London pantomimes and Christmas shows you won't want to miss
- Tracy Tristram
- Nov 24, 2025
- 5 min read
There are sooo many things we love about festive season, and London pantomimes and all the amazing Christmas shows in London are way up there on the list. Read on for a Christmas cracker of a guide that includes cool Yule fun and laughter for the whole family.
Sleeping Beauty – London Palladium
Dates: 6 December 2025 – 11 January 2026
Why go: This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Palladium’s big-budget panto. Expect all the glitz and glamour, with a starry cast: Catherine Tate, Julian Clary, Jon Culshaw, plus Palladium favourites.
Who it’s for: Great for families and older children (recommended for ages 4+; some cheeky jokes / innuendo).
Cinderella – Hackney Empire
Dates: Now – 31 December 2025
Why go: An enchanting version of the classic fairytale, full of costume, comedy, and sing-along fun. Hackney Empire’s panto is known for being warm, inclusive and ideal for families.
Who it’s for: All ages — younger children will enjoy it, and it's accessible for full family groups.
Jack and the Beanstalk – Lyric Hammersmith
Dates: Now until 4th January 2026
Why go: A lively reimagining with modern design, music, audience interaction and that classic “giant in the sky” magic.
Who it’s for: Families with children aged around 6+ who will enjoy spectacle and jokes.
Father Christmas Needs a Wee! – Arts Theatre
Dates: 6 – 24 December 2025
Why go: Based on Nicholas Allan’s book, this musical is silly, sweet and just a little cheeky — full of festive songs, laughter and Christmas magic.
Who it’s for: Younger children (recommended 3+), though adults will have fun too.
The Nutcracker – St Martin’s Theatre
Dates: 10 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Why go: This isn’t the traditional ballerina version — this take by Little Bulb Theatre is funny, inventive and packed with quirk, making it very accessible for kids.
Who it’s for: Families, especially children aged 5+ who can sit through a longer show.
Stick Man – Bloomsbury Theatre
Dates: 4th December 2025 - 4th January 2026
Why go: Based on Julia Donaldson’s beloved book, this show uses puppetry, humour and heart to bring Stick Man’s adventure to life — perfect for little ones.
Who it’s for: Very young children (pre-school and early primary age recommended).
Wicked Witches – A Popular Panto! – Pleasance Theatre
Dates: Now until 28th December 2025
Why go: A campy, pop-parody panto inspired by “Wicked” — full of sass, glitter, and community spirit. Not your typical fairy tale!
Who it’s for: Older children (teens) and adults who enjoy bold, alternative theatre.
Rapunzel and the Revengers – Millfield Theatre, Edmonton
Dates: 4 – 30 December 2025
Why go: A fun, slightly offbeat panto where Rapunzel’s long hair meets super-villain style. A fresh, creative twist on a classic.
Who it’s for: Families with children aged 6+.
A Christmas Carol – Theatre at the Tabard, W4
Dates: Various performances over December 2025
Why go: A timeless Dickens tale that brings Christmas to life, full of ghosts, redemption and festive warmth.
Who it’s for: Slightly older kids (ages 7+) and families who can appreciate a classic story.
Elf The Musical – Aldwych Theatre
Dates: Now until 3 January 2026.
Why go: A joyful, heartwarming adaptation of the Buddy-the-elf movie — full of catchy songs, humour and Christmas magic.
Who it’s for: Families with children aged 4+. Under-5s cannot be admitted, and children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. There are also BSL-interpreted, captioned and audio-described performances available.
Jack & the Beanstalk – Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch
Dates: Now until 3 January 2026.
Why go: A classic panto in a lovely local theatre — expect big laughs, audience interaction (“He’s behind you!”), and a feel-good adventure.
Who it’s for: Families and children of all ages who enjoy traditional panto fun.
Step Into Christmas Concert – Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch
Date: 8 December 2025.
Why go: A festive concert packed with Christmas classics, live band, and seasonal sparkle — perfect for a more relaxed, musical treat.
Who it’s for: All ages — ideal for families, grandparents, or anyone wanting a festive singalong.
Aladdin – Orchard West, Dartford
Dates: 13 December 2025 – 4 January 2026.
Why go: A magical panto in Dartford — flying carpets, wicked geniuses and classic comic moments.
Who it’s for: Families and children (pantomime style is inclusive and fun for most ages).
A Christmas Carol – The Old Vic
Dates: Now until 10th January 2025
Why go: Matthew Warchus’s warm and emotional adaptation of Dickens’s classic, with a modern touch but lots of heart.
Who it’s for: Older children (ages ~7+ recommended) and families ready for a classic Christmas tale.
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – Apollo Theatre, West End
Dates: 6th December 2025 - 26th January 2026.
Why go: A hilarious, chaotic take on the Dickens story — Shakespeare-style mishaps, slapstick, theatrical disasters, and lots of laughs.
Who it’s for: Families with older children or teens (comedy and chaos are big parts of the fun).
The Nutcracker – Royal Opera House
Dates: Now until 5 January 2026.
Why go: The Royal Ballet’s timeless Nutcracker a magical Christmas journey, with Clara, the Land of Snow, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and live Tchaikovsky score is festive feels personified.
Who it’s for: Families, especially children aged 5+ (a classic introduction to ballet).
The Nutcracker – London Coliseum (English National Ballet)
Dates: 11 December 2025 – 11 January 2026. London for Christmas
Why go: ENB’s festive production brings over 100 dancers and musicians, spectacular sets, and the joy of Tchaikovsky’s score to life in the most dazzling way.
Who it’s for: Families and children who love ballet, Christmas, or theatrical spectacle.
Tips for Families When Booking & Going
Plan & book early - Most of these shows are popular, especially in December, so tickets for pantos, musicals, and ballet can sell out quickly.
Check show times & age info - Some shows (like Elf or ballet) have recommended age limits. Also, look out for matinees – these are often more manageable with young children.
Look for accessible performances - Many theatres now offer BSL, audio-described or relaxed performances. For example, Elf at the Aldwych Theatre includes BSL-interpreted and audio-described shows.
Transport & travel - London theatres are well connected by public transport. For venues outside central London (like Hornchurch or Dartford), check train / bus routes and parking options.
Make it a full day out - Pair a Christmas show with other festive activities — maybe a walk through local Christmas markets, lights, or a hot chocolate stop afterwards!
Whether it’s the belly-laughs of a panto, the soaring joy of Elf the Musical, or the dreamlike elegance of The Nutcracker, London offers so many magical theatre experiences this Christmas. These shows are more than entertainment - they’re moments you’ll remember as a family, full of sparkle, warmth and festive spirit.
That's all we have for now, folks, but we'll be updating as more news on more London pantomimes and Christmas shows in that hit our radar!
Hero image: The Nutcracker via English National Ballet
Need some more very merry guides to the festive season? Look no further:
