The festive season sparkles brighter than ever this year, with dazzling family shows, classic ballets, hilarious comedies, and heart-warming concerts lighting up stages across the country. From Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas to Handel’s Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall, here’s your ultimate guide to the top Christmas shows for 2025.

Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas

Garrick Theatre, London
12 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Tickets on sale now  www.maddiemoate.com

BAFTA-winning CBeebies star Maddie Moate returns to the West End with her Olivier Award-nominated festive STEM adventure Maddie Moate’s Very Curious Christmas. Joined by elves Tinker (Kira MacCarter) and Goggles (Zain Abrahams), and a virtual appearance from Jennie Dale as Mrs Claus, Maddie must use science, curiosity and Christmas magic to save Santa’s workshop.

A joyful, educational, and interactive family treat that blends festive fun with hands-on science for curious minds aged 3 and up.

Christmas Carol Goes Wrong

Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London
6 December 2025 – 25 January 2026 www.christmascarolgoeswrong.com

The Cornley Drama Society is back — and this time, they’re tackling Dickens! Expect chaos, collapsing sets, and uproarious laughter as Mischief Theatre (creators of The Play That Goes Wrong) turn A Christmas Carol into a festive farce.

A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story (Mark Gatiss Adaptation)

Alexandra Palace Theatre
21 November 2025 – 4 January 2026 www.christmascarolonstage.co.uk

Neil Morrissey stars as Jacob Marley and Matthew Cottle returns as Scrooge in Mark Gatiss’s acclaimed adaptation of Dickens’ ghostly classic. With atmospheric staging, spine-tingling effects, and the perfect Victorian setting, this is a Christmas Carol to chill and delight in equal measure.

English National Ballet – The Nutcracker

London Coliseum
11 December 2025 – 11 January 2026 www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker

A cherished London Christmas tradition continues with ENB’s magical Nutcracker, featuring over 100 dancers and musicians performing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Expect breathtaking choreography, glittering sets, and the warm glow of Christmas enchantment.

The Snow Queen: A Woodland Adventure

The Albany, Deptford
2 – 24 December 2025  icontheatre.org.uk
Suitable for ages 3+ | Running time: 50 mins (no interval)

Join brave little mouse Gerda on a heartwarming journey through icy forests and snowy skies in this interactive musical reimagining from Icon Theatre. Packed with puppetry, original songs, and dance, this charming show celebrates courage, friendship, and the wonder of nature.

A Merry Misrule

 Battersea Arts Centre
29 November – 24 December 2025 bac.org.uk

The immersive creators Wild Rumpus return to transform Battersea Arts Centre into a magical world of mischief and folklore. Families join the ‘Resistance Rabbit’ to save Christmas from unruly Yuletide spirits. Expect storytelling, wonder, and festive adventure — perfect for ages 3+.

The Magic of Christmas – Brick Lane Music Hall

 Brick Lane Music Hall, Silvertown, London
 19 November – 19 December 2025  bricklanemusichall.co.uk

A uniquely British festive tradition continues at the only permanent music hall in the UK. Hosted by Vincent Hayes MBE, this joyous show blends comedy, cabaret, and carols, served alongside a hearty Christmas meal. A nostalgic night of laughter, song, and seasonal spirit.

Home Alone in Concert

 Royal Albert Hall
6 & 13 December 2025
Tickets from £30 royalalberthall.com

See the family favourite on the big screen with John Williams’ iconic score performed live by a full orchestra. Heart-warming, hilarious, and perfect for all ages.

Tony Hadley – The Christmas Big Band Tour

Royal Albert Hall
2 December 2025, 7:45pm
Tickets from £57 royalalberthall.com

A glittering evening of swing, soul, and seasonal standards from Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley, performing Christmas favourites and timeless hits like True and Gold.

Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas

Royal Albert Hall royalalberthall.com

17 December 2025, 7:30pm  Tickets from £30

A swinging festive tradition celebrating its 10th anniversary — expect jazz classics, seasonal surprises, and soulful sparkle with Guy Barker and special guests.

Carols at the Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall royalalberthall.com

14–24 December 2025 (multiple performances)
 Tickets from £20

An unmissable London Christmas staple — sing along to traditional and modern carols with full orchestra and choir in one of the world’s most spectacular concert halls.

Jamie Cullum: The Pianoman at Christmas

Royal Albert Hall royalalberthall.com

12 December 2025, 7:30pm

Jazz star Jamie Cullum brings festive flair to his much-loved Pianoman at Christmas show — a soulful seasonal spectacular with the Kansas Smitty’s jazz band.

The Christmas Thing

Seven Dials Playhouse
2 – 20 December 2025 sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk

A multimedia mayhem of live sketches, gadgets, and game-show chaos from cult comedy duo Tom Clarkson and Owen Visser. Think The Muppet Show meets Taskmaster — a hilariously anarchic night out for grown-ups craving festive fun.

More Festive Highlights

• Glyndebourne: Handel’s Messiah – 5 Dec, Royal Albert Hall

• My Christmas Orchestral Adventure – 7 Dec, Royal Albert Hall

• Trevor Nelson’s Soul Christmas – 11 Dec, Royal Albert Hall

• Christmas with the Royal Choral Society – 15 Dec, Royal Albert Hall

• London Community Gospel Choir at Christmas – 16 Dec, Royal Albert Hall

• Anna Lapwood’s Christmas – 18 Dec, Royal Albert Hall

• Keith & Kristyn Getty – Home for Christmas – 19 Dec, Royal Albert Hall

• Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker – 29–31 Dec, Royal Albert Hall

Book Early, Feel Festive

Whether you’re after a magical children’s adventure, a soulful night of music, or classic Dickensian drama, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season in 2025.