Looking for the best Christmas shows and festive experiences in London in 2026? From A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic and the joyous community spirit of Ceilidh to family favourites including Stick Man, Potted Panto and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, plus festive feasts, pantomimes, ice skating and immersive adventures, here's my pick of the shows, events and Christmas traditions worth booking this festive season.

Despite having MacKenzies on my mother's side and family ties to Waternish on Skye, where winter ceilidhs remain a cherished tradition, my own dancing experience is limited to schooldays and a few riotous evenings at the Gay Gordons in Islington. Ceilidh at Shoreditch Town Hall is joyful, funny and unexpectedly moving, with superb musicians and a wonderfully inclusive spirit. I left wanting to sign up for dancing classes myself.

At one of my favourite London venues, Wilton's Music Hall, Arthur Hull turns musical theatre's biggest disasters into a hugely entertaining evening. Blending impressive vocals, sharp humour and fascinating backstage stories, FLOP! celebrates the shows that missed the mark but somehow left behind memorable songs. A joyful reminder that failure can sometimes be every bit as entertaining as success.

James Kenworth’s Three Ghosts of Silvertown combines drama, music, movement and local history to explore Silvertown’s industrial past. The fascinating history, particularly the 1889 strike and Eleanor Marx, often proves more compelling than the drama. The community cast brings energy and commitment, while the Tate Institute provides an atmospheric setting. Ambitious and admirable, but narratively uneven.

From the moment the glittering curtain rises, Hackney Empire’s Cinderella casts its spell. Clive Rowe’s all-singing, all-dancing panto boasts a huge, high-energy cast, joyous live band and show-stopping magic, from Jade Johnson’s Fairy Godmother to a gasp-inducing flying horse and carriage. With riotous Ugly Sisters, a winning Buttons and a warm-hearted Cinderella, it’s polished, funny and full of festive heart.

Sparkling, silly and stuffed with festive mischief, Potted Panto at Wilton’s Music Hall is back! Dan Clarkson returns with cheeky charm, joined by Gary Trainor for a fresh twist on classic pantos. Expect topical jokes, slapstick chaos, and even an AI 3D scene. A five-star treat for families—best for kids who know their Cinderellas from their Aladdins. Pure Christmas joy in London’s most magical venue!

Brick Lane Music Hall’s The Magic of Christmas is a joyful, glitter-dusted celebration of music hall tradition, complete with sparkling design, endless costume changes, warm community spirit and standout turns from Vincent Hayes and violinist Victoria Yellop. A festive feast of song, humour and nostalgia in one of London’s most unique venues.