Theatre
Feature
The best West End shows to see this Christmas
Here are the London shows you should book to see with loved ones over the holidays
It’s nearly the end of October, which means it’ll be nearly the end of December before we all know it. If you’re keen to catch a show with loved ones over this festive season, now is the perfect time to book, and we’ve got all your top picks. From Christmas classics to award-winning musicals, there’s something for everyone happening on a London stage over the holidays. Find your perfect show below.
A Christmas Carol
The Old Vic
10 Nov – 9 Jan
Obviously. The spooky festive tale by Charles Dickens, brought to the stage by director Matthew Warchus and writer Jack Thorne, returns to the Old Vic for another holiday run. With a unique immersive staging and plenty of festive cheer, this is the definitive Christmas theatre trip. Giles Terera (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Hamilton, Othello) is set to star this year as Ebenezer Scrooge.
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
Wyndham’s Theatre
18 Dec – 23 Jan
The Cornely Amateur Dramatic Society return for another attempt at staging their production of A Christmas Carol, and as usual, they’re plagued by difficulties. If you’d like to see a version of the Christmas classic that will still surprise you, this is the one to opt for – and we guarantee you’ll get a good laugh out of it.
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular
Empress Museum, Earl’s Court
Currently booking until 29 Aug 2027
Paying homage to the smash hit musical film The Greatest Showman, Come Alive! presents a brand new story alongside some of the best international circus talent and the songs that you already know and love. It’s a circus experience unlike any other, perfect for a festive date night or a day out with the whole family.
Wicked
The Victoria Apollo Theatre
Currently booking until 29 May 2027
There’s no bad time of year to see Wicked, but there’s something about the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West that pairs particularly well with the festive season. Whether you’re returning for the tenth time or this is your first journey to Oz, you’ll be swept away by this magical, musical ode to friendship and truth.
Matilda The Musical
Cambridge Theatre
Currently booking until 5 Sept 2027
This family musical has been a hit in the West End for well over a decade, and this winter is the perfect time to embrace its cosy charms. As gifted child Matilda finds her way from an unloving home into the arms of someone who truly loves and appreciates her, it’s hard not to be moved by the spirit of the season.
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Cinderella
Sadler’s Wells
1 Dec – 17 Jan
New Adventures celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of their most beloved productions this year, as their Cinderella makes a return to London. Set in London during the Second World War, this dance production transforms the fairytale into an epic romance, combining Prokofiev’s magnificent score with stunning design and a take on the story that celebrates London’s history.
Oliver!
Gielgud Theatre
Currently booking until 14 Mar 2027
If you want to experience a Dickens story you’re slightly less familiar, this festive season is the perfect time to get acquainted with the boy who dared to ask for more. The celebrated musical is bigger and better than ever in a new production by Cameron Mackintosh over at the Gielgud Theatre, but with all the cockney charm of the original.
Sophie’s Surprise Christmas Party
Underbelly Boulevard
13 Nov – 10 Jan
This is one show that could go in any direction… You’re invited to the wildest Christmas party of the season, where Sophie will be confronted with some crazy Christmas ghosts, a host of other odd festive characters, and plenty of eye-popping moments. With a different audience member chosen each night to play Sophie, the result will be a surprise to everyone onstage and in the audience – but particularly to the unsuspecting Sophie.
Cinderella
The Lyric Hammersmith
19 Nov – 3 Jan
It’s panto season, and the Lyric is always the perfect place to go. This year’s Christmas pantomime is Cinderella, written by Joel Horwood (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, I Want My Hat Back), who returns to the Lyric panto following 2016’s Aladdin in 2016. Belfield (Princess Essex, Anansi The Spider) directs. Expect lots of laughs, music and magic.
Cirque Alice
Royal Festival Hall
13 Dec – 3 Jan
Cirque returns with their take on Alice’s adventure, and you should expect a jaw-dropping spectacle. Starring the greatest acrobats from around the globe, special musical and comedic guests, and stunning aerialists, dancers and contortionists, Cirque’s take on the classic tale by Lewis Caroll promises to send you on a dizzying trip into Wonderland – just make sure you return to the real world in time for 2027.
