leicester Sq
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
- 15th Nov – 6th Jan
- Ages 4+
- Tube: Tottenham Crt Rd
The ultimate Christmas musical following the misadventures of Buddy, the elf who discovers he is a human and leaves the North pole to discover New York City. A feel good festive feast for fans of the much loved 2003 movie. Limited 8 week run – buy tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
- 23rd Nov – 14th Jan
- Ages 8+
- Tube: Piccadilly Circus
From the creators of ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’, this hilarious comedy sees J.M Barrie’s classic turned on its head. Young audiences will be doubling over as actors fumble their lines, sets malfunction and props break to comic delight. Clever and chaotic – this is a sure hit of a Christmas treat.
Father Christmas needs a Wee
- 2nd -23rd December
- All Ages
- 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.
English National Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
- 14th Dec – 7th Jan
- Ages 5+
- Family Day – 6th Jan
- Tube: Covent Garden
Nothing screams Christmas more that the sight of a nutcracker! Over 100 ballerinas and musicians unite 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.
The Gruffalo’s Child
- 1st Dec – 7th Jan
- Ages 3+
- Tube: Leicester Sq
Escape the cold and snuggle up with little ones in The Garrick Theatre this festive period. The Gruffalo’s Chid is one of three Julia Donaldson adaptations to grace the West End this Christmas Season. 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!
Peter Pan
London Palladium
- 9th Dec – 14th Jan
- Ages 7+
- Tube: Oxford Circus
Julian Clary, Jennifer Saunders and Nigel Havers all feature in this star-studded panto in the icon London Palladium this Christmas. The ultimate family-friendly show, be prepared to be dazzled and delighted in what promises to be one of the most spectacular offerings this season.
Wolf Witch Giant Fairy
Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House
- 11th Dec – 6th Jan
- All ages
- No ticket required for infants >2yrs
- Tube: Covent Garden
Why not try something a little different this Christmas and experience this family folk opera presented by The Royal Opera House? Wolf Witch Giant Fairy reimagines the story of Little Red Riding Hood and the characters she encounters. Full of magical twists and turns this Olivier award winning production is set to be one of the hottest tickets in town for young theatre goers. Housed in the relaxed setting of the Linbury Theatre, this a show for the whole family to enjoy.
Hansel and Gretel
- 8th Dec – 7th Jan
- Ages 5+
- No ticket required for infants >3yrs
- Tube: London Bridge/Blackfriars
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage transforms the Globe Theatre this Christmas to the world of the Brothers Grimm’s fairytale ‘Hansel and Gretel’. When desperate war-fleeing parents are forced to leave their children in a forest to fend for themselves, magic and mystery unfolds. A tale of hope that will delight young theatre goers.
Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas
- 29th December
- Ages 4+
- Tube: Barbican
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.
For 1 Day only! (Would make a fantastic Christmas gift)
Finding Santa
- 7th -24th December
- Ages 3+
- Babes in Arms >2yrs go free
- Tube: Euston Sq
Are you sending a letter to the North Pole this year? How do you know it will get there? Finding Santa will take you down a rabbit hole of eventualities in this choose your own adventure story. Presented by the masters of puppetry Little Angel Theatre, this show is as festive as it gets! Book now for a heart-warming family treat.
Finding Santa is written by much-loved children’s author Sean Taylor, whose award-winning children’s books include Hoot Owl, Master Of Disguise, Where The Bugaboo Lives and When A Monster Is Born.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2023 – West London
Raymond Brigg’s Father Christmas
- 22nd Nov – 30th 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 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 Snow Queen
Polka Theatre
- 11th Nov – 21st Jan
- Ages 6-12yrs
- Babes in arms >1 year (£1)
- Tube: Wimbledon
Journey into the fantastical, frosty world of the Snow Queen where all is not as it seems and the threat of an endless winter looms large. This family adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen tale is packed with song, story telling and sorcery. Adapted by Jude Christian ( Hamlet, Dick Whittington National Theatre)
The Night before christmas
- 18th Nov – 14th Jan
- Ages 2-6yrs
- Babes in arms > 1yr (£1)
- Tube: Wimbledon
On the night before Christmas anything can happen!
Start the Christmas countdown with this charming festive show for excited little theatre goers. Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, this production is packed with original music and puppetry.
Here Comes Santa Claus!
- 13th – 24th December
- Ages 3-8 yrs
- Tube: Wimbledon
Join Woody and Milly on Christmas Eve as they eagerly await Father Christmas. Is that an elf they can hear? Or the jingle of the reindeers? Get ready – the main man himself is set to make an appearance! A fun show of magic and mischief.
- 1st Dec – 7th Jan
- Ages 5+
- Babes in arms >18 months go free
- Overground: Kingston
Voyage over pirate ships and mermaid lagoons with Peter Pan, Wendy and Captain Hook on this exhilarating adventure into Neverland. Newly adapted by award winning writer Evan Placey and with music and lyrics by Olivier Award-winner Vikki Stone (Hey Duggee). Kids will delight in performances by Rose Theatres youth division in this retelling of the much loved J.M Barrie classic.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2023 – North London
Dear Santa
- 2nd -24th Dec
- Ages 2-7
- Babes in arms >18 months go free
- Tube: West Finchley
This Christmas see Rod Campbells much-loved picture book brought to life. A wonderful first theatre experience with the chance to meet Santa after the show and a present for every child.
The Little Mermaid
- 21st – 29th Dec
- All Ages
- Babes on laps go free
- Tube: Old St
A fresh take on a classic tale, children of all ages will love this colourful underwater panto.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
- 14th Dec – 7th Jan
- Ages 3+
- Tube: Archway
The Christmas Show at North London’s home to contemporary circus is always hotly anticipated by my children. This year we will be heading to Jacksons Lane for a unique adaptation of the classic tale of the three hungry goats and one very pesky troll. Expect to be wowed with acrobatics and general circus revelry.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2023 – South London
A Christmas Carol
- 11th Nov – 6th 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 ‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to the Old Vic this winter in this unique and immersive production by Matthew Warchus. Not to be missed.
Wishmas
The Old Bauble Factory, 1 Launcelot St
- 14th Nov – 7th Jan
- All ages
- Babes in arms >2 yrs go free
- Tube: Waterloo
Wishmas is a new immersive 60 mins walk through experience from the creative minds behind Secret Cinema. An enchanting world where live actors and magical storytellers guide you through a myriad of festive, wintery rooms. Follow your wishes and maybe catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself.
The Bolds
- 11th Nov – 31st Dec
- Ages 6+
- Tube : London Bridge
Meet the Bolds, an extraordinary family who’ve cleverly disguised themselves as ordinary humans. Living in a typical house on an ordinary street, they blend seamlessly into the community, except for one small detail – they’re actually hyenas!
Prepare for a heartwarming, uproarious adventure that will remind you that being different is something to cherish, not hide.
With catchy tunes from Julian Clary and Simon Wallace this makes for a great festive family outing.
Cinderella
- 23rd Nov – 31st Dec
- Ages 7+
- Tube: Brixton
Another modern and refreshing take on a seasoned classic by Brixton House. There may be no glass slippers or pumpkins in Sindi -Ella’s world but there is a world of magic. Be prepared to be wowed with rap, poetry and vibes that will have you bopping in your seat.
The Light Princess
- 2nd – 24th December
- Ages 3-7 yrs
- Babes in arms >18 months go free
- NR: Deptford
A charming re-imagining of a classic fairytale of a princess who floats and dreams of flying free. Featuring an electronic score, clever wizardry and puppetry, the show gently explores themes of individuality, friendship and disability.
Rapunzel
- 5th -24th December
- All ages
- Babes on laps go free
- Overground: Peckham Rye
A modern day take on the traditional Hairytale by this ambitious and exciting young theatre company. Expect lots of twists in this tale of richness of soul over materialism and triumph in the face of adversity.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2023 – East London
The Lost Library of Spitalfields Market
Pop Up Library, 8 Market Street, Spitalfields Market
- 29th Nov- 24th Dec
- Ages 11+
- Babes in arms go free
- Closed Tuesdays
- Tube: Liverpool Street
A Festive treat from the UK’s first zero waste Theatre Company. Set inside an immersive pop up library in London’s bustling Spitalfields Market, the show tells of a young girl, Isla, searching for a present for her mother on Christmas Eve. An enchanting story of family, love, loss and the power of the stories that bind us together.
Be sure to hang around at the Zero waste bar for a mulled wine or join in with the additional activities on offer such as sustainable gift wrapping and Carol singing. A wonderfully festive experience for all the family.
Aladdin
- 18th Nov – 31st Dec
- All Ages
- Babes in arms >3yrs go free
- Tube: Hackney Central
Journey with Aladdin in his search for fortune and adventures with magic lamps and genies. A flamboyant traditional panto that will have you bouncing in your seat.
Worth a mention
The following shows are not strictly festive shows but are definitely worth putting on your radar.
Toddler shows (more here):
Peppa Pig Fun Day Out – Theatre Royal Haymarket 30th Nov -31st Dec
Bluey’s Big Play – Royal Festival Hall – 20th Dec -7th Jan 2024
Older Children:
The Lion King – Lyceum Theatre – Long Running Kid’s Favourite
Alegria, Cirque du Soleil – Royal Albert Hall – 11th Jan – 11th Feb 2024
Mrs Doubtfire – Shaftesbury Theatre – Read a family review
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child – Palace Theatre
