PANTOMIMES AND SEASONAL SHOWS
 
Pantomime, a type of musical/comedy theatrical entertainment, based on old folk stories or fairytales, with slapstick humour, sing-a-longs, plenty of audience participation and always a happy ending, is only performed during the Christmas season, and is a phenomenon unique to Great Britain. We’ve listed our favourite choices of Pantos below, along with our top selection of other hot shows to catch over the holidays.
 
 
 
GOLDILOCKS
7^th December 2019 – 21^st January 2020
 
Goldilocks and the three bears come to the West End for the holiday season. This festive extravaganza is packed with riotous comedy routines, special effects, hair-raising stunts, International circus acts and an all star cast including Nigel Havers, Paul O’Grady and Julien Clary. Roll up, roll up to see pantomime join the circus and be swept away by a London Palladium spectacular and this years not to be missed panto of the season!



London Palladium, 8 Argyll Street, Soho, London W1F 7TF
www.lwtheatres.co.uk
 
 
CINDERELLA
7^th December 2019 – 5^th January 2020
 
You shall go to the ball! Join Cinderella as she goes from rags to riches, outwits her wicked step-sisters and meets her dashing Prince Charming.  This fairy Godmother of all pantomimes comes to the new Wimbledon Theatre this season and features laugh out loud comedy, jaw dropping special effects, stunning songs and dances and plenty of boos and hisses, as this fairy tale of old is brought to life.
 


New Wimbledon Theatre, 93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1QG
www.atgtickets.com
 
 
 
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
7^th December 2019 – 5^th January 2020
 
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is packed with all of the traditional pantomime ingredients audiences love, and this year it is spectacularly brought to life at the Richmond Theatre with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery. There’ll be a magic mirror, seven friendly dwarfs, a beautiful princess, a handsome prince and plenty of audience participation as our heroine tries to outwit the wicked Queen and let love prevail in this festive treat for all ages.
 


Richmond Theatre, Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ
www.atgtickets.com/richmond
 
 
 
THE NUTCRACKER
11^th December 2019 – 5^th January 2020
 
A visit to see the English National Ballet perform The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum is an unmissable Christmas treat this December. With over 100 dancers and musicians bringing the famous story to life; the scene is set on a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost dusted Edwardian London, where Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world, which takes them on a hot air balloon ride to the glistening Land of Snow where the adventure really begins. Exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s famous score make this a truly magical experience for the holiday season.
 


London Coliseum, 33 St Martin’s Lane, Westminster, London WC2N 4ES
www.londoncoliseum.org
 
 
 
THE SNOWMAN
22^nd November 2019 – 6^th January 2020
 
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a trip to see The Snowman. The enchanting stage show based on Raymond Brigg’s classic book, tells the story of a boy and his magical snowman’s wintery wonderland adventure. As a friendship is kindled, the two embark on a starry-skied journey to the North Pole, where they meet dancing penguins, an Ice Princess, Jack Frost and ofcourse Father Christmas. With music and lyrics by Howard Blake, and choreographed by Robert North, The Snowman, now in its 22^nd year has become a much loved festive tradition with a captivating mix of dance, music, storytelling, spectacle and magic.



Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, London WC2A 2HT
www.sadlerswells.com
 
 
 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
23^rd November 2019 – 18^th January 2020
 
Christmas in London wouldn’t be complete without a performance of Charles Dicken’s classic holiday tale. This festive season, Matthew Warchus’ smash hit production of A Christmas Carol, returns for the third consecutive year to London’s Old Vic theatre in a joyous adaptation created for the stage, by Jack Thorne, who also wrote the critically acclaimed ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’.  In this story of greed, love, redemption and family, the Crachits, make the most of the little they have, while the rich miser, Scrooge, deals with otherworldly visitors, who present him with alternative realities to his past, present and future. Can Ebenezer be saved before its too late?
 


The Old Vic, The Cut, London SE1 8NB
www.oldvictheatre.com
 
 
 
WHITE CHRISTMAS
16^th November 2019 – 4^th January 2020
 
Are you dreaming of a White Christmas? If so, grab tickets for the ultimate festive musical, adapted from the classic Hollywood movie and one of the best loved Christmas films ever made, where a Christmas miracle sees two old army buddies and performing partners, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis (originally played by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye), join singing sisters Betty and Judy Haynes, to create a stage show in Vermont at an inn owned by their former commander who is in financial trouble. Will they manage to save the inn? With music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, you’ll recognize the show tunes, and tap your feet to the spectacular dance routines, but the star of the show will always be the seasonal song to beat all seasonal songs White Christmas itself.


 
Dominion Theatre, 69 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7AQ
www.dominion.theatre-tickets.com
 
 
 
CIRCUS 1903
19^th December 2019 – 5^th January 2020
 
Experience all the thrills and daredevil entertainment of a turn of the century circus when Circus 1903 returns to the Southbank this Christmas with new acts for 2019, including the Brazilian Wheel of Death and sensational life sized elephants created to stunning effect, by the puppeteers of award winning stage play War Horse. With a huge cast of the most unique and jaw-dropping dangerous acts from all four corners of the globe, including strong men, contortionists, acrobats, musicians, knife throwers, high wire and much more, Circus 1903 will amaze, captivate, and transport audiences to the mesmerizing Golden age of the circus.
 

Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE18XX
www.circus1903.com
 
 
 
MARY POPPINS
31^st October 2019 – 29^th March 2020
 
The magical story of the world’s favourite nanny, is triumphantly brought back to its original West End home this Winter, when Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s multi award winning musical, returns to the Prince Edward Theatre. Spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs, the stage production of Mary Poppins is brilliantly adapted from the wonderful stories by PL Travers and the original Disney film. With a timeless score by Richard and Robert Sherman, you’ll soon find yourself ‘stepping in time’ to a ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ experience this festive season.
 

Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 4HS
www.princeedwardtheatre.co.uk
 
 
 
 
CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTS AND SERVICES
 
This Christmas season, head to one of the Capital’s iconic Churches or Cathedrals, to join worshippers, in an Advent or Christmas service, or visit one of the other beautiful venues in London to enjoy a special festive service or winter concert. Below are our top choices for the holiday season. 
 
 
ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICES
December 2019
 
There are two services, (6^th and 19^th December) which can be pre-booked, but they are extremely popular, so early booking is advised. There are also however, a full range of Advent and Christmas services available throughout the month of December, which are free and on a first come first served basis. Service times can vary, so it is strongly advised to check the site in advance to avoid disappointment.
 

St Paul’s Churchyard, City, London EC4M 8AD
www.stpauls.co.uk
 
 
 
ST MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELD AT CHRISTMAS
28^th November 2019 – 1^st January 2020
 
From the end of November to New Years day, there are many seasonal concerts and carol services available at St Martin-in-the-fields this festive season. With choirs, classical music recitals, carols by candlelight and family concerts all on the schedule, everyone can join in with the Christmas celebrations and get festive at one of the most historic sites in London. There is selected ticket availability but it is strongly advised to book in advance on line to avoid disappointment.
 

St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JH
www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org
 

 
 
CHRISTMAS AT ST JAMES’S CHURCH, PICCADILLY.
30^th November – 29th December 2019
 
The stunning musicians of the Piccadilly Sinfonietta, perform a selection of timeless classical pieces in a hugely appealing Christmas programme, set to get you into the festive spirit this December. Head over to St James’s Church in Piccadilly this Winter, to enjoy a selection of spectacular seasonal music performances from some of the most accomplished musicians in the country.

 
St James’s Church, Piccadilly, London W1J 9LL
www.ticketsource.co.uk
 

 
 
CHRISTMAS SINGALONG AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
21^st December 2019 – 24^th December 2019
 
Sing along to all your beloved Christmas classics from the spectacular surroundings of The Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, in what’s set to be one of London’s finest carol concerts this winter season. With performances from the National Youth Choir of Great Britain, and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, get ready for a fun and festive evening which will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. There is ticket availability but it is strongly advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
 

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
www.royalalberthall.com
 

 
 
BARBICAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
16^th December 2019 – 1^st January 2020
 
Herald the holiday period with a wonderful season of festive concerts at The Barbican. With a month long programme of different concerts, there is something for everyone. Classical music recitals, carol services, seasonal classics sung by candlelight, singalongs, big band nights, festive film scores and a New Years day Prom, this Christmas at the Barbican will be unforgettable. There is ticket availability but it is advised to book in advance on line to avoid disappointment.
 

The Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
www.barbican.org.uk


 
 
ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL
14^th December 2019 - 15^th December 2019
 
Deck the halls for a two nights of Yuletide favourites, with The Southbank Centre’s special Christmas concerts this year at the Royal Festival Hall. Bringing the spirit of Christmas to life with a mix of Christmas carols and all time festive favourites, get ready to falalalala along with celebrity guest performers, choirs and two of London’s most accomplished orchestras, in what promises to be feel good festive fun.
 

Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
 
 

 
WINTER MARKETS AND FUNFAIRS
 
We all love a funfair, and who doesn’t like browsing round a busy street market, so what could possibly be more fun that a winter one? Here are our top choices of  Winter markets and festive funfairs which will soon be popping up for the holiday season.
 
 
WINTER WONDERLAND
21^st November 2019 – 5^th January 2020
 
Hyde Park is once again hosting what is probably London’s biggest and most visited outdoor destination at Christmas. With outdoor market stalls, restaurants, a fun fair, icerink, comedy club, circus megadrome and ice bar, get ready to fully immerse yourself in all things festive this Christmas.

 
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

 
 

WINTERVILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET
15^th November 2019 – 23^rd December 2019
 
The Winterville Christmas market is the perfect place to take yourself if you want to get into the Christmas spirit but also enjoy an alternative festive experience. With live DJ’s, roaming magicians, kids raves, Mexican wrestling and a Christmas show on a double decker bus, this is the perfect place for the whole family to visit. There is also street food, a Christmas maze, crazy golf, and a craft fair.


Winterville, Clapham Common, London SW4 9DE
www.winterville.co.uk

 
 

WINTER MARKET AT SOUTHBANK CENTRE
9^th November 2019 – 27^th December 2019
 
Eat, drink and be merry bedside the River Thames at the Southbank Winter Market this November and December. Expect seasonal goodies, sparkling lights, mulled wine and a warm cosy festive feeling! Alongside the usual  food stalls and pop ups, traders from around the world bring an array of handmade festive goodies and delicious sweet treats, so get yourselves there for all your Christmas decorations, stocking fillers and presents.
 

Southbank Centre, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 8XX
www.southbankcentre.co.uk
 
 


WINTER MARKET AT LEICESTER SQUARE
9^th November 2019 – 5^th January 2020
 
Take a stroll through a traditional Christmas market at  Leicester Square this Winter.  You’ll be able to sample the finest seasonal treats and surprises, sip on warming mulled wine or nibble a delicious hot snack from one of the many food stalls. There will also be bespoke goods, confectionary, children’s hand crafted toys and festive ornaments and accessories, all housed in authentic Bavarian-style wood huts.
 

Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE
www.christmasinleicestersquare.com
 
 
 
 
ICE RINKS
 
London’s collection of Winter popup ice rinks grows every year, so get your skates on and check out the best of the bunch below. 
 
 
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
19^th October 2019 – 12^th January 2020
 
Experience the thrill of skating, surrounded by fairy lights nestled in frost-covered trees, with the smell of mulled wine in the air. Set against the backdrop of the Waterhouse building, the Ice rink at the natural History Museum is one of the most magical places to visit this season, so whether you dance like Torvill and Dean, or skate more like Bambi, a visit to the museum’s ice rink is a must.
 

Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD
www.nhm.ac.uk
 
 
 
 
SOMERSET HOUSE
13^th November 2019 – 12^th January 2020
 
This year, London’s most beautiful Ice rink returns to celebrate twenty years of ice-skating at Somerset house. Transforming the Edward J Safra Fountain Court into a winter oasis, with a forty foot Christmas tree and Fortnum and Mason arcade, there are late night DJ sessions, skating lessons, and the first ever skating all nighter. Enjoy seasonal shopping, delicious treats and warming cups of mulled wine or hot chocolate while you soak up the rinks atmosphere in the shadow of one of London’s most iconic buildings.
 

Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
www.somersethouse.org.uk
 
 
 
 
HAMPTON COURT
22^nd November 2019 – 5^th January 2020
 
Prepare to be swept away by the seasonal atmosphere of one of the most beautiful ice rinks you will visit this Christmas, set in the grounds of famous English Palace and home of Henry VIII, Hampton Court. With spectacular views of the Thames-side Tudor Palace, this stunning ice rink offers something for everyone. Enjoy a daytime skate and a visit to the palace, or soak up the evening ambience when the historic site is bathed in light. There are also delicious treats, hot drinks and food to be sampled, so whether you are a skater or a spectator Hampton Court is a must see.
 

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
www.hrp.org.uk
 
 
 
 
TOWER OF LONDON
16^th November 2019 – 5^th January 2020
 
London’s most famous castle gets festive this Christmas with a stunning pop up ice rink. As you glide around the ice, take in the magic and ambience of the Castle, which offers the most unique and unforgettable setting. Whether you are novice or an expert there is something for everyone, with early morning children and family sessions and picturesque evening lates when the castle is bathed in a dramatic and jaw dropping light display. For history with a modern twist, there is no better winter location. 
 

Tower Hill, St Katharine’s and Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
www.toweroflondonicerink.co.uk
 
 
 
 
OUTDOORS AT CHRISTMAS
 
London is famous for its manicured parks and gardens, but we often overlook them during the winter seasons, preferring to opt for warmer indoor activities.  Prepare for this to change this holiday season as some of London’s most famous gardens transform into magical winter wonderlands to enchant you and put you into the festive spirit.
 
 
CHRISTMAS AT KEW
20^th November 2019 – 5^th January 2020
 
Framed by glittering spiral trees, dynamic laser projections, a treetop walkway and the illuminated Temperate house, Christmas at Kew is now in its seventh year, the 2019 winter trail takes a magical new route this year which includes a host of new installations. Holly bushes sing, dazzling arches cascade glowing silvery shards of light, and tree canopies are drenched in Christmas lights.


Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB
www.kew.org
 

 
 
ENCHANTED WOODLAND AT SYON PARK
15^th November 2019 – 1^st December 2019
 
Get into the festive spirit with a walk around the enchanted Woodland at Syon Park. Explore the 600 year old gardens of Syon Park, the London home of the Duke of Northumberland, as they are transformed into a fairytale wonderland for three special weekends this winter. With interactive lights, a dedicated trail, beautiful displays and over 400 species of trees in the grounds there is plenty to explore and all are celebrated during the illuminations.

 
Syon House, Syon Park, London Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 8JF
www.enchantedwoodland.com

 

 
CHRISTMAS TREE AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE
5^th December 2019 – 5^th January 2020
 
See the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree lighting and blessing of the crib ceremony, which features a torch lit procession and music from St Martin-in-the-Fields church. The tree has been famously gifted to London, by the Norwegian city of Oslo, every year since 1947, as a mark of gratitude for Britain’s support to them during the Second World War. The enormous 25 metre tall tree is illuminated with Norwegian style lighting decorations and there are nightly sing-a-long carol services during the festive season for the public to enjoy, while soaking up the magical atmosphere of London’s most famous Square.
 

Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
www.london.gov.uk
 

 
 
RICHMOND PARK CHRISTMAS CARRIAGE RIDE
December 2019
 
Enjoy a Christmas experience to remember in Richmond Park this holiday season with a timeless winter carriage ride, drawn by elegant grey horses.  You will experience this beautiful Royal Park, from a different perspective, as it would have been enjoyed in a bygone era, and also sample warm refreshments and a unique behind the scenes visit to the stables after your promenade. Tickets cost £50 per person or you can book a landau carriage for up to five people for £195.

 
Richmond Park, Richmond, Surrey TW10 5HS
www.royalparks.org.uk
 
 
 
 
SANTA’S GROTTO
 
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to old St Nic, so if you can’t make it all the way to the North Pole to tell him whether you’ve been naughty or nice and ask for some of the items on your Yuletide wishlist, then go on down to one of the festive London pop ups for some face time with Santa and his elves.
 

FORTNUM AND MASON’S STORY TELLING WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS
3^rd December 2019 – 23^rd December 2019
 
Fortnum and Mason, has had a very special friendship with the Man in Red for over a century, and this year is no different. In the run up to Christmas, children aged from 3 – 11 can head to the Fifth floor Boardroom, to listen to a very special festive story read to them by no other than the great man himself. Afterwards, he’ll be handing out festive goodie bags for everyone to take home and listening to any of your last minute requests.
 

Fortnum and Mason, 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
www.fortnumandmason.com
 
 
 
 
FATHER CHRISTMAS AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
5^th December 2019 – 22^nd December 2019
 
Father Christmas once again returns to his secret London Headquarters at the Royal Albert Hall. In this fun and festive experience, children will encounter a range of magical North Pole characters as they walk through the hall to meet Father Christmas himself. They’ll discover the stories and characters of Christmas past and even gain some secret elf knowledge with the chance to make and bring home their very own stuffed toy.
 

Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP
www.royalalberthall.com

 
 
 
SANTA’S GROTTO AT THE MUSEUM OF LONDON
1st December 2019 – 23^rd December 2019
 
Christmas as we know it was invented during Victorian times. Take a stroll through Christmas past, at the London Museum, to experience the festive season as they knew it. With twinkling decorations, and the sounds of carols in the distance, travel through a Victorian walk, to discover Santa in his Grotto. Once you’ve found him and told him your special Christmas wishes you will receive a Christmas gift. You can even have a photo taken with Father Christmas to capture the moment.
 

Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN
www.museumoflondon.com
 

 
 
SANTA’S GROTTO AT HAMLEYS
23^rd November 2019 – 24^th December 2019
 
The largest toy store in the world, must of course be paid a visit by Father Christmas at this oh-so-special time of the year, so join him and his loveable elves for lots of fun and magic and make some festive memories this Holiday. Santa’s grotto is an extra special experience here, at the finest toy shop in the world, where children can take part in seasonal activities, learn some special elf songs and dances, spend time with Santa and receive an extra special gift bag to take home afterwards.
 

Hamleys, 188–196 Regent Street, London W1B 5BT
www.hamleys.com
 
 
NB: Don't forget to also check out our December Newsletter this Winter, which will have our usual top choices of SEASONAL SPECIAL EVENTS  for the month ahead.