Whilst we at Children’s Theatre Reviews are firm believers that children’s theatre is for life, not just for Christmas, we’re excited for another festive season filled with magical, imaginative and funny productions. Here are some of the must-see shows in London this Christmas.

Land of Lights
The little people are gone – but where? Journey to the land of lights and help to find the stars in an interactive, immersive production from one of the best theatre companies in the UK. Oily Cart offers audiences the chance to be central to the story, in a magical experience full of sights, sounds, smells and textures. For ages 3-5.

artsdepot, 15th Dec – 3rd Jan
https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/family-christmas/land-lights-0

Percy the Park Keeper’s Winter Park
After last year’s wonderful production of One Snowy Night, Discover Children’s Story Centre have returned to the Percy the Park Keeper series for this year’s festive offering. Percy and the animals have another housing crisis in Nick Butterworth’s After the Storm: when bad weather blows an old oak tree down, Percy has to find a new home for his friends. This storytelling session takes place in a sparkly winter park, and is followed by a craft workshop making Christmas decorations. For ages 3-6.

Discover Children’s Story Centre, 28th Nov – 23rd Dec
http://www.discover.org.uk/whatson/event/percy-the-park-keepers-winter-park

The Giraffe and The Pelly and Me
The musical spectacular based on Roald Dahl’s book returns to the Little Angel this Christmas. The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me tells the tale of four friends – a boy, a giraffe, a pelican and a monkey – who go into business as the ‘Ladderless Window Cleaning Company’. For ages 4-11.

Little Angel Theatre, 21st Nov – 31st Jan
https://littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on/the-giraffe-and-the-pelly-and-me/

The Bear
Wannabe popstar Tilly is delighted with her new visitor, but soon realises that the huge polar bear is quite a handful. The Bear is both silly and stunning – one minute Tilly is clearing a shovelful of bear poo, the next she is riding across the night sky on the bear’s back. Based on a Raymond Briggs book and adapted by the brilliant Pins and Needles, it’s bound to become a Christmas classic for children aged 4-8.

The Albany, 7th Dec – 3rd Jan
http://www.thealbany.org.uk/event_detail/1605/Family/The-Bear

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas
Father Christmas at the Lyric Hammersmith is a deserving Christmas tradition. Offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Santa’s big night, it’s guaranteed to bring glad tidings to even the grumpiest of grinches. An absolute must-see for children under 6.

Lyric Hammersmith, 20th Nov – 24th Dec
http://www.lyric.co.uk/whats-on/production/raymond-briggs-father-christmas/

Beasty Baby
In Beasty Baby, three people embark on life’s biggest adventure: raising a child. The family navigate nappy changes and struggle with sleep deprivation, but with plenty of love and laughter. A cozy Christmas treat that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. For ages 3-6.

Polka Theatre, until 3rd Jan
http://www.polkatheatre.com/whats-on/beasty-baby

Baddies: The Musical
For too long, Christmas has been dominated by fairytale goodies: Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and their ilk. But are they really so good? Hear the villains’ side of the story in this funny musical for ages 6+.

Unicorn Theatre, 3rd Nov – 24th Dec
https://www.unicorntheatre.com/whatson/110/baddies-the-musical

The Snow Child
A new adaptation of the old folktale, The Snow Child is the story of a childless couple who create a daughter out of snow. A visual treat suitable for ages 3+.

Unicorn Theatre, 18th Nov – 3rd Jan
https://www.unicorntheatre.com/whatson/111/the-snow-child

Kipper’s Snowy Day
Mick Inkpen’s much-loved character, Kipper, goes on a Christmas adventure in the snow with best friend Tiger, but can they find their way home again? Suitable for ages 3-8.

Watermans Arts Centre, 5th Dec – 23rd Dec
http://watermans.ticketsolve.com/shows/873535024/events?show_id=873535024

Wow! Said The Owl
One curious little owl is determined to stay awake and see what daytime is like! Filled with colour and stars, this production is for ages 2-4.

Little Angel Theatre, 2nd Dec – 31st Jan
https://littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on/wow-said-the-owl/

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