Christmas Pantos 2026 in London
Date post added: 2nd January 2026
A very British tradition, pantomime’s a big part of our festive entertainment. Up and down the country, from Glasgow to Swansea, Manchester to Bristol, we gather together to laugh, scream and sing along to festive, family pantomimes.
Men dress as women. Women dress as boys. There are slapstick jokes aplenty and the good guys always beat the baddies. The theatrical production is usually based on an age old fairy tale with a few topical jokes and modern songs shoehorned in.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing a Christmas pantomime, you’re missing a treat. Expect live music, incredible costumes, sparkling sets and stunning special effects. It’s the perfect way to spend family time together over the festive season.
What is the history behind Christmas pantomimes?
Like many British traditions, pantomime’s roots actually lie overseas. In Italy, to be precise. Pantomime’s origins lie in 16th-century Italian entertainment, ‘Commedia dell’Arte’. Nimble Harlequins, Columbines and mischievous Clowns danced, tumbled and enthralled audiences across Europe.
It wasn’t until the 18th century that these characters began appearing on the London stage in silent, music-accompanied pantomimes. John Rich’s Covent Garden theatre shows popularised the Harlequin chase and slapstick tricks (“slapstick” actually comes from his scenery-changing device).
As the 19th century rolled in, speech was permitted in theatre. It was then that fairy-tale plots, humorous wordplay, audience interaction and familiar roles like the Dame and Principal Boy became standard. But it was the Victorians who made pantomimes large-scale seasonal extravaganzas. The shows often opened on Boxing Day and were packed with glittering scenery, celebrity turns and a good dash of silly satire.
What are the most popular Christmas pantomime characters?
Despite this being a traditional festive fun activity, Father Christmas and Jesus rarely get a look in. Classic Christmas pantomime characters are the likes of Jack and the beanstalk, Cinderella, Dick Whittington and Robin Hood. Then of course there are the sidekicks like Buttons, Widow Twanky and a feckless sibling. Panto wouldn’t be panto without a villain too – ‘boooo’, ‘hissss’. From the Wicked Queen to King Rat, our hero always vanquishes their enemy.
Your kids may be familiar with many of the favourite pantomime stories and characters from classic Disney films like Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan.
10 of the top-rated Christmas pantomimes in London 2026
1. Sleeping Beauty – The London Palladium
The London Palladium pantomime is the stuff of legends. It’s always a big box office sensation, with stunning sets, dazzling special effects and creative costumes. But it’s the silliness that’s the real thrill of this show.
Led by Julian Clary as King Julian (of course) and Catherine Tate as Carabosse (the wicked stepmother), the Palladium panto is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Pantomime pros, Paul Zerdin and Nigel Havers are there to amplify the fun. Their fairy tale adage, “Whilst one small prick can be deadly, at the London Palladium you’re promised the happiest of endings,” gives you the gist of what to expect. Naughty panto at its best.
Sleeping Beauty runs from 6th December to 11th January 2026.
2. Jack and the Beanstalk – Lyric Hammersmith
Can Jack complete his mission and defeat his nemesis, the notorious Fleshcreep? Spoiler alert: oh yes he can!
Expect a mix of musical bangers, jaw-dropping magic and quick-witted comedy. It’s a wonderful, family show and audience participation is very much encouraged.
Aladdin runs from 20th November to 4th January 2026.
3. Robin Hood – New Wimbledon Theatre
This year, Sherwood Forest welcomes a new band of Merry Men. Ashley Banjo and Diversity will liven up proceedings, robbing from the rich to help the poor of Nottingham (well, Wimbledon).
Despite its title of ‘New Wimbledon Theatre’, this breathtaking Grade II listed venue dates back to 1910. And within these dramatic and highly decorated four walls, you can expect an epic pantomime.
Robin Hood runs from 6th December to 6th January 2026.
4. Pinocchio at Shakespeare’s Globe
Pinocchio isn’t a traditional panto choice. And Shakespeare’s Globe isn’t a conventional setting for panto either. So if you fancy a slightly less predictable Christmas show, this could be one for you.
As you’d expect, there’s a little wooden puppet who comes to life and makes toymaker Geppetto’s dreams come true. This brand new musical adaptation of the beloved children’s story will make you laugh and may just melt your heart too.
Pinocchio runs from 29th November to 4th January 2026.
5. Elf! the Musical – Aldwych Theatre, Drury Lane
The favourite Christmas film comes to the West End stage. This fun, festive and feel-good show returns to the Aldwych Theatre this winter. Join Buddy the elf on a journey of self-discovery around New York. It’s heartwarming, hilarious and features some cracking show tunes too.
Elf! runs from 28th October to 3rd January 2026.
6. Cinderella – Richmond Theatre
You shall go to the ball! Join Cinders, the handsome prince and her evil step-sisters at the ball this Christmas. Sit back and enjoy a good dose of glitzy costumes and sets, innuendo and plenty of audience participation. Remember to book your tickets before the clock strikes midnight!
Cinderella runs from 6th December to 4th January 2026
You can also catch Cinderella in East London, at the Hackney Empire.
7. Jack and the Beanstalk – King’s Head Theatre, Islington
You may think you know the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, but this new production gives it a makeover. Yes, Jack finds himself in Islington – just off Udder Street! See what happens when his beanstalk towers towards the North London skyline. All ages are welcome at this two-hour show.
Jack and the Beanstalk runs from 23rd November to 4th January 2026.
8. Potted Panto – Wilton’s Music Hall, Wapping
Why settle for one panto when you could enjoy a multitude in a single sitting? Seven classic pantos combine into one fast-paced production. Beloved Disney characters like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty take centre stage in this Olivier Award-nominated show. It’s a fun-packed whirlwind of mayhem – a perfect family treat for the whole family.
Potted Panto runs from 3rd December to 3rd January 2026.
9. Aladdin and the Magic Lamp – Soho Theatre, Walthamstow
Mysterious lamps. Magic carpets. An exotic princess (Jasmine). And nasty old Abanazar.
Follow Aladdin as he flies his enchanted carpet from one adventure to another. Expect magic, charm and a musical extravaganza in the East End of London.
Aladdin runs from 11th December to 4th January 2026.
10. Beauty and the Beast, Fairfield Theatre, Croydon
Bringing sparkle and romance to Croydon, Beauty and the Beast is a timeless tale. Ellie Dadd, Amy in EastEnders, leaves Albert Square behind her and dazzles as the show’s kind-hearted heroine, Belle. There’ll be high octane musical numbers, elegant choreography and plenty of laughs in this new production.
Beauty and the Beast runs from 12th December until 4th January 2026.
Other Christmas shows
It’s not all about pantos – “Oh yes it is!” “Oh no it isn’t!” You can get in the Christmas spirit at one of the many festive theatre shows on in town, including:
- The Nutcracker – the festive ballet is at London Coliseum
- A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story – plays at Alexandra Palace
- The Snowman – the Raymond Briggs’ classic is at the Peacock Theatre
- A Christmas Carol: Charles Dickens’ story – plays at The Old Vic
- A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong – the hit West End play turns festive at the Apollo Theatre
- Father Christmas Needs A Wee! – family fun at the Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street WC2
- Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show! – the cartoon favourite comes to the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
A perfect Christmas activity
Panto is such a wonderful Christmas tradition in Britain. We love it! But there’s plenty more to love about London at Christmas time. Try other festive fun activities around the city. And join our Christmas walks around London – ideal for foodies, crime-thriller seekers, pub-goers and literary fans alike.
We even host walks on Christmas Day and Boxing Day!
Pippa Jackson
Pippa is a word nerd and content aficionado with a background of working in TV on both sides of the globe. She loves to discover and share the diverse and wonderful stories of her much-loved London. When she’s not writing blogs and articles, you’ll find her walking beside the Thames or even paddleboarding on it (in the finest of conditions only!) or enjoying a coffee in the sunshine with a good book.
David Tucker
David – the Seigneur of this favoured realm – broods over words, breeds enthusiasms and is “unmanageable.”* He’s a balterer, literary historian, university lecturer, journalist, logophile and lifelong thanatophobe. For good measure, he’s the doyen of London guides.