Boo at the villain, thrill in the love story between the pauper and the princess, and delight in the panto dame. Everybody loves an outing to the theatre at Christmas time. London has a myriad of shows, musical theatre and events for your family this Christmas.
“He’s Behind You!” – Pantomime Season
Most Christmas pantos are staged at smaller venues outside of central London. It’s intimate entertainment for the entire family and a perfect way to round off a trip to the city over the holidays.
Potted Panto is back in the West End starring CBBC presenters Jeff and Dan. It’s a treat for the whole family and young children will love the live show with their favourite television heroes. From 18 December at the Vaudeville Theatre, Potted Panto gives you eight of the best-loved panto stories in 80 minutes of riotous fun.
Aladdin is playing at the Lyric Hammersmith, and is just one of several Aladdin pantos across the city this year. Taking the best traditions of panto and the modern spectacular of a musical and delivering an evening of Christmas fun and entertainment.
The Hackney Empire has Cinderella and The New Wimbledon Theatre is staging Dick Whittington with that fantastic Dame, Edna Everage.
Theatre at a Train Station? Delightful Family Musicals this Christmas
Peppa Pig is a live theatre show based on the hugely popular television show for young children. It runs from 30 November at the Criterion theatre. With short vignettes guaranteed to capture the attention of toddlers and young children, Peppa Pig is the perfect treat for families looking for a great show and family entertainment.
For something a little different, take the family to see The Railway Children which is enjoying an extended run until early January. Staged at the Waterloo Station theatre, The Railway Children will take the whole family on a journey into the classic story by E Nesbitt. You can also enjoy The Gruffalo at the Lyric Theatre or Swallows and Amazons for a family theatre experience that is decidedly different.
London Spectacle and Spectacular Events in December
If you’re heading into the city for a theatre treat try to book your show to coincide with some of the spectacular London Christmas events and specials that take place each year. Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is the largest outdoor ice rink in London with a Christmas Fair, Santa’s Grotto and loads of Christmas foodie treats. The Natural History Museum also has an ice rink this year, so you can enjoy an entire day of fun at one of London’s premier attractions.
You have to include the Christmas lights on Regent Street, Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square if you’re planning a holiday outing to London. The lighting ceremony in Trafalgar Square is happening on 2 December 2011, and there is a daily program of events leading up to Christmas Day. The Spitalfields Winter Festival offers daily specials and both classic and contemporary Christmas gifts and festive fare. Enjoy a Chocolate Festival at Southbank Centre or take your children to any of the special Santa’s Grotto events at Harrods or Selfridges.
There are hundreds of Christmas events and specials in the city, hotels, shops and attractions all get into the spirit of Christmas to give you and your family a chance to see the sights of London with festive brilliance and shining splendour.
Before you start booking, remember to check out the latest discount vouchers for savings across theatre tickets, train travel, accommodation, dining, and of course – Christmas shopping.
This guest editorial has been provided on behalf of www.vouchercloud.com.