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Best Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes, Christmas 2017

By CW Contributor on 11/12/2017

We've rounded up the best family-friendly shows coming this Christmas season

Best Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes, Christmas 2017
Best Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes, Christmas 2017
Outside of Lapland, magic of Christmas is best found in London's theatres, with spectacular ballets, much-loved literary adaptations and laugh-out-loud pantomimes that bring the wonders of Christmas excited children and equally excited adults. London is, as ever, spoilt for choice with its Christmas events. Fortunately Culture Whisper has selected the very best Christmas shows in 2017 to ensure Winter is everyone's favourite month.

Stick Man, Leicester Square Theatre
21 October – 7 January | 2:00 PM – 2:55 PM
Ages: Recommended for children age 3 and up


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Stick Man, Leicester Square Theatre


Run, run, as fast as you can: and catch the Stick Man at Leicester Square Theatre this Christmas season. Based on the book by Julia Donaldson, this family-friendly show promises to be more fun than you could shake a Stick Man at.


find out more


Sleepyhead, Little Angel Theatre
17 November – 4 February| 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Ages: Recommended for children age 2 – 5


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Sleepyhead, Little Angel Theatre


What happens when Dad falls asleep first, and Baby gets his hands on the magic top hat? Part magic show, part circus act, and all fun, Sleepyhead tackles the struggles of bedtime. This charming show promises to make your bedtime struggles pale in comparison.


find out more


The Velveteen Rabbit, Unicorn Theatre
17 November – 31 December | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Ages: Recommended for children ages 4 and up


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Velveteen Rabbit, Unicorn Theatre


The touching story of a toy rabbit brought to life through the power of love will return to the Unicorn Theatre this November. Inspired by the classic picture book, families are invited to go behind the scenes join the titular rabbit for tea in a special workshop.


find out more


Cinderella, Hackney Empire
18 November – 31 December | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Age: Children age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Cinderella, Hackney Empire

Pantomime season begins with Cinderella at Hackney Empire. Aisha Jawando (Motown the Musical) is set to dazzle as the panto princess, and Hackney Empire pantomime regulars Tony Whittle and Kat B will star as the Ugly Sisters.


find out more


Jack and the Beanstalk, Lyric Hammersmith
18 November – 6 January | Times vary
Age: Children age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Jack and the Beanstalk, Lyric Hammersmith


Get ready for one giant pantomime as Jack and the Beanstalk touches down on the Lyric Hammersmith stage. With talking animals, songs, and and magic, the monumental adventure is sure to excite and delight the little ones.


find out more


A Christmas Carol, Old Vic Theatre
18 November – 20 January, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Ages: Recommended for ages 11 and up


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: A Christmas Carol, the Old Vic


Get your kids in the Christmas spirit ahead of schedule by booking a Christmas Carol at the Old Vic this November. Charles Dickens' classic will take to the stage, with Rhys Ifans (King Lear) starring as the famous miser, Ebenezer Scrooge.


find out more


Father Christmas, Lyric Hammersmith Christmas 2017
22 November – 24 December, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Ages: Recommended for ages 6 and under


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Father Christmas, Lyric Hammersmith


Families are invited to watch and learn as Santa Claus gets ready for the busiest night of the year. With plenty of music and puppetry, Father Christmas at the Lyric Hammersmith promises to offer some insight into the magic behind the scenes at the North Pole.


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Boing!, Unicorn Theatre Christmas 2017
22 November – 31 December, times vary between performances, check online
Ages: Recommended for ages 3 and up


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Boing! Unicorn Theatre


Bounce into the Christmas season with Boing! at the Unicorn Theatre. The energetic piece of dance-theatre explores the excitement before Christmas Eve, and sees two boys counting the seconds until the arrival of Santa Claus. Designed exclusively for toddlers, the show will have your little ones up and tapping their tiny toes in no time.


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The Snowman, Peacock Theatre
23 November – 31 December
Ages: Recommended for all ages


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: The Snowman, Peacock Theatre


A yearly favourite, The Snowman at the Peacock Theatre sees a little boy and his enchanted snowman on a magical Christmas journey. Like the book and film, the show is entirely without dialogue, but the performance will feature Howard Blake's classic score, ‘Walking in the Air’ performed by a live orchestra.


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King Tut, King's Head Theatre
24 November – 6 January | Times vary between performances, check online
Age: Children age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: King Tut, King's Head Theatre


Pantomimes are, by definition, preposterous, but King Tut: A Pyramid Panto might just be the silliest of all this Christmas season. Little has been revealed about the performance, but rest assured the masterminds behind Charles Court Opera will deliver a panto to remember.


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Caravantomime
1 December – 22 December
Ages: Recommended for children aged 3 and up


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Caravantomime


Pile the kids into the Caravan Theatre for an anti-pantomime comedy. The 20-minute show promises to deliver laughs galore. Designed to maximize the intimate theatre space that seats an audience of nine, this is one show you won't want to miss. But you just might – Caravantomime is traveling across Bankside this holiday season, delivering festive cheer to as many locations as possible. Check online to track the traveling caravan show.


find out more


The Box of Delights, Wilton’s Music Hall
1 December – 6 January
Ages: Recommended for children aged 7 and up


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Box of Delights, Wilton's Music Hall


The story of a child tasked with protecting the titular Box will take to Wilton's Music Hall this Christmas. Young fans of Dr. Who and Harry Potter will be charmed by this enchanted, time-travelling box that redefines the meaning of 'Christmas magic'.


find out more


Pinocchio, National Theatre
1 December 2017 – 7 April 2018 |7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Ages: Recommended for children ages 8 and up


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Pinocchio, National Theatre


The National Theatre presents Pinocchio, the first-ever stage adaptation of the 1940 film. Join Jiminy Cricket, Geppetto, and, of course, Pinocchio himself in this production brought to the stage by powerhouses of West End talent: writer Dennis Kelly (Matilda) and director John Tiffany (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).


find out more


Under a Magical Moon, Jacksons Lane
2 December – 24 December
Ages: Recommended for ages 3 and up


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Under a Magical Moon, Jacksons Lane


J.M. Barrie's magical tale of marvellous mayhem will be given a feminist twist this December. Peter Pan, retold from Wendy's perspective, will take to the stage at Jacksons Lane theatre in what promises to be a captivating retelling of the classic.


find out more


Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker, Royal Opera House
5 December – 10 January 18 | Matinees at 12:30 or 14:00, evening performances at 19:30 or 19:00
Ages: All ages


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: the Nutcracker, Royal Ballet


Is it even Christmas without the Nutcracker? Step into the Royal Opera House for a performance of the classic Christmas ballet set to Tchaikovsky's luscious and much-loved score.


find out more


Scrooge and the Seven Dwarves, Theatre503
6 December – 6 January 18, times vary between performances, check online
Age: Children age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Scrooge and the Seven Dwarves, Theatre503

Comedy trio Sleeping Trees is back in Theatre503 with a Christmas pantomime like no other. Combining Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol with the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, this performance promises a flurry of wonder and excitement – even if you are a Scrooge.


find out more


Dick Whittington, London Palladium
9 December – 14 January 2018 | Times vary between performances, check online
Age: Children age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Dick Whittington, London Palladium


The adventures of Dick Whittington and his cat will take to the London Palladium stage. The celebrity-packed panto will see Half a Sixpence star, Charlie Stemp, in the titular role backed by musical theatre legend Elaine Page.


find out more


The Little Match Girl, Lilian Baylis Studio
13 December – 24 December | Shows at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 and 19:00
Ages: Recommended for ages 5 and up


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Little Match Girl, Lilian Baylis Studio
Both beautiful and devastatingly sad, The Little Match Girl tells the story of a destitute child who struggles to survive a bitter winter night. This year, celebrated choreographer Arthur Pita is set to transform the classic into a fantastical ballet.


find out more


English National Ballet, Nutcracker London Coliseum
13 December – 6 January 18, 13:00, 14:30 or 19:30, check website
Ages: Recommended for all ages


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Nutcracker, London Coliseum


Join Clara at the London Coliseum this Christmas season for a performance of The Nutcracker by the English National Ballet. Director Wayne Eagling has more tricks up his sleeve than Dr. Drosselmeyer – we hear his version includes a hot air balloon.


find out more


Nativity! The Musical, Eventim Apollo
13 December – 17 December 2017 | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Age: Children age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Nativity! The Musical, Eventim Apollo


The story of Mr Maddens, Mr Poppy, and their whacky class's attempt to produce a Hollywood-level nativity play will be seen as a rip-roaring musical at the Eventim Apollo this Christmas season. Written and directed by Debbie Isitt, creator of the films, the stage interpretation promises all the joys of the original – and then some.


find out more


What the Moon Saw, The Place
20 December 17 – 22 December 17 | 12:00 – 12:45
Ages: Recommended for ages 3+


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: What the Moon Saw, the Place


What the Moon Saw is a re-imagining of a classic Hans Christian Andersen tale. The story follows the adventures of young Jack, who overcomes his fears with the help of his friend, the moon. This family-friendly dance piece promises to be one of the most original pieces of Christmas theatre this holiday season.


find out more


Passport to Adventure: Disney on Ice, O2 Arena
20 December 17 – 30 December 17, times vary between performances, check online
Ages: Recommended for ages 5 and up


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Passport to Adventure, Disney on Ice


Disney classics will glide into the O2 for a 10-day run. Even if you're not getting out of London this holiday season, there's no reason you can't pick up your passport to adventure with all your favourite Disney characters, on the ice.


find out more


Peter Pan, SSE Arena
29 December – 30 December | Times vary between performances, check online
Age: Children age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult


Family Christmas Shows and Pantomimes 2017: Peter Pan, SSE Arena


Few pantomimes promise the thrills and chills of Peter Pan at the SSE Arena, where 100 performers (including trapeze artists, BMX bike stuntmen, and custard pie slapstick specialists) will bring J.M. Barrie's timeless tale to life. Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet), will play Captain Hook, and Bradley Walsh (Coronation Street, Law & Order: UK) is set to feature as the lovable Mr Smee.


find out more



Still not enough? This is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of family Christmas fun... click
here to explore more of Culture Whisper's family-friendly picks
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