Jefferson Turner and Daniel Clarkson in Potted Panto at Wilton’s Music Hall [Geraint Lewis]

 

PANTOS

ALADDIN
Buckle up for a whirlwind ride above the streets of Hammersmith as Aladdin and Jasmine embark on a high-flying adventure packed with magic, mayhem and mischief. Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King Street, W6. 020 8741 6850. Tues-Sun, various times, to Jan 5. lyric.co.uk/  

ALADDIN AND THE LEGION OF GENIES
Aladdin embarks on an unforgettable adventure filled with twists and turns. Let the energetic dance routines sweep you away, while singing along to the captivating melodies. Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, N18. 020 8807 6680. Various times until Dec 30. millfieldtheatre.co.uk/

DICK WHITTINGTON AND HIS CAT
Join Dick on his search for fortune, fame and new beginnings. Along the way, he’ll battle rats, fall in love, and find himself on the path to becoming the Mayor of London. Hackney Empire, Mare Street, E8. 020 8985 2424. Tues-Sun, various times, to Jan 5. hackneyempire.co.uk/

GOLDIE FROCKS AND THE BEAR MITZVAH
Goldie, the best dressmaker in the East End, zips through London on a quest for some furry fabrics. Along the way she meets Mama Behr and Baby Behr as they pre­pare for the best bear mitzvah that Cirque Du Oy Vey’s ever seen! JW3 Jewish Community Centre, 341-351 Finchley Rd, NW3. 020 7433 8988. Mon-Sun (not Fri), various times, to Jan 5. jw3.org.uk/

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: WHAT A WHOPPER!
Jack Trott lives with his mum on a dilapidated dairy farm 10 miles from the nearest Grindr user. When he sells their beloved cow for a handful of magic beans, his mum throws them in the compost, and they wake up to the biggest, thickest stalk they’ve ever seen. Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, WC2. 08444 930 650. Various times, to Jan 13, Adults only. charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/

 

Matthew Kellett, Rosie Strobel and Elliot Broadfoot in Napoleon at Jermyn Street Theatre [Alex Brenner]

NAPOLEON: UN PETIT PANTOMIME
Join the most dictatorial of petits hommes as he dons disguises among the bourgeoisie to war with Wellington. Will the grandiose general overcome his fear of cats to become Emperor? Jermyn Street Theatre, 16B Jermyn St, SW1Y. 020 7287 2875. Mon to Sun, various times, to Jan 5. jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/

Tuck Shop’s PETER PAN
Forget everything you thought you knew about Neverland with this unabashed two-fingered, all-drag, salute to the classic tale of the boy that wouldn’t grow up. The Phoenix Theatre, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0JP. Various times Dec 16, 23 & 24 & Jan 6. Age 16+. www.atgtickets.com/shows/peter-pan/phoenix-theatre/

PINOCCHIO
Will Blue Rinse Fairy and Krik Krak the cricket be able to keep Pinocchio off the crooked path, as he battles the trials and tribulations of becoming a “real boy”? Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford, E15. 020 8985 2424. Mon-Sat, various times, to Jan 4. stratfordeast.com/

POTTED PANTO
A fun-filled tour through the biggest stories and best-loved characters from the world of pantomime, our dastardly double act dash from rubbing Aladdin’s lamp to roaming the golden streets of Dick Whittington’s London and ensuring Cinderella gets to the Ball. Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, E1. 020 7702 2789. Various times, to Jan 4. wiltons.org.uk/

ROBIN HOOD
Join Robin and his band of Merry Men on their escapades through Sherwood Forest with Jane McDonald as Maid Marion and Julian Clary as Robin Hood. London Palladium, Argyll Street, W1F. 020 7087 7747. Mon-Sun, various times, to Jan 12. lwtheatres.co.uk/

 

FAMILY, ADULT AND OTHER CHRISTMAS SHOWS

BALLET SHOES
This festive family show about three sisters pursing their passions, is the first major stage adaptation of Noel Streatfeild’s best-selling book, adapted by Kendall Feaver. Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1. 020 3989 5455. Mon-Sat, various times, until Jan 20, Ages 8 +. nationaltheatre.org.uk/

 

Georgie Samuels, Pierre Hanson-Johnson and Freya Stephenson (original cast) in Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book at Trafalgar Theatre [Brian Roberts]

CHARLIE COOK’S FAVOURITE BOOK
A musical adaptation of the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Charlie loves reading. Especially books about pirates. But his sister hates it – it’s boring! Can Charlie convince her that reading is fun? Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, SW1A. 0333 009 6690 Tues to Sun, various times, to Jan 5, Age 3+ https://trafalgartheatre.com/

CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT
Immerse yourself in Christmas classics played by a live string quartet. The Actors’ Church, St Paul’s Church, Bedford Street, WC2E. Dec 14 & Dec 19-22, various times. actorschurch.org/ 

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Matthew Warchus’s acclaimed production of Dickens’ tale, adapted by Jack Thorne, is packed with mince pies, music and merriment. John Simm stars as Scrooge. Old Vic Theatre, The Cut, Lambeth, SE1. 0344 871 7628. Mon-Sun, various times, until Jan 4, Age 8+ oldvictheatre.com/

A CHRISTMAS CAROL – AS TOLD BY JACOB MARLEY (DECEASED)
Adapted and performed by James Hyland, we learn how three magical spirits opened Scrooge’s eyes and made him realise the true value of love and forgiveness. Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village N6, 020 8340 3488. 8pm, Dec 22.  upstairsatthegatehouse/

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (ISH)
Join Nick Mohammed as his critically acclaimed alter-ego Mr. Swallow, alongside a star-studded cast for an all-singing, all-dancing comedy retelling of Dickens’ festive classic. @Soho Place, 4 Soho Pl, Charing Cross Rd, W1D. 0330 3335962, Mon-Sat, 7.30pm and 2pm (Fri & Sat) To Dec 31. www.achristmascarolish.com

CHRISTMAS COMES TO MOOMIN VALLEY
The world première stage adaptation of Tove Jansson’s classic tale, featuring a multi-disciplinary cast of physical performers. Jacksons Lane Theatre, 69a Archway Road, N6. 020 8340 5226. Tues-Sun, various times, to Jan 5. Age 3+. jacksonslane.org.uk/

 

Ella Vaday and Harry Curley in Cinderella at King’s Head Theatre [Charlie Flint]

CINDERELLA
Cinderella needs help to leave her life of drudgery and explore a world full of adventures.  A shy Prince needs someone to help bring him out of his shell and find his mojo. Could they help each other find the courage to change their lives? The Fairy Godmother thinks so. King’s Head Theatre, Islington Square, 116 Upper St, N1, 020 7226 8561. Various times to Jan 4, Age 3+. ADULTS ONLY: 7pm, Dec 12, 19, 23, 30 and 1.30pm, Jan 5. kingsheadtheatre.com/

DO HORSES HAVE TEETH, SIR?
John Hegley returns with a celebratory festive jamboree chock-full of daft and deft wordplay, sing-along numbers and a selection of “drawings”. Quite a lot of them horses. Cockpit Theatre, Gateforth Street, NW8. 020 7258 2925.7.30pm, Dec 20-21, 1.30pm, Dec 22. Age 9+. thecockpit.org.uk/

DUCK POND
A modern twist on the classic Swan Lake, blending circus stunts with dance to create a unique performance that transcends traditional genres. Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1. Various times, Dec 19-30. www.southbankcentre.co.uk/

Raymond Briggs’ FATHER CHRISTMAS
Join Santa as he awakes from a dream of sun, sea and sand only to find it is the busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve. Lyric Hammersmith Studio, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL. 020 8741 6850 Various times to Dec 28. Age 6 and under. lyric.co.uk/

FATHER CHRISTMAS NEEDS A WEE!
At every house Father Christmas eats and drinks tasty treats that have been left for him. But at number 10 he realises he really, really needs a WEE! Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, WC2H, 020 7836 8463. 10am, Sat-Sun; 10am, 12.30pm, Mon Dec 23; To Dec 23. artstheatre­westend.co.uk/

FESTIVE FOLLIES
Hoxton Hall returns to its music hall and variety roots with an eclectic blend of shows for Christmas, including Circus Enchanté, performances of A Christmas Carol and a jazz night. Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, N1 020 7684 0060. Various times, to Dec 23. hoxtonhall.co.uk/

FOR THE LOVE OF CYPRUS! CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Join music-comedy duo Martha & Eve for a festive evening of music, songs, and laughter in a Christmas celebration infused with the warmth of their Cypriot heritage. Theatro Technis, 26 Crowndale Road, Camden, NW1. 7.30pm, Dec 19-21; 5.00pm, Dec 22. theatrotechnis.com/

LE GATEAU CHOCOLAT: MUSICALS MAYHEM
Expect a stream of nostalgia, and a tug at the heartstring as Gateau crams every single musical you know and love into an hour of high kicks, high drag and high glamour. Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, W1D. 020 7478 0100. Various times to Dec 21; Jan 2-11. Age 16+. sohotheatre.com/

THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD
Tall Stories’ adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. Arts Depot, Pentland Theatre, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12, 020 8369 5454. various times, to Jan 5. Age 3+. sohotheatre.com/

 

Beverley Rudd as Witch in Hansel and Gretel at Shakespeare’s Globe [Ellie Kurttz]

HANSEL AND GRETEL
Immerse yourself in a new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage including poetry, songs and hope. Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1, 020 7401 9919. Mon-Sat, various times, To Jan 5, ages 5+. shakespearesglobe.com/

Horrible Histories presents HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS
From Victorian villains to Medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, join us on a hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII and St Nicholas as they join forces to save the festive season. Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace Way, N22. 020 8365 4343. Various times to Jan 4. alexandrapalace.com

HUDDLE
During the long, cold winter, Mr Penguin carefully guards his egg. This new dad needs to look after his newly born chick on his own and he’s not feeling confident. Clore, Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1. 020 7645 0560. Various times to Dec 31, Ages 2-5. unicorntheatre.com/

THE LITTLE PRINCE
Discover how the little prince leaves behind his own tiny asteroid and beloved rose and journeys through the universe, coming face to face with the baffling world of grown-ups. The Place,17 Duke’s Road WC1H, 020 712 1100. Various times, to Dec 18-24. Age 5+. https://theplace.org.uk/

MADDIE MOATE’S A VERY CURIOUS CHRISTMAS
Maddie’s live science show uncovers the mysteries behind our festive traditions and promises to be an unforgettable and informative holiday treat for the whole family. Apollo Theatre Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D, 0330 333 4815 Various times to Jan 4. theapollotheatre.co.uk/

 

The Marzipan dance in the Nutcracker at London Coliseum [Photography by ASH]

NUTCRACKER
Over 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score played live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2N, 020 7845 9300. Various times, Dec 12-Jan 12 Age 5+. londoncoliseum.org/

ODD AND THE FROST GIANTS
Follow unlikely hero Odd on an epic journey as he meets Norse Gods Odin, Loki and Thor, stuck in animal form in the human world. Odd must use all his cunning to stop the invading Frost Giants from plunging the world into endless winter. Weston, Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, SE1, 020 7645 0560. Various times until Dec 31, Ages 7+. unicorntheatre.com/

Chickenshed’s PAN
This new adaptation of J.M Barrie’s much-loved Christmas classic, Peter Pan, promises to transport audiences to the magical island of Neverland, where fairies flit, pirates plot and the Lost Ones search for their happy ending. Rayne Theatre, 290 Chase Side, N14, 020 8292 9222. Mon to Sun, various times, to Jan 11 Age 5+. chickenshed.org.uk/

PEPPA PIG’S FUN DAY OUT
Join Peppa, her family and friends as they go to the zoo and the beach. Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, it’s going to be an exciting day. Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and swim in the sea! Theatre Royal Haymarket, Haymarket, SW1Y, 020 7930 8800. Various times to Jan 5. trh.co.uk/

PERKY NAVITITTIES
Séayoncé is pulling out all the stops to deliver the most outrageous televised Christmas special – a holiday classique that promises to catapult even the most angelic souls straight onto Santa’s naughty list. The Yard Theatre, Unit 2a Queen’s Yard, E9. Mon-Sat, various times to Dec 21, Age 16+. theyardtheatre.co.uk/

A PISSEDMASS CAROL
Stumbling and slurring for a tipsy fifth year, the boozed-up boffins at Sh!t-faced Showtime invite you to Dickens’s classic tale to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place WC2H. Various times to Jan 11. Age 16+. leicestersquaretheatre.com/

ROOM ON THE BROOM
In Julia Donaldson’s beloved tale, we follow an adventurous witch and her cat as they embark on a magical quest to fight a fearsome dragon while picking up hitchhikers along the way. Lyric Theatre, 29 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES. 0330 333 4812 Various times to Jan 5. Age 3+. thelyrictheatre.co.uk/

ROSIE ROBIN AND THE CHRISTMAS POST
Welcome to the post office. The letters and parcels are piling up and Rosie Robin is working hard delivering the Christmas Post. But when a snowstorm sweeps through Clover Leaf Wood, the animals come together to make sure all the mail arrives on time. Little Angel Studios, Sebbon Street Community Centre, Sebbon Street, N1. 020 7226 1787. Various times to Jan 5. Ages 2-5. littleangeltheatre.com

A SHERLOCK CHRISTMAS CAROL
Sherlock Holmes has little appetite for mince pies or for solving crime. Wandering through Victorian London, he meets a grown-up and not-so-Tiny Tim Cratchit who implores him to investigate the mysterious death of his reformed benefactor, Ebenezer Scrooge, Marylebone Theatre, 35 Park Rd, NW1, 020 7723 7984. Tues-Sun, to Jan 5. marylebonetheatre.com/

SH!T ACTUALLY
A two-woman 100% faithful, word-by-word (not really) remake of the Christmas film we all hate to love: Love Actually. 7pm Dec 12, 13, 14, 17 & 18
SING-A-LONG-A-MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
Join ‘anarchic performance legends’ (Time Out) Sh!t Theatre & friends this December for this cult Christmas miracle. 7pm, Dec19, 20 & 21
Camden People’s Theatre, 58-60 Hampstead Road, NW1. 020 7419 4841. cptheatre.co.uk/

THE SINGING MERMAID
Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks’s popular story is brought to life through puppetry and performance and music by Barb Jungr. Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1. 020 7226 1787. Various times to Jan 5. Ages 3-8. littleangeltheatre.com/

THE SISTERS OF SHESUS: CHRISTMAS AT MUM’S
The Sisters invite you to join them as they crash land home. Expect karaoke, a prawn ring and Sister Mary Berry’s festive bangers with all the trimmings. Upstairs at Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, W1D, 020 7478 0100. 8.45pm, Tue-Sat, to Dec 21. Age 16+. sohotheatre.com/

SLAVA’S SNOW SHOW
A cavalcade of chaos and charm that invites you to leave the everyday behind and promises to sprinkle a little magic into your life and remind you of the joy in being wonderfully silly. Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton St, SW1Y 4DN. Various times, Dec 18-Jan 12. Age 8+. atgtickets.com/

THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN
George is tired of being the scruffiest giant in town. When he discovers there’s a new shop in town selling clothes just his size, he decides it’s time for a change. St Martin’s Theatre, West Street, WC2H, 0844 499 1515. various times, to Jan 5. smartestgiantonstage.co.uk

THE SNOWMAN
Allow yourselves to be transported to the wintery wonderland of a boy and a snowman who comes to life. Join them on their magical adventure to the North Pole. All ages. Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, WC2A. 020 7863 8000. Tue-Sun, various times, to Jan 4. sadlerswells.com/

A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE
A musical adaptation based on the original book by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Full of beautiful puppets and enchanting songs. Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2. 020 7734 2222 Various times to Dec 23 Age 3+. leicestersquaretheatre.com/

STICK MAN
What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire! How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas? To Jan 5. Bloomsbury Theatre, 15 Gordon St, WC1H. 020 3108 1000. Various times, to Jan 5. tickeing@ucl.ac.uk

SWAN LAKE
Matthew Bourne’s rule-breaking production of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece takes flight once more in a new revival. The female corps-de-ballet are replaced with a menacing male ensemble. Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Ave, EC1R. 020 7863 8000. Tues-Sun, various times, to Jan 26. sadlerswells.com/

VOCABELLES – CHRISTMAS CRACKERS
Join Vocabelles for some cracking Christmas tunes performed live in beautiful three-part harmony. Etcetera Theatre, 265 Camden High Street, NW1. 6pm, Dec 22. etceteratheatrecamden.com

And why not try….

ICE SKATING

 

JW3’s ice rink in Finchley Road [JW3]

JW3 ICE RINK
Until January 5
341-351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET, 020 7433 8988. Adults £18/£19, children £12/£14
This popular outdoor rink is now a fixture of the festive season. Set in the piazza at JW3, with twinkling lights and music, sessions on the 200m skating space last 45 minutes, and for the less confident young skaters, penguin stabilisers and banana toboggans can be pre-booked. Open on Christmas Day! www.jw3.org.uk

SOMERSET HOUSE
Until January 12
Strand, WC2R 1LA, 020 7845 4600. Price £15-£26.50; children £10-£15
Somerset House is a particularly atmospheric open-air setting with the neoclassical site’s Fountain Court converted into an ice rink. There are special kids club sessions for 6 to 10-year-olds and wheelchair skaters are welcome any time and at special sessions. Calm times are also available. Full details of times, prices and special sessions at www.somersethouse.org.uk

HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Until January 5
Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU (trains from Waterloo). 020 8979 9988. From £18, children aged 3-12 £13; family £46 /
Hampton Court has an enchanting open-air rink in front of Henry VIII’s historic Tudor home. https://hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND
Until January 1
Nearest tube Hyde Park Corner, use the Blue Gate entrance. Prices vary depending on time of visit, from £11.50 adult, £8.50 child
The huge ice rink at Winter Wonderland is set around the bandstand, with a fairy light canopy, and sometimes with live acoustic musicians serenading skaters on evening sessions. Sessions run from 10am-10pm.
https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/ice-skating

BRENT CROSS
Until January 5
Takes over the John Lewis car park. Adults £15, children £13, family of four £50
A new venue this year is at Brent Cross shopping centre, where the John Lewis car park has been transformed into a rink. Sessions last 45 minutes and all skaters welcome, from wobbly novices to experts.
www.brentcross.co.uk/events/ice-skate-north-london

 

PLUS…

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM
Until December 23
Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB
Step into a magical winter scene in the Transportorium Garden where little ones can climb aboard Santa’s interactive sleigh adorned with buttons, bells and lights for imaginative play. And his elves will be on hand to welcome families and help take the perfect family photo. Activities run through to the new year. Visit on a weekend or during school holidays and meet costumed characters from London’s transport past. Or join a festive elf trail through the galleries, and find weird and wonderful objects from the collection along the way.
All activities are free with a Museum tickets – and remember, kids go free. www.ltmuseum.co.uk

 

An endangered Asiatic lion cub investigating frankincense and myrrh-scented, golden presents at London Zoo [ZSL London]

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT LONDON ZOO
Until January 5. Inclusive with London Zoo ticket (from £27)
Take friends and family to London Zoo and celebrate the season with eco-friendly festivities and magical experiences. With a focus on creating a greener Christmas, enjoy a holiday experience for families and children while supporting our beautiful planet.
Youngsters can get creative making robins from recycled materials, and design wrapping paper; they’ll get a special sticker if they spot Santa popping up around the zoo, feeding the animals. Write a letter to Santa in the postroom in the Winter Village and his elves will deliver it.
There are also special animal talks throughout the holidays, focusing on 12 iconic species including lions, gorillas, penguins and giraffes.
www.londonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/events/magic-of-christmas