Here is my independent show guide for the best Christmas kids theatre London 2024 – 2025. 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 2024 – Central London / West End
The Snowman
The Peacock Theatre, Sadlers Wells
- 23rd Nov – 4th Jan
- 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.
Stick Man Live
- 4th Dec – 5th 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.
Father Christmas needs a Wee
- 7th -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.
Maddie Moate’s ‘A Very Curious Christmas’
- 6th 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!
Slava’s Snow Show
- 18th Dec -12th Jan 2025
- Tube: Piccadilly Circus
- Ages 8+
Having accumulated numerous accolades for his hilarious style of self proclaimed ‘Expressive Idiotism’ Slava hits the West End this Christmas on a mission to stir fits of giggles. This is magical, unique and immersive musical and visual extravaganza not to be missed. Expect clowns, snowfall and audience interaction from this Olivier Award winning hit.
English National Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’
- 12th Dec – 12th Jan
- Ages 5
- Tube: Covent Garden
Nothing screams Christmas more that the sight of a nutcracker! This year sees a new updated production bring 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.
Robin Hood
- 7th Dec – 12th Jan
- Ages 7+
- Tube: Oxford Circus
A star studded cast including national treasure Jane Mcdonald as Maid Marion, panto royalty Julian Clarey as Robin and old favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Charlie Stemp and Rob Madge. 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.
Hansel and Gretel
- 29th Nov – 5th 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.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2023 – West London
Raymond Brigg’s Father Christmas
- 20th Nov – 28th 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 Nutcracker
- 16th Nov – 26th Jan
- Ages 5-12yrs
- Babes in arms >1 year (£1)
- Tube: Wimbledon
A brand new production based on the festive classic takes pride of place in the main theatre at The Polka this Christmas. A collaboration between Olivier award winning Little Bulb (‘Wolf Witch Giant Fairy’) and Polka Theatre, this promises to be a magical quest packed with festive cheer and music.
The Snowy Day
- 6th Dec-2nd Feb
- Ages 1-4yrs
- Babes in arms > 1yr (£1)
- Tube: Wimbledon
Inspired by the award winning picture book by Ezra Jack Keats, the intimate setting of the adventure theatre will transport you to the snowy streets of New York. Designed specifically for the youngest of theatre goers, the Snowy day is performed by one dancer with original music and an immersive set.
The Night before Christmas
- 11th – 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 and and photo opportunities with the characters too.
Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist
- 30th Nov – 5th Jan
- Ages 5+
- Babes in arms >18 months go free
- Overground: Kingston
It’s Christmas time in Sherwood Forest but under the cruel rule of the greedy Sheriff the villagers don’t have much festive cheer. Cue legendary outlaw Robin Hood who with his merry men seeks to restore Christmas.
A new festive adventure imagined by Olivier Award winner Chris Bush (Standing at the Sky’s edge) and directed by Elin Schofield.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2024 – North London
The Gruffalo’s Child
- 3rd Dec – 5th Jan
- Ages 3+
- Tube: West Finchley
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!
Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas
- 12th Dec – 4th Jan
- Ages 5+
- Overground: Alexandra Palace
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.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2024 – South London
A Christmas Carol
- 9th Nov – 4th 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.
Alice In Wonderland
- 21st Nov – 4th Jan
- Ages 7+
- Tube: Brixton
Poltergeist Theatre’s urban Twist on the Lewis Carroll classic returns to Brixton House after its debut there in 2022. Set on a London tube amidst the sounds and smells of South London, this theatrical literary mash up is brazen and deliciously Brixton. A sure hit with teens – must see.
Well Done, Mummy penguin
- 1st – 24th December
- Ages 3-8 yrs
- Babes in arms >18 months go free
- NR: Deptford
A captivating blend of daring acrobatics, sign language, and heartwarming humor, this show is a delightful winter treat for all ages 3 and up.
Christmas Kids Theatre London 2023 – East London
Dick Whittington and his cat
- 23rd Nov – 5th Jan
- 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 celebrates 25 years of the most flamboyant pantos in town with the classic rags to riches tale of Dick Whittington. Directed by and starring Clive Rowe as the dame, get ready for lots of audience participation and a full on festive knees up!
Read Next: Christmas Toddler Theatre Shows 2024
Older Children:
The Lion King – Lyceum Theatre – Long Running Kid’s Favourite
Mrs Doubtfire – Shaftesbury Theatre – Read a family review
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child – Palace Theatre
