Christmas in London: The Best Events to Book Ahead
Have yourself a merry little Christmas and join in the magic with our list of the best festive events for all the family to enjoy
Christmas Carols at Westminster Abbey (6pm 23 December & 4pm 24 December, Free)
Forget Silent Nights and get ready to celebrate in song at the most magnificent carol service in all of London. Choirboys, cloister and poets' ghosts make for a breathtaking backdrop to the ever-popular Christmas carol services. Last year's free tickets for this enchanting evening went in a flash so get ready to book quickly. Tickets go on sale on the 16 and 18 November: set your alarm!
Read our guide to London's best Christmas Carol Concerts
Pantomines: With slapstick humour, cross-dressing and shouting out ‘he’s behind you’, our top two pantos in London promise plenty of family fun.
Cinderella, Lyric Hammersmith (21 November - 3 January)
The fairytale magic of Cinderella gets a sassy update for this fun-filled Christmas Panto. Relocated to modern day London, with a pink glittery trainer instead of glass slipper, this festive show makes the classic tale fresh. But, with all the interactive fun of a pantomime, there will still be touches of Christmas tradition.
Jack and the Beanstalk, Hackney Empire (21 November – 3 January)
Get ready to boo, hiss and cheer at will as Olivier-winning star Clive Rowe takes to the stage cat East London’s Hackney Empire this Christmas to entertain children and adults alike. Expect crazy costumes, glittering staging and many a comedic dance routine.
Read our guide to London's best shows and pantos
Winter at Somerset House (8 November – 10 January)
Tintin Tintin and Skate at Somerset House
Dodge the tacky winter grottos and get your festive cheer with plenty of elegance at the loveliest ice-rink in all of London. Gorgeous Georgian architecture, twinkly lights and warming mince pies and mulled wine courtesy of Fortnum and Mason make even the drabbest wintry evening feel magical. While you’re at Somerset House, check out the free Tintin exhibition too.
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Christmas at Kew (24 November – 2 January)
Each winter evening the world-famous botanic garden is transformed into a glittering wonderland, illuminated by thousands of fairy lights that lead the way to an enchanted Santa’s grotto. There’s a traditional Victorian fun-fair for little ones and plenty of hot mulled wine for grown ups.
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A Christmas Carol, Noel Coward Theatre (30 November – 30 January)
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Charles Dickens’ beloved festive tale. And this year, Scrooge will be brought to life on the London stage. Film star Jim Broadbent plays the mean miser in fresh adaptation of A Christmas Carol that promises comedy, quality and plenty of festive cheer.
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Little Match Girl, Saddler’s Wells (12 December – 3 January)
A returning triumph for choreographer of the moment Arthur Pita, The Little Match Girl transforms a heart-breaking Christmas classic into a fantastical fairy tale adventure, and a quirky Christmas ballet. The grim Hans Christian Anderson tale is reimagined with a lunar exploration vehicle, a weightless pas de deux with an astronaut and an ethereal soundscape of live and pre-recorded music.
