London’s Best Christmas Pantomimes and Family Shows
Entertaining little ones, keeping teenagers amused, or indulging your inner child – pantomimes are the ultimate festive treat. This Christmas, plan a family outing with the kids or treat your grandchildren, and make sure to set aside some time for one of London’s must-see shows.
Here’s our pick of the best – and remember always book your tickets through the special KidRated Ticket site for the best prices and some unbeatable offers.
Stickman – The Bloomsbury Theatre
Julia Donaldson’s loveable Stick Man is being brought to life with puppetry and dance again this Christmas at The BloomsburyTheatre.
What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? This award-winning production is packed full of puppetry, songs, live music and funky moves. Discover a delightful and touching show perfect for younger kids!
Date: 4th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
The Snowman – The Peacock Theatre
This winter family favourite is the timeless tale of a boy and a snowman that comes to life. Back for it’s 28th year, The Snowman is a magical stage adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Raymond Briggs and the film directed by Dianne Jackson.
Younger kids will love the enchanting story transformed for the stage with dazzling and whimsical sets, dancing and music performed by a live orchestra. Plus, hearing the iconic song “Walking in the Air” floating through the Peacock Theatre has got to be one of the most the perfect ways to start your festive family celebrations!
Date: 22nd Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out! – Theatre Royal Haymarket
Get ready for an oinktastic adventure with Peppa Pig in her live show!
Join Peppa, her family, and friends on a fun-packed trip to the zoo and beach for a special party. Sing, dance, build sandcastles, feed penguins, and splash in muddy puddles in this lively, song-filled show. Perfect for little ones, it’s the ideal way to introduce them to the magic of theatre!
Date: 5th Dec – 4th Jan 2026
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Ebony Scrooge – Sadler’s Wells East
Move over Ebenezer — there’s a new Scrooge in town! Meet Ebony, the fierce boss of a fashion empire who’s cancelled Christmas for her big show. Surrounded by glamour but short on joy, she’s about to be visited by three very unexpected guests. Mixing hip hop, comedy and Caribbean culture, Ebony Scrooge is a fresh, funny and feel-good twist on Dickens’ classic. Expect music, movement and a message that’ll have everyone grinning all the way home.
Date: 26th Nov – 4th Jan 2026
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Jack and the Beanstalk – Lyric Hammersmith
Head to Hammersmith for a giant adventure! It’s Jack and Jill’s first day at Fleshcreep Academy, where the headteacher’s sending naughty kids to the Giant. With chaos in the canteen and magic in the air, Jack must climb sky-high to save the day. Expect big laughs, great tunes and a family show bursting with West London energy. Perfect for kids who love silly jokes and brave heroes.
Date: 26th Nov – 7th Jan 2026
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Punchdrunk’s Fireside Tales – Wembley Park
Pull up a chair and gather round — Punchdrunk’s Fireside Tales invites families into an enchanting world of storytelling and imagination. In this immersive, theatrical experience, little ones are whisked away into magical tales brought to life by a cast of captivating storytellers. With twinkling lights, gentle wonder and surprises round every corner, it’s perfect for kids aged 5+ who love stories that feel real.
Date: 6th Dec – 4th Jan 2026
Price: Book here
Neverland – Kenwood House
Fly away to Neverland for a festive outdoor spectacular at Kenwood House. Peter Pan, Wendy and the Lost Boys lead families through a glittering winter forest packed with lights, storytelling and magic. It’s part trail, part theatre — and totally enchanting. Perfect for wrapping up warm and experiencing Christmas outdoors.
Date: 21st Nov 2025 – 3rd Jan 2026
Website: Details here
Elf the Musical – Dominion Theatre
Buddy’s back — and spreading Christmas cheer to all! Elf the Musical brings the hit Will Ferrell film to life with candy-cane sets, big songs and non-stop laughter. When Buddy leaves the North Pole to find his dad in New York, chaos and Christmas spirit collide. Expect singing, snow and silliness in this high-energy festive spectacular.
Date: 28th Oct – 3rd Jan 2026
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Cinderella and the Matzo Ball – JW3
Join Ebenezer Scrooge in Ally Pally’s festive masterpiece. This stunning stage version of A Christmas Carol mixes music, magic and a touch of London history in the palace’s Victorian theatre. Expect chills, laughs and redemption galore as the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future guide Scrooge to find his heart again. A timeless treat for kids aged 8+ and grown-ups alike.
Date: 7th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
Website: Details here
Jack and the Beanstalk – King’s Head Theatre
This isn’t your average panto — it’s pure fabulousness! Drag Race UK star Victoria Scone leads Jack and the Beanstalk in a gloriously camp, laugh-out-loud retelling bursting with sequins, sass and singalongs. Expect cheeky humour for the grown-ups, plenty of sparkle for the kids, and a giant helping of North London attitude. A brilliant festive night out for families who love their panto with a twist.
Date: 23rd Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
Price: See website for details
Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas – Garrick Theatre
This seasonal STEM adventure dives into the science of winter, uncovers the mysteries behind our Christmas traditions, and answers some of your most curious Christmas questions… Where does snow come from? How do crackers go BANG? And why do Brussels sprouts make you fart?!
Packed with interactive fun and brimming with festive cheer, Maddie’s live science show promises to be an unforgettable holiday treat for the whole family.
Date: 12 Dec – 4th Jan 2026
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story- Alexandra Palace Theatre
Frozen in time with its beautifully preserved Victorian features, the atmospheric Alexandra Palace Theatre provides the perfect setting for Dickens’ most enduring festive tale. Expect eerie effects, haunting music and moments that are both heart-warming and hair-raising as Scrooge is confronted by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.
Date: 12 Dec – 4th Jan 2026
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
The Firework-Maker’s Daughter – Polka Theatre
Get ready for a sparkling adventure! Based on Philip Pullman’s award-winning book, The Firework-Maker’s Daughter follows brave Lila as she sets out to prove she has what it takes to become a true Master Firework-Maker. Along the way, she faces magical creatures, perilous challenges and a sky full of colour. With music, puppetry and spectacular staging, this uplifting story celebrates courage, creativity and following your dreams — perfect for ages 6+.
Date: 15th Nov – 18th Jan
Mama Goose – Stratford East
Stratford East pantos are legendary, and Mama Goose keeps the tradition alive with music, magic and loads of laughs. This East London twist on Mother Goose mixes high-energy songs, witty one-liners and local flavour in a story packed with heart. Expect larger-than-life characters, fabulous costumes, and the perfect excuse to boo, cheer and sing along. Great for kids 5+ and parents who love a bit of nostalgia.
Date: 23 Nov 2025 – 5 Jan 2026
Cinderella – Rose Theatre Kingston
Classic panto magic meets modern mischief in Cinderella at the Rose Theatre. This reimagined version blends family drama, humour and music in a heartfelt story about kindness, courage and the meaning of “happily ever after.” Expect laughs, catchy songs and dazzling costumes — all in one of London’s most family-friendly theatres.
Date: 23rd Nov 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
Price: See website for details
Aladdin – Orchard West Dartford
Hop aboard the magic carpet for Dartford’s glittering panto adventure! Starring Birds of a Feather legend Linda Robson, comedian Rikki Jay and West End favourites Cleve September and Anton Stephens, this spectacular show promises laughs, music and plenty of sparkle. Expect flying carpets, a wish-granting genie, and the perfect blend of comedy and chaos to delight all ages.
Date: 13th Dec 2025 – 4th Jan 2026
The Snowflake – Polka Theatre
A gentle, heart-warming festive tale for younger children, The Snowflake tells the story of a tiny snowflake, a curious little girl, and her Pappie — all searching for where they belong. With beautiful puppetry, music and a soft dusting of magic, this charming show captures the wonder of winter through the eyes of a child. Perfect for ages 3–6 and a lovely introduction to theatre for early-years audiences.
Date: 29 Nov – 25th Jan 2025
The Gruffalo’s Child – Lyric Theatre
If your kids love The Gruffalo, they’ll adore this magical sequel! The Gruffalo’s Child brings Julia Donaldson’s beloved story to the stage with songs, puppets and gentle humour. Follow the Gruffalo’s brave little one as she ventures into the deep dark wood in search of the Big Bad Mouse. Perfect for kids aged 3+ — and guaranteed to have parents grinning too.
Date: 28 Nov 2025 – 11 Jan 2026
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure – The Albany Deptford
Step into a wintry forest for The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure, a magical, interactive retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic. Expect songs, dancing and puppetry as Gerda journeys through the woods to rescue her best friend. Created by Icon Theatre and The Albany, this charming production is full of wonder, heart and winter sparkle. Perfect for families with children
Date: 2nd – 24th Dec 2025
BOOK NOW!
Cirque du Soleil: Ovo – Royal Albert Hall
Welcome to Hill Valley! When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself… back to the future.
Date: 28 Nov 2025 – 11 Jan 2026
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Quick Inspiration
Not Just For Christmas Family Shows
Back to the Future – The Adelphi Theatre
Race through time with Marty McFly and Doc Brown in this high-energy, 80s-fuelled West End hit packed with laughs, music and spectacular sci-fi fun for all ages.
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Harry Potter & the Cursed Child – Palace Theatre
Return to Hogwarts for a spellbinding West End adventure filled with magic, mystery and mind-blowing effects
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Starlight Express – Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
A thrilling, roller-skating musical for families who love speed, spectacle and song.
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Matilda the Musical – Cambridge Theatre
Roald Dahl’s brilliant Matilda uses her sharp mind and magic to change her destiny in this award-winning West End favourite
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Wicked – Apollo Victoria Theatre
Now the movie version has been released, why not see the original stage show that inspired it?
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
My Neighbour Totoro – Barbican Theatre
Experience Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro live on stage — a breathtaking, family-friendly production blending puppetry, music and pure wonder
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Disney’s Hercules – Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Disney’s Hercules bursts onto the West End with gospel hits, dazzling choreography and larger-than-life laughs. Perfect for kids, teens and nostalgic 90s parents.
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
Paddington: The Musical – Savoy Theatre
Marmalade sandwiches at the ready! Everyone’s favourite bear from Peru is taking to the stage in Paddington: The Musical. Expect heart-warming songs, slapstick fun, and a gentle reminder to “be kind and polite” as Paddington brings chaos (and charm) to the Brown family’s London home. Ideal for little cubs and grown-ups alike.
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
The Play That Goes Wrong – Duchess Theatre
Laugh out loud as everything that can go wrong does in this hilarious West End comedy of errors – great for teens.
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
The Book of Mormon
From the creators of South Park comes the outrageously funny, toe-tapping musical that’s equal parts cheeky, clever and completely bonkers. A comedy classic for older teens and grown-ups who don’t mind a little irreverence with their show tunes.
Price: See KidRated’s Exclusive Deals
