Must-see musicals and shows in West End & London for Christmas 2023

This Christmas, London and the West End’s iconic venues are set to sparkle with a stellar lineup of musicals and shows.

Whether you’re seeking the razzle-dazzle of high-energy dance numbers, the emotional punch of dramatic storytelling, or the family-friendly charm of a matinee show, London’s stages offer something to capture every imagination.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the crème de la crème of the must-watch shows in the West End this festive season, from the grandeur of long-running classics to the thrill of new productions, these are the shows that are sure to add an extra dose of joy to your holiday season.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

Currently booking to 14 January 2024 at the Lyric Theatre

From Mischief Theatre comes their riotous spin on a timeless classic, the West End smash hit Peter Pan Goes Wrong on a brand new UK tour.

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Peter Pan

Currently booking to 14 January 2024 at the London Palladium

Starring Jennifer Saunders, Julian Clary, Rob Madge, Paul Zerdin, Nigel Havers and Gary Wilmot! Back for an eighth season, The London Palladium pantomime is renowned as the most spectacular show staged in the West End with fabulous sets and costumes, jaw-dropping special effects and all the spectacle and magic you'd expect from the UK's biggest panto.

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Elf The Musical

Currently booking to 6 January 2024 at the Dominion Theatre

ELF is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa's bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole's biggest misfit... and knows he'll never belong. When Santa tells him the truth, Buddy heads to New York to find his birth father who turns out to be quite high on the Naughty List.

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The Snowman

Currently booking to 30 December 2023 at the Peacock Theatre

Come with us on a wonderous adventure where we'll meet all my friends - from an enchanted music box to a dancing pineapple. Take flight to the North Pole just in time for our Christmas party where snowpeople from around the world meet penguins, princesses, the fiendish Jack Frost, and of course Father Christmas himself. It might even snow...

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Frozen

Currently booking to 8 September 2024 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Based on the hit 2013 Disney movie of the same name, hit West End musical Frozen tells the story of sisters Elsa and Anna as Elsa struggles to control her magical ice powers when she's crowned Queen.

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Aladdin

Currently booking to 4 January 2025 at the Lyric Hammersmith

Your wishes have been granted, for Aladdin is the Lyric’s 2024 panto! Soar above the streets of Hammersmith with our panto heroes Aladdin and Jasmine for an adventure you won’t forget.

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A Christmas Carol

Currently booking to 4 January 2025 at the The Old Vic

A Christmas Carol fills the auditorium to the brim with mince pies, music and merriment. A unique staging immerses the audience in London's longest running adaptation of this beloved festive favourite.

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The Witches

Currently booking to 27 January 2024 at the National Theatre

Roald Dahl's classic story has been turned into a thrilling musical experience with a score by Tony Award-nominee Dave Malloy

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Stranger Sings!

Currently booking to 6 January 2024 at the Southwark Playhouse

The Upside Down returns, as The Vaults presents award-winning, smash-hit parody musical Stranger Sings!

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Edward Scissorhands

Currently booking to 20 January 2024 at the Sadlers Wells

Based on the classic Tim Burton movie and featuring the hauntingly beautiful music of Danny Elfman and Terry Davies, Matthew Bourne and his company, New Adventures return to this witty, bittersweet story of an incomplete boy left alone in a strange new world.

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Sunset Boulevard

Currently booking to 6 January 2024 at the Savoy Theatre

Starring Nicole Scherzinger! Haunted by her memories and dreams, movie star Norma Desmond yearns to return to the big screen. A struggling screenwriter who can't sell his scripts to the Hollywood studios may be her only hope, until their dangerous and compelling relationship leads to disastrous circumstances.

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Nutcracker

Currently booking to 7 January 2024 at the London Coliseum

Over 100 dancers and musicians from English National Ballet bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live.

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Christmas Actually

Currently booking to 11 December 2023 at the Southbank Centre

Get ready for the ultimate Christmas variety show. Curated by Richard Curtis Love Actually, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral in partnership with Comic Relief.

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Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends

Currently booking to 6 January 2024 at the Gielgud Theatre

Following a one-off gala show last May in aid of the Sondheim Foundation, the life and work of the famed composer will continue to be celebrated by an all star cast.

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My Neighbour Totoro

Currently booking to 23 March 2024 at the Barbican Centre

My Neighbour Totoro tells the story of sisters Satsuki and Mei who move with their father from Tokyo to an old house in the country only to discover magical creatures living nearby, including the giant forest spirit Totoro.

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The Time Traveller's Wife The Musical

Currently booking to 24 February 2024 at the Apollo Theatre

Henry and Clare's love story is like no other and yet like all others; they meet, flirt, fight, love, marry - but all out of order

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