London’s family Christmas shows make great December days out. This year they range from potted pantomimes and Peppa Pig to haunting ghost stories and classics like Beauty and the Beast. We’ve picked 10 of the best with good value family tickets and seats still available right up until Christmas and into the New Year. Take a look.
The Child in the Snow, Wilton Music Hall: haunting Christmas theatre
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Victorian ghost story, The Old Nurse’s Tale, becomes a haunting stage production at Wilton Music Hall this Christmas. If you’re looking for something a little more thoughtful than ‘look behind you’ for older kids, this is the one to choose.
Recommended for ages 12 and over, The Child in the Snow is on at Wilton Music Hall from now until 31 December 2021. Ticket prices start at £12.50.
Take a look at The Child in the Snow at Wilton Music Hall this December
The Snowman 2021, Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre
Christmas family shows don’t come more enchanting than The Snowman. The Birmingham Repertory Theatre production transports kids to a dream world where snowmen dance like angels and little boys in pyjamas can fly. One you can see again and again and still fall in love with.
Recommended for kids age 2 and over, The Snowman 2021 is on at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre in Holborn from now until 2 January 2022. Ticket prices start at £18.
Find out more about The Snowman 2021 at Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre
A Christmas Carol, The Old Vic: the best loved of family Christmas shows
Back for a fifth year at The Old Vic, Jack Thorne’s version of A Christmas Carol retells Dickens’ tale with wit, wisdom, music and just the right amount of darkness. Audience immersion is part of what’s made this production such a long-running success. This year Stephen Mangan plays Scrooge.
Recommended for kids age 8 and over, A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic is on from now until 8 January 2022. Ticket prices start at £20.
Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever, Theatre Royal Haymarket
This interactive family show is a perfect introduction to live theatre for younger kids at Christmas. Riotously colourful, bouncy, funny and unbelievably cute, it’s a bit of a heart winner even for parents suffering Peppa Pig fatigue.
Recommended for all ages, Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever at Theatre Royal Haymarket runs from now until 2 January 2022. Ticket prices start at £14.
Find out more about Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever this Christmas
The Fir Tree, Globe Theatre: family Christmas shows for kids of all ages
More of a living fairy tale than a stage show, The Fir Tree lets kids join in carol singing and tree decorating during the telling of this lovely Hans Christian Andersen Christmas story.
Recommended for kids of all ages, The Fir Tree at the Globe Theatre runs from 20 to 30 December 2021. Ticket prices start from £15.
Book tickets to see The Fir Tree at the Globe Theatre this Christmas
The Nutcracker, London Coliseum: enchanting Christmas ballet
No matter how many times you see The Nutcracker it’s still captivating. This year’s English National Ballet production has over 100 dancers and takes Clara on a hot air balloon ride across the snowy, winter streets of Edwardian London.
Recommended for kids age 5 and over, The Nutcracker at London Coliseum runs from 6 December 2021 to 8 January 2022. Ticket prices start at £15.
The Book of Dust. La Belle Sauvage, Bridge Theatre
Philip Pullman’s prequel to His Dark Materials is the origin story of Lyra Belaqua, transported across flooded England, pursued by the Magisterium and protected by two valiant young rescuers. A thrilling Christmas treat for all lovers of Mr Pullman’s compelling fantasy world.
Recommended for ages 8 and over, The Book of Dust is at the Bridge Theatre from now until 26 February 2022. Ticket prices start at £15.
Find out more about The Book of Dust at the Bridge Theatre London
Beauty and the Beast, Rose Theatre: the classic fairy tale refreshed
This dazzling musical version of Beauty and the Beast follows feisty Bella on a perilous journey to the castle of the beast on a quest to lift her father’s curse. It’s lush, colourful and heartwarming, with the added charm of local talent from the Rose Youth Theatre.
Recommended for ages 8 and over, Beauty and the Beast is at the Rose Theatre from now until 3 January 2022. Ticket prices start at £15.
Find out more about Beauty and the Beast at the Rose Theatre London
Cratchit, Park Theatre: the alternative family Christmas shows
Find out what happens when Scrooge’s poor beleaguered clerk gets visited by the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. It’s A Christmas Carol for anyone who’s seen the original once too often, and a fun twist on the Dickens’ classic for older kids.
Recommended for ages 11 and over, Cratchit is at the Park Theatre from 7 December 2021 until 8 January 2022. Ticket prices start at £13.
Potted Panto, Garrick Theatre: seven family Christmas shows in under two hours
Up for a classic panto this Christmas? Have seven potted into 70 minutes by CBBC’s Dan and Jeff – known for their Potted Potter take on Harry Potter in 2020. Heaps of ‘look behind you’ fun for kids from age six.
Recommended for ages 6 and over, Potted Panto is at the Garrick Theatre from 11 December 2021 until 9 January 2022. Ticket prices start at £15.