The Christmas holidays are a wonderful time to take your children to the theatre. It's a great way to support your local theatres and pantomimes and get into the festive spirit. Even though my children are now teenagers, we still love planning a Christmas theatre trip together.
An outing to the theatre also helps children develop valuable life skills like focus and patience, while introducing them to the magic of live performance.
For tips on taking children to the theatre, take a look at my blog, 10 tips for children's theatre etiquette.
In the meantime, the Perform team have picked out some fantastic family-friendly shows to enjoy this festive season. Check them out below.
Elf the Musical | 28th October - 3rd January | London
Elf The Musical is back in the West End at the Aldwych Theatre and is sure to spread the Christmas cheer!
Based on the popular film, this musical is all about finding family and finding Christmas magic along the way.
Ages: 5+
Running time: 2.5 hours with a 20-minute interval
Pinocchio | 29th November - 4th January | London
The timeless tale of Pinocchio will come alive at the iconic Globe Theatre this Christmas.
If your child joined one of our Pinocchio holiday courses over the October half-term, this will be an extra-special treat.
Ages: 5+
Running time: 2 hours with a 20-minute interval
Jack and the Beanstalk | 23rd to 30th December | Brighton
The Brighton Family Panto team are bringing Jack and the Beanstalk to life for just one week this Christmas. Get ready to shout "He's behind you!" along with the rest of the audience.
Ages: All ages
Running time: 2 hours, including an interval.
The Gruffalo's Child | Friday 28th November - 11th January | London
This Christmas, the Lyric Theatre is presenting a magical musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's beloved picture book called The Gruffalo's Child.
The show is full of songs, laughs and adventure and promises to be a treat for the entire family, from 3 - 103!
Ages: 3+
Running time: 1 hour with no interval
Beauty and the Beast | 6th December - 4th January | Bromley
Beauty and the Beast in Bromley is sure to be a magical and enchanting experience for the whole family. The panto stars Ben Stock, who also played Merlin in Perform's own Magical Merlin West End show.
Ages: All ages
Running time: Approx 2 hours, including an interval.
Cinderella | 28th November - Sunday 4th January | Nottingham
Families in Nottingham won't want to miss the pantomime Cinderella at the Theatre Royal, packed with laugh-out-loud moments and dazzling costumes.
Ages: 3+
Running time: 2.5 hours, including an interval.
Sleeping Beauty | 27th November - 4th January | Cambridge
Panto magic is coming to Cambridge this Christmas with Sleeping Beauty at The Arts Theatre. With a talented cast of West End stars, it's a fun, magical show the whole family can enjoy.
Ages: All ages
Running time: 2 hours, including an interval.
The Nutcracker | 10th December - 4th January | London
St Martin's Theatre will host a lively and family-friendly reimagining of the iconic festive story, The Nutcracker, this Christmas. The one-hour show is the perfect length for younger children and a great introduction to the theatre.
Ages: 5+
Running time: 1hr 5min with no interval.
Ballet Shoes | 17th November - 21st February | London
The popular children's novel Ballet Shoes is being brought to life at the National Theatre this winter. Following the story of three adopted sisters, Pauline, Petrova and Posy, the play is set in 1930s London and is suited to any children who love dance.
Ages: 7+
Running time: Approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes with an interval
Jack and the Beanstalk | 6th December - 4th January 2026 | Bristol
Bristol Hippodrome will come alive with beloved panto Jack and the Beanstalk this festive season, packed with laughter, music, special effects and plenty of audience participation for children and families of all ages.
Ages: All ages
Running time: Approx 2.5 hours with an interval
