There's something extra-enchanting about the London stage come Christmastime. Here's our roundup of the best festive shows on stage in 2026.
Looking for pantos? We've put together a dedicated roundup, oh yes we have. We also have roundups for family-friendly Christmas shows and productions of A Christmas Carol.
The Great Christmas Feast, West Kensington
An all-immersive experience is on the (Christmas) cards as Lost Estate returns once again with The Great Christmas Feast. Be transported back to Christmas Eve 1843 for a snow-flecked night of live storytelling and music, dishes scoured from the pages of Victorian cookery books, and a mug or two of smoking bishop. At the heart of this show is a unique telling of A Christmas Carol, with an actor channeling its excitable author, plus a host of other beloved characters to boot. The show's become mighty popular; you'll need to subscribe for the final batch of 2026 tickets. Also check out: Where To Watch Dickens' A Christmas Carol On Stage In London.
The Great Christmas Feast, West Kensington, 6 November-31 December 2026.
It's A Wonderful Life!, Jermyn Street Theatre
No doubt you've watched the 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life (if you haven't, stop reading this article and watch it posthaste). But have you ever listened to the radio play? In fact, the film's stars Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed reprised their roles as George and Mary Bailey in three different radio broadcasts between 1947-1951. Fast forward to 2026, and Jermyn Street Theatre delivers the timeless story of a selfless man pushed to the brink, with a live radio broadcast-style play — as performed by a group of multi-role actors in a 1940s studio setup.
It's A Wonderful Life!, Jermyn Street Theatre, 19 November 2026-3 January 2027
The Snowman, Peacock Theatre
This balletic riff on the seminal book/TV show has now been going for over quarter of a century — taking the late Raymond Briggs' masterpiece and running pirouetting with it. Not only are there snowman hoedowns and escapades through snow-drifted woodland on a motorbike and sidecar — but there's a marauding troupe of tropical fruits, and a sneering baddie in the guise of Jack Frost. It's like switching on Channel 4 on Christmas Eve while dropping acid. One would imagine.
The Snowman, Peacock Theatre, 21 November 2026-3 January 2027.
Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas, Alexandra Palace Theatre
When West End actors begin dropping down dead, it's up to the world's greatest detective (that's Sherlock Holmes, not Ludwig) to save the season. What links the deaths? That really annoying song The 12 Days of Christmas, of course — but time's running out to catch the murderous Grinch behind it all. Ally Pally's gloriously distressed Victorian theatre should prove the perfect setting for this Christmas caper.
Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas, Alexandra Palace Theatre, 24 November 2026-17 January 2027
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Park Theatre
The Other Bennet Sister was one of the TV hits of 2026, but while that focussed on Lydia Bennett, this festive period piece is about another 'other' Bennet — namely Mary. In the UK premiere of Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon's smash hit play (which has already charmed audiences in Canada and the US), Mary's Christmas is turned on its head when Lord Arthur de Bourgh arrives for the festivities — and the possibility of a wholly different future rears its head.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Park Theatre, 2 December 2026-10 January 2027
All I Want for Christmas is Cabaret, Phoenix Arts Club
A veritable advent calendar of drag, burlesque, musical theatre and comedy, All I Want for Christmas is Cabaret promises a raucous 100 minutes of festive entertainment, performed in the bowels of the Phoenix Theatre — which is decorated with thousands of fairy lights for extra twinkle. Themed cocktails, mulled wine and dinner packages are available. The only thing it's missing is Mariah herself.
All I Want for Christmas is Cabaret, Phoenix Arts Club, 5-20 December 2026.
The Nutcracker @ Royal Ballet and Opera and London Coliseum
A seven-headed mouse king and pirouetting candy set to a swirling Russian overture sounds like the fever dream of some kid who's knocked back an entire tin of Roses while doom scrolling. But we're talking about timeless Christmas tale, The Nutcracker. Two biggies return to the capital this Christmas: London Coliseum's epic English National Ballet staging (feat. over 100 dancers and musicians); and the long-lauded Peter Wright production at the Royal Ballet and Opera in Covent Garden. Both promise to be bewitchingly bizarre as ever — and will have you twirling around till the New Year.
The Nutcracker at the Royal Ballet and Opera (3 December 2065-13 January 2027), The Nutcracker at London Coliseum (17 December 2026-10 January 2027).
A Very Sheeps Christmas – Live in Concert!, Soho Theatre Walthamstow
It is with nothing less than utter (udder?) joy to learn that comedy trio Sheeps are returning with their now semi-legendary Christmas show. We've had the pleasure of watching their daft banter/Dickensian musical hijinks unfold in smaller venues like MOTH Club, but these days they're big enough to pack out the 1,000 capacity Soho Theatre Walthamstow. No doubt Sheeps, their house band — plus a sackful of quality guests — will fill the joint with festive mirth.
A Very Sheeps Christmas – Live in Concert!, Soho Theatre Walthamstow, 8 December
Anton at Christmas, Lyceum Theatre
Everyone's favourite Rob Brydon/Bruce Forsyth/Gene Kelly lovechild, Anton Du Beke returns with another instalment of his festive show. Anton at Christmas is touring selected UK venues, waltzing into London's Lyceum Theatre for a one-off night on 14 December. Expect a deluge of dancing from a professional troupe, soundtracked by a house band and vocalist Lance Ellington. Also check out: Christmas Music Shows In London
Anton at Christmas, Lyceum Theatre, 14 December
