Christmas is almost here! Between the shopping, cooking, and decorating, it can be an intense period. But Christmas is all about having a brilliant time with those we love best. That’s where the theatre comes in.

Between the festive theatre shows, the romantic, the dramatic, and the family-friendly, there are more than enough enthralling shows for you to enjoy as a family, a couple, or for some valuable me-time in the run-up to the big day.

Theatre shows to attend in London this Christmas

To help you find the perfect show for you, here are some of the best London theatre shows to check out this Christmas.

Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol
When: Multiple dates and times from Thursday 8th December 2022 – January 2023
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road in London

If you find that you’re a bit too familiar with the legendary, popular Christmas tales and stories, maybe this will be the Christmas theatre show for you. Set in 1930s East Tennessee, this production reimagines Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, in which Ebenezer Scrooge is the owner of a mining company. A classic, heartwarming tale with a score composed by the one and only Dolly Parton, it’s sure to be a hit with any musical Christmas fanatics!

Orlando
When: Multiple dates and times in December 2022 to February 2023
Where: The Garrick Theatre in London

Virginia Woolf was a pioneering writer and one of the most important authors of the 20th century. Her works include Mrs Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and Orlando: A Biography, the novel this play was adapted from. Orlando, often donned a feminist classic, follows the story of a poet who changes sex and lives for centuries, meeting some of the most vital voices in English literary history. Starring Emma Corrin, the story prompts the question, how do any of us find the courage to truly be ourselves?

Elf The Musical
When: Multiple dates and times in December 2022 to January 2023
Where: Dominion Theatre in London

Back to theatre shows with a more Christmassy vibe, Elf is, without a doubt, one of the nations favourite Christmas classics. For a limited time, this beloved story will be brought to life in theatres with Simon Lipkin and Georgina Castle as Buddy and Jovie. With themes of love, family, Christmas (of course), and belonging, it’s the perfect show to check out as a family this festive season.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical 
When: Multiple dates from December 2022 to February 2023
Where: Piccadilly Theatre in London

Based on the incredible film, Moulin Rouge follows an English writer who flies to Paris to join the Bohemian revolution. He visits the city’s biggest nightclub, Moulin Rouge, and falls in love with the club’s “sparkling diamond”, Satine. With an incredible award-winning team behind the production, this tale of romance invites you to immerse yourself in every emotion and every chord that accompanies it.

Father Christmas Needs A Wee!
When: Multiple dates and times starting Saturday 3rd December – Saturday 24th December 2022
Where: Arts Theatre in London

Did you ever stop to wonder how Santa does it? How he hops from house to house, drinking countless glasses of milk (and maybe a few sherries) without stopping to use the toilet? What starts out as just another day on the job, Santa quickly realises he forgot to have a  wee! And he’s getting desperate. Combining Christmas cheer, humour, and music, this production, adapted from the Nicholas Allen book, is sure to be a hit with the littl’uns this Christmas!

Back To The Future – The Musical
When: Multiple dates in December 2022 to 2023
Where: Adelphi Theatre in London

As the year comes to a close, many of us like to take a moment to reflect on previous years and all the wonderful moments we experienced. And what better way to reflect than with this 80s classic? Back To The Future is one of the most prominent, beloved films from the 80s that has received a breath of fresh air with original music composed by Grammy-winners and a team of Tony and Olivier-award-winning creatives behind it all. Experience this pop culture phenomenon like never before in London this Christmas. Take a look at our review here.

Peaky Blinders: The Rise
When: Multiple dates and times in December 2022 to February 2023
Where: The Stables Market in London

Fancy something a bit edgier? Something on the opposite end of the scale to singing, dancing, love, and family? The immensely popular Peaky Blinders took the world by storm from the moment it aired back in 2013 and there’s no sign of it slowing down. This London theatre show follows the cunning gangster family as they launch their campaign to take London. Truly unique, this theatre show is fully immersive, with the audience taking part, exploring the set, interacting with characters and tackling challenges.

The Snowman
When: Multiple dates and times in December 2022
Where: Peacock Theatre in London

It isn’t Christmas without The Snowman! The stunning movie that brought us Walking in the Air and other mystical, heartwarming moments has been transformed into a theatre performance the whole family can enjoy. Get lost in colourful sets, cheery dances, extravagant costumes, and the moving moments we all know and love. A truly magical Christmas story, it’s the perfect show to see at the most wonderful time of the year.

A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic)
When: Multiple dates and times in December 2022 to January 2023
Where: Old Vic Theatre in London

We all know Charles Dickens’ timeless classic A Christmas Carol, but in case it’s been a while, let us refresh your memory. Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean old man who hates Christmas. Unkind to those around him, Scrooge is then visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, who take him on a journey to teach him his errors. Enlightened, Scrooge then spends Christmas Day in pure joy with his family, celebrating the big day as it should be. With themes of generosity, compassion, kindness, and redemption, this show teaches all the right lessons in time for Christmas.

Brilliant for keeping our imagination and creativity in tip-top shape while creating some cherished memories together as a family (or for some important me-time), theatre shows are the perfect treat this Christmas.