Lifestyle
6 Magical Winter Shows For All The Family
Book 2023’s best festive entertainment now.
Make memories this Christmas and take the whole family to an unforgettable show. There’s something for everyone, from tantrum-prone toddlers to thrill-seeking teenagers – even the most stubborn of Scrooges will feel their spirits raised with Richard Curtis’ show, Christmas, Actually, and nostalgic favourites like The Snowman.
Here, we’ve picked six winter shows for all the family. ‘Tis the season to be jolly.
Old Bauble Factory, Until 7 January 2024
Ever wondered where your wishes go? Brought to you from the team behind Secret Cinema, this 75-minute Christmas show about wishes is unlike any other. Inside London’s Old Bauble Factory beneath Waterloo station, discover a fully immersive walk-through experience. Meet robins, wish keepers and Father Christmas as you become part of the story in this theatrical extravaganza. A feast for all the senses. Book it.
The Dominion Theatre, Until 6 January 2024
This smash-hit musical is quite possibly what your family need to kickstart the festive feeling. For eight weeks only, Elf the Musical is back at the Dominion Theatre. Based on the motion picture of the same name, this feel-good show is funny, charming and downright silly. There’s an indoor snowstorm, Santa’s flying sleigh and an audience snowball fight. Book it.
The Royal Festival Hall, 7-11 December
You can rely on Richard Curtis to put on a good show and this series of five evenings, hosted at the Royal Festival Hall in aid of comic relief, is case in point. There’ll be poems, unexpected famous people, rousing (and rowdy) carols, brilliantly awful Christmas cracker jokes and moving stories at the most magnificent of venues. You’re in for a treat. Book it.
The Peacock Theatre, Until 30 December
It doesn’t get much more enchanting than The Snowman which returns again to The Peacock Theatre and is now in its record breaking sixteenth year. Based on Raymond Brigg’s classic book and film, the nostalgic stage adaptation is about a young boy’s snowman coming to life on Christmas Eve. Howard Blake’s Walking In the Air is performed by a live band. Spine-tingling. Book it.
The Old Vic, Until 6 January 2024
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, which is back at The Old Vic for this festive season. Joyously adapted by Jack Thorne and starring Emmy Award-winner Christopher Eccleston as Ebenezer Scrooge, this year’s production promises to be better than ever. And for those that want more, there is Christmas Story Telling with children’s author and poet Michael Rosen on 16 December too. Book it.
Shakespeare’s Globe, 8 December – 7 January 2024
‘A road made of bits of bread, says she? Yes, a road, and a road we can eat – follow me!’ Where better to watch the new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale Hansel and Gretel than outside at Shakespeare’s Globe. Alongside the show which, holds a special place in many hearts, is a recommended drama and music workshop, aimed at 5-8 year olds. Book it.
By Annabel Jack
November 2023
Here, we’ve picked six winter shows for all the family. ‘Tis the season to be jolly.
Wishmas: A Fantastical Christmas Adventure
Old Bauble Factory, Until 7 January 2024
Ever wondered where your wishes go? Brought to you from the team behind Secret Cinema, this 75-minute Christmas show about wishes is unlike any other. Inside London’s Old Bauble Factory beneath Waterloo station, discover a fully immersive walk-through experience. Meet robins, wish keepers and Father Christmas as you become part of the story in this theatrical extravaganza. A feast for all the senses. Book it.
Elf The Musical
The Dominion Theatre, Until 6 January 2024
This smash-hit musical is quite possibly what your family need to kickstart the festive feeling. For eight weeks only, Elf the Musical is back at the Dominion Theatre. Based on the motion picture of the same name, this feel-good show is funny, charming and downright silly. There’s an indoor snowstorm, Santa’s flying sleigh and an audience snowball fight. Book it.
Christmas, Actually
The Royal Festival Hall, 7-11 December
You can rely on Richard Curtis to put on a good show and this series of five evenings, hosted at the Royal Festival Hall in aid of comic relief, is case in point. There’ll be poems, unexpected famous people, rousing (and rowdy) carols, brilliantly awful Christmas cracker jokes and moving stories at the most magnificent of venues. You’re in for a treat. Book it.
The Snowman
The Peacock Theatre, Until 30 December
It doesn’t get much more enchanting than The Snowman which returns again to The Peacock Theatre and is now in its record breaking sixteenth year. Based on Raymond Brigg’s classic book and film, the nostalgic stage adaptation is about a young boy’s snowman coming to life on Christmas Eve. Howard Blake’s Walking In the Air is performed by a live band. Spine-tingling. Book it.
A Christmas Carol
The Old Vic, Until 6 January 2024
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, which is back at The Old Vic for this festive season. Joyously adapted by Jack Thorne and starring Emmy Award-winner Christopher Eccleston as Ebenezer Scrooge, this year’s production promises to be better than ever. And for those that want more, there is Christmas Story Telling with children’s author and poet Michael Rosen on 16 December too. Book it.
Hansel and Gretel
Shakespeare’s Globe, 8 December – 7 January 2024
‘A road made of bits of bread, says she? Yes, a road, and a road we can eat – follow me!’ Where better to watch the new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale Hansel and Gretel than outside at Shakespeare’s Globe. Alongside the show which, holds a special place in many hearts, is a recommended drama and music workshop, aimed at 5-8 year olds. Book it.
By Annabel Jack
November 2023
Read More
Annabel Jack
Contributing Editor
Annabel is a regular contributor to The Guide, with a taste for the finest in food, fashion and interiors.
FIND OUT MORE