The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Festive season is back for 2024/25 – oh yes, it is! And we’re here to give you our list of London’s top Christmas Pantomimes and performances.
Whether you’re entertaining little ones or teens, or simply indulging your inner child, pantomimes are the ultimate festive treat. Expect glittering costumes, laugh-out-loud moments, timeless fairy tales, and heaps of audience participation.
This winter, make room in your diary for some of London’s must-see shows. Whether you’re planning a trip with your children or treating your grandchildren, these performances promise memories to cherish long after the curtain falls.
Remember to have a watch of our #KidRatedLoves Pantos video too and see our guide to Things To Do At Christmas.
In the meantime, with more sparkle, slosh and silliness than you can shake your magic wand at, here’s our selection of top festive pantomimes and shows in London to delight your kids with this Christmas….
One winter morning, Peter woke up and looked out the window. Snow had fallen during the night. It covered everything as far as he could see.
Discover a world blanketed in wonder in this brand-new dance adaptation of ‘The Snowy Day’, inspired by the award-winning picture book by Ezra Jack Keats. Join Peter as he crunches through the snowy streets of his New York neighbourhood, in this intimate icy adventure. Suitable for 1-4 year olds.
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!
This winter family favourite is the timeless tale of a boy and a snowman that comes to life. Back for it’s 27th 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!
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!
Iggety ziggety zaggety zoom!
Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
The witch and her cat are travelling on their broomstick when they pick up some hitch-hikers – a friendly dog, a beautiful green bird and a frantic frog. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – it snaps in two… just as the hungry dragon appears!
Will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?
This December, the Arts Theatre in Leicester Square presents a side-splitting adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s book: Father Christmas Needs A Wee! Join Santa on Christmas Eve as he find various delicious treats, cookies and milk left out for him at the houses he visits. But by house number 10 he’s discovered a problem- he needs to use the toilet so much that he forgets some presents along the way!
TaleGate Theatre Productions brilliantly blend witty humour, fantastic music, and their signature sparkle in this uproariously funny and energetically bouncy musical adaptation of Nicholas Allan’s much-adored book. Kids will just love the silliness of this show!
This Christmas, the heartwarming tale of *The Smartest Giant in Town* returns to the West End!
Join George, the scruffiest giant, as he transforms into the smartest giant—only to find himself helping animals in need with his new clothes.
Based on the beloved book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this musical adventure is filled with puppets, songs, and a beautiful message about friendship and kindness. Perfect for families!
When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one brave young boy to save the day – but can he really save Christmas? From Victorian villains to medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, kids will love this hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas. You’ll be in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas, as they come together to save the festive season.
Following the success of her hit book ‘A Very Curious Christmas’, Maddie is super excited to bring her festive facts and magical experiments to you, at the Apollo 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.
A brand-new magical, musical quest inspired by the story of ‘The Nutcracker’. When squabbling siblings Clara and Fritz receive a mysterious Nutcracker toy from their flamboyant Aunty Drosselmeyer, Clara is certain that she doesn’t want her accident-prone younger brother anywhere near it!
But with rumours of an evil many-headed Mouse King trying to ruin Christmas in their new family home, Clara might just need the help of Fritz to save the day.
Full of surprising rodent singalongs and featuring a sleigh-load of familiar festive bangers that’ll have you dancing in your seat. Age 5-12 year olds.
Enjoy a merry day out at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre with Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas pantomime! Tailored for kids under 6, this delightful production is based on Briggs’ beloved book.
Join Santa as he awakens from a dream of sun, sea, and sand, only to realise it’s the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Kids will be swept up in the holiday enchantment as Santa gets ready for his deliveries, tends to his reindeer, and sets off on a snowy night flight.
Returning for Christmas 2023, this Lyric family favourite, co-produced with the Olivier Award-nominated Pins & Needles Productions, embodies the true essence of Christmas.
Join Dick on his search for fortune, fame and new beginnings! Along the way, he’ll experience the adventure of a lifetime, battling rats, falling in love, and finding himself on the path to becoming the Mayor of London.
Directed by and starring Clive Rowe as Sarah the Cook, alongside (in order of appearance) Graham MacDuff as King Rat, Beth Sindy as Fairy Bowbells, Kandaka Moore as Dick Whittington, Kat B as Tommy the Cat, Tony Timberlake as Alderman Fitzwarren, Aryana Ramkhalawon as Alice Fitzwarren and Max Mirza as Idle Jack.
Get ready for a joyful reimagining of this classic rags to riches tale, featuring all your favourite pantomime ingredients. From an unbelievable cast to extravagant costumes; from audience participation to sensational song and dance numbers, what more could you ask for?!
Take your usual Sleeping Beauty story and add in a strong female role. Princess Tahlia is not a blushing princess waiting for her Prince to save her – she’s going to save herself & everyone else!
This year’s modern remix, a gothic fairytale with a 21st century twist, transports audiences to the magical kingdoms of Lewishtonia and Westminsteria. Once warring, both have now reached an uneasy peace. The story follows Tahlia, the warrior princess of Lewishtonia as she turns 18, discovers her true identity, faces the curse the wicked Carabosse placed on her as an infant and confronts her true destiny.
With over 50 dazzling costumes and famous West End stars it’s sure to be a great day out.
The West End’s longest running pantomime is coming to the East End this Christmas! Wilton’s Music Hall is hosting Olivier Award nominated festive celebration Potted Panto in 2024, bringing you seven classic pantomimes in 80 hilarious minutes.
In a madcap ride through the biggest stories and best-loved characters from the wonderful world of pantomime, catch timeless characters such as Aladdin, Cinderella and Dick Whittington. As an audience, you and the kids will travel far and wide, from the streets of Dick Whittington’s London to the fictional Arabian city of Agrabah.
No matter your kids’ age, the Potted Panto has something that’ll delight everyone.
Will Cinderella get to the ball in time?
Starring national treasure Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Palladium Panto royalty Julian Clary as Robin Hood, this spectacular show also sees the return of favourites Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers, Charlie Stemp and Rob Madge, alongside West End stars Marisha Wallace and Tosh Wanogho-Maud who make their Palladium Panto debut.
This Christmas, join Pinocchio and his kind-hearted father Geppetto in an enchanting reimagining of the classic fairy tale in Stratford!
Will the Blue Rinse Fairy and Krik Krak the cricket keep Pinocchio on the straight and narrow as he faces the challenges of becoming a “real boy”?
Perfect for parents, grandparents, and kids alike, this magical production is a wonderful way to make festive memories together. Don’t miss it!
Duck Pond is a spectacular fusion of romantic ballet and world-class circus, creating an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
Prepare for feathers to fly in this “exhilarating” (ARTSHUB) and “hugely entertaining” (LIMELIGHT), reimagining of a classic tale, featuring graceful swans, bumbling princes, and a mischievous army of flipper-wearing ducks.
Heartwarming, hilarious, and utterly captivating, **Duck Pond** is packed with dazzling stunts, breathtaking aerial performances, and laugh-out-loud comedy. Don’t miss this extraordinary, one-of-a-kind event!
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Chickenshed with a visit to Pan. Adapted from the Peter Pan story by J M Barrie.
What happens when Peter Pan loses his shadow? A thrilling adventure begins!
Fly from the starry skies of London to the enchanting island of Neverland, where fairies sparkle, pirates scheme, and the Lost Ones await their happy ending. Join Wendy, John, and Michael Darling as they’re swept into Pan’s magical world, filled with excitement, chaos, and wonder.
This timeless tale of adventure and imagination only gets better with time—perfect for creating unforgettable family memories!
Matthew Warchus’ critically acclaimed production of Dickens’ timeless tale returns to The Old Vic in 2024, starring Emmy Award-winner Christopher Eccleston as Ebenezer Scrooge.
With Jack Thorne’s magical adaptation (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), this heartwarming story of Scrooge’s transformation is brought to life with music, mince pies, and festive cheer. From Jacob Marley to Tiny Tim and the iconic ghosts, this enchanting production is a must-see for all ages.
Don’t miss London’s longest-running adaptation of this beloved holiday classic—it’s the perfect festive treat for the whole family!
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with Nutcracker at the London Coliseum! Adored by critics and audiences all over the world, this enchanting show for whole family returns after a sold-out run in 2022.
On a sparkling Christmas Eve in frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker embark on a hot air balloon ride together to the glistening Land of Snow. From the orchestra’s warm-up to the final bows, this unforgettable treat is perfect for both kids and adults alike.
Join siblings Hansel and Gretel for a delicious adventure as they try to discover a way out of the forest, instead discovering the sweet-covered cottage of a kind old woman. But all is not as it seems, as the pair discover the dessert house is not the only thing on the menu!
Full of music, verse, song and sparkle, this exciting new production is set to be a highlight of the festive season, and will delight everyone aged 5 to 105!
Born at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004, and subsequently gaining international acclaim touring the globe, this original and trailblazing Spiegeltent cabaret show is returning to London’s Leicester Square for Christmas 2024.
One for your older teens (age 16+), this show promises a night of laughter and surprises inside the spectacular Spiegeltent. Created by David Bates, La Clique has been the torchbearer for nearly 20 years, winning awards and selling out in London, Edinburgh, and beyond. Critics rave about its amazing, hilarious, and mesmerizing performances. Join the fun for an unforgettable night of breath-taking skill and entertainment!
Out-of-work actor Daniel will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. See the movie brought to life on stage as a hit comedy musical.
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.
Set your destination time, London and get ready for the West End’s “whacking great hit of spectacle, entertainment and nostalgia” (Mail on Sunday).
19 years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure – this time, joined by a brave new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Prepare for spectacular spells, a mind-blowing race through time, and an epic battle to stop mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance.
Audiences will be immersed inside a world of speed, song and storytelling as an incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing some of musical theatre’s most beloved songs, including AC/DC, Make Up My Heart, Light at the End of the Tunnel and the iconic Starlight Express.
As a child’s train set magically comes to life and the engines race to become the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the ‘Starlight Express’.
Based on the well known book by Roald Dahl, the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
With the movie version about to be released, is it time to revisit the stage show?
Clink Prison Museum
Matilda the Musical
