Experience a West End Christmas like never before with Crown Group of Hotels, and make the most of London theatre at Christmas. Whether you are getting last-minute theatre tickets, or you booked weeks in advance, the West End shows are not to be missed.
It doesn’t matter if you are doing a family Christmas theatre, or a solo visit to clear your head, we all deserve to experience the same sense of wonder. So, why not make the most of your trip and book a show this festive season—it’s easier than ever when all the popular theatres are right on the doorstep of several of our own hotels.
What Makes London’s West End Magical at Christmas?
London’s West End is magical year-round, but during the festive period, it truly comes alive. Bustling with classic shows, fun music, and an ambience that will make you feel like you are walking through a fairytale land, there’s nothing like it.
Here, you can re-live all your best moments from childhood, and form so many new and wonderful memories with loved ones through beautifully crafted stages and stories, and actors who put their heart and soul into every move they make to bring a tear to your eye, or a smile to your face.
Which Christmas Shows in the West End Are Best for Families in 2025?
If you want to experience a West End Christmas, you need to see one of the classic Christmas shows the city has to offer. Our personal favourites include A Christmas Carol and the Nutcracker, but why stop there?
A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic)
Enjoy a classic Christmas story with A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic this festive season. As a magical must-fee for Christmas lovers and theatre kids alike, this West End runs from 12 November 2025 to 10 January 2026.
Everyone should get the chance to experience this acclaimed adaptation of Dickens’ classic, telling the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from miser to rediscovered kindness after ghostly visits on Christmas Eve.
Immersive staging, fantastic acting, and a story that never fails to pierce your heart, this play brings you into the heart of the action. With haunting spirits, joyous carols, and heartwarming redemption on stage, A Christmas Carol is the only right way to experience London’s festive season.
Nutcracker (London Coliseum)
If you like classic Christmas, The Nutcracker at London Coliseum has to be on your to-do list this festive season. The enchanting retelling by English National Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s timeless score to life with over 100 dancers, lavish sets and live orchestra to set the scene into something incredible.
Set in a magical Edwardian Christmas world, the story whisks you from cosy holiday celebrations to exciting lands that are perfect for families, couples or solo theatre lovers seeking festive wonder.
Which Musicals and Pantomimes are Perfect for Adults or Couples?
There is nothing like a West End Christmas to make the festive season unforgettable. With shows like The Lion King, Wicked, and Matilda the Music, there is always going to be something for everyone in this great city. Whether you want something fun and whimsy, or something to pull on your heartstrings, book tickets to a show that is going to stay in your memories forever.
Disney’s The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre)
Disney’s The Lion King is playing at Lyceum Theatre this festive season and remains a theatre must‑see in London for all ages. Expect a spectacular 2½‑hour show complete with life‑size puppets, vibrant costumes, and beloved songs like “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata.”
It’s a perfect mix of heart, spectacle and emotion, and a classic that will never get old. This West End show is ideal for anyone, anywhere, whether you’re visiting with family, friends or a partner, and it makes for an unforgettable night out in the West End that you and your loved ones will remember forever
Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre)
Prepare to be dazzled by Wicked, playing at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, this festive season. This West End classic reimagines Oz’s story with heart, spectacle and soul, featuring award‑winning songs like “Defying Gravity,” on breathtaking sets and truly unforgettable performances.
Wicked offers a spellbinding mix of emotion, magic and show‑stopping musical numbers that will have you singling along every moment. It’s perfect for a night of fun with the family, or a significant other you want to cosy up to.
Matilda The Musical (Cambridge Theatre)
Find another classic playing at the Cambridge Theatre this festive season with Matilda The Musical. This family-friendly musical is a must‑see for anyone visiting London in December, whether you’re with family, friends, a significant other, or on a solo trip. Enjoy plenty of laughs and maybe even a few tears at this multi‑award‑winning musical.
A story full of heart, humour and imagination, Matilda is full of magic and inspiring themes that will leave you thinking and appreciating the wonders of life and London.
Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre)
Playing at Sondheim Theatre this festive season, catch Les Misérables for a night of love, sacrifice, and redemption. This West End show is and always will be a must-see for anyone who gets the chance and loves drama and a story that invokes emotion with every song.
Set in 19th‑century Paris, this production includes iconic songs like “I Dreamed a Dream”, “One Day More” and “On My Own,” with incredible performances and staging that will leave you breathless. Lasting an impressive 2 hours 50 minutes (including interval), Les Mis makes a perfect evening outing for theatre lovers, families, or couples seeking a truly unforgettable West End experience this December.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre)
Another classic that will surely bewitch your senses is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, playing at the Palace Theatre this festive season. This theatrical spectacle is like no other, and brings the wizarding world to life once again through creative staging, jaw-dropping illustrations, and a fresh generation of characters as they navigate magic.
As a multi-award willing two-part play, you can experience the incredible story once again after all these years. Whether you are exploring London with family or friends, anyone will be able to get behind a trip to the Palace Theatre for something as spectacular as this.
When Are Matinees and Shows on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day or New Year’s?
Spanning throughout the festive period, you have plenty of time to catch several shows across November and December to make the most out of your trip to London, whether it’s just for the weekend or a business trip.
Most shows will start in the afternoon or evenings, with some as early as 12:00 to be perfect for a family trip out, while others might start later in the evening to set the scene for a more intimate night. Please check official sites for confirmed dates and times, as they are subject to change.
How Do You Secure Great Tickets and Avoid Sold-Out Dates?
Book as soon as possible! Everyone wants to experience the magic and wonder of the West End at Christmastime, and the festive season brings tourists from all over the world. Get your tickets secured ahead of time, and book in advance to make sure that you get the date and time you want.
How to Combine Theatre, Dining and Sightseeing for a Perfect Festive Day
London has so much more to offer than its fabulous West End Christmas, so don’t forget to experience the rest of the city, too! While you can easily visit Lyceum Theatre, The London Coliseum, Cambridge Theatre, Sondheim, and Palace Theatre from Crown Group’s hotels in the neighbouring area, or venture out further to visit The Old Vic or Apollo Victoria Theatre, don’t forget about spots along the Thames, Christmas markets and sightseeing, too!
Home to museums and top spots like Big Ben, the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and so much more, London is full of history wherever you look. Or, if you want to experience the best of the city’s nightlife, why not venture into Shoreditch, or see the wonders and bars that Soho has to offer?
Stay With Crown Group of Hotels to Enjoy London’s West End
Book your festive stay with Crown Group of Hotels today and get to experience the West End Christmas you have always dreamed of. Stay with us, and we can help you turn your London Christmas into an unforgettable theatre-filled holiday.
Stay with Crown Group of Hotels at Mabledon Court Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Arran House Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, or Great St. Helen Hotel, and please read through our booking and privacy policies and terms and conditions.
