Christmas theatre shows for all the family

A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, Alexandra Palace Theatre ★★★★★

There’s a reason Mark Gatiss’ adaptation of Charles Dickens’ superlative Christmas tale has ‘A Ghost Story’ tagged on to its title. Isn’t it always a ghost story? Well, yes. But this version ups the spook factor, with John Bulleid’s illusions conjuring life-like spectres from the gloom, and Matthew Forbes’ puppets sending ghosts flying through the auditorium. It wins top marks for atmosphere (credit to Paul Wills’ design coupled with Nina Dunn’s videography), and the inclusion of a narrator in the form of Geoffrey Beevers adds to the storytelling-around-the-fire theme.

Gatiss brings his own inflections to the story, including an opening scene where Marley (Peter Forbes) cackles over salary reductions with Scrooge, and some interesting doubling-up of characters. Keith Allen leads the cast as a gruff Scrooge who’s easy to forgive once his change of heart occurs. For all its chilling visuals, Adam Penford’s production goes light on Scrooge’s emotions. Some adults might want more regret over his losing Belle, or terror at peering into his own grave, but the gentle touch ensures this show remains a family-friendly watch for viewers aged 12+.

The Witches, National Theatre ★★★★★

Witches… they could be masquerading as lollipop ladies, ice-cream sellers, or any number of seemingly sweet and industrious women in this creepy, musical take on the Roald Dahl classic. As entertaining for adults as it is for kids, the National Theatre’s Christmas offering triumphs with impressive magic tricks, show-stealing performances from two of its young leads and a light but present message of not judging by appearances.

Solstice, Battersea Arts Centre

No one will be nodding off at Battersea Arts Centre’s Christmas show. This immersive experience invites the whole family to snoop around the venue’s corridors and hidden spaces, with a woodland character as your guide. Part theatrical experience, part light trail, it’s the vision of immersive events company Wild Rumpus, and it sounds enchanting.

Wishmas, Old Bauble Factory

The blockbuster family event of the season, Wishmas is an immersive, 60-minute walk-through experience running on the premise that you’re in the land where your wishes take flight. Characters introduced along the way include Wishkeepers, Robins and Father Christmas, and there are plenty of themed rooms to nose around too. It comes from immersive experience pedigree too: former Punchdrunk mastermind Elgiva Field and the team behind Secret Cinema are bringing it to life.

A Christmas Carol, The Old Vic

The Old Vic Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol, adapted by Jack Thorne and directed by Matthew Warchus, has become a festive tradition since it opened to glowing reviews in 2017. Each year, the production is fronted by a new, and for 2023, it's Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston shouting 'bah humbug!' at Dickens' merrymakers. Suitable for ages 10+.

Hansel and Gretel, Shakespeare's Globe

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage is behind this atmospheric adaptation of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale about two siblings whose journey through the woods gets sidetracked by a trail of sweets. With the setting transposed to a war-torn village, the production infuses the story with magic, music and 'a sprinkling of hope'. Suitable for ages 5+.

The Snow Queen, Polka Theatre

Jude Christian is behind some of the classiest family Christmas shows going. She’s turned her hand to Dick Whittington and Jack and the Beanstalk in the past. This year, she’s taking on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tale The Snow Queen. When Gerda’s best friend Kai disappears with the mysterious Snow Queen, she sets out on a mission to bring him home and prevent the little lad from being trapped in an endless winter.

Elf the Musical, Dominion Theatre

With an explosion of sparkle, songs and Santas, Elf the Musical might be cheesy, but it is lots of fun too. Based on the hit 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, the show follows Buddy, a human raised in the North Pole who doesn't fit in with his Elf family. When he heads to New York City in search of his real father, Buddy's festive spirit causes chaos, comedy and a Christmas miracle.

For ages 5+

Frozen the Musical, Theatre Royal Drury Lane

An icy palace, a free-walking reindeer and bursts of frosty magic: Frozen the Musical glitters at the West End’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with a cast led by Jenna Lee-James as the brooding Elsa, and Laura Dawkes as spirited sister, Anna. The Broadway transfer ups the ante on the film's feminist themes and laces the action with mildly saucy humour, creating a production with potential to enthral audiences of all ages.

For ages 4+

Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas, Lyric Hammersmith

It's the busiest day of the year for Father Christmas – he has to feed the reindeer, sort the presents, pack them up and finally deliver them all around the world. Raymond Briggs' beloved picture book comes to life with humour and charm in this Lyric family production. With a 50-minute run time and plenty of daytime performances, it's an ideal show for little ones.

For children under 6 (and accompanying adults)