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Gift Guide: Get West End theatre tickets for Christmas

LondonTheatre.co.uk's editor has curated a list of 20 top shows for friends, family, and more so you can give the gift of theatre this Christmas.

Olivia Rook
Written byOlivia Rook

Struggling to decide what to buy someone for Christmas? Theatre tickets for London shows make the best gifts for the festive season — and with none of the fussy wrapping. See a classic show that's run in London for decades, or check out a brand-new production. There's guaranteed to be a show to suit that certain someone you've got in mind.

I have been gifting theatre tickets for years, and they're the perfect way to make extra time for family, friends, a partner, or even yourself! Instead of spending money on a piece of clothing or a gadget they won't use, give your loved ones the gift of live entertainment.

To make your job easier, I've rounded up 20 London shows that would make great gifts at this special time of year. There is something for everyone: the theatre tech wizard, romcom fanatic, and Disney enthusiast, as well as plenty of options for theatre newcomers. Don't wait to secure tickets to the West End's most exciting shows.

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Summary

  • Hercules and Paddington The Musical are great options for families at Christmas
  • Those interested in theatre technology should see ABBA Voyage and Stranger Things: The First Shadow
  • First-time theatregoers will love The Lion King and Oliver!

ABBA Voyage

The Lion King

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

The Mousetrap

Matilda The Musical

Wicked

Back to the Future: The Musical

The Devil Wears Prada

MJ The Musical

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Starlight Express

Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour

The Phantom of the Opera

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Hercules

Paddington The Musical

Hamilton

The Book of Mormon

Oliver!

Cabaret

ABBA Voyage

Must see
Popular
ABBA

Gift this show to: Fellow dancing queens, ABBA enthusiasts, theatre tech nerds

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! tickets to ABBA Voyage for Christmas! Join the band’s members Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad on stage for a once-in-a-lifetime concert – with a difference. The foursome will not appear in person at the live shows, but as digital versions of themselves, backed by a 10-piece live band.

But don’t worry, once the show begins, it’ll feel as though ABBA are in the room. Don’t miss your chance to see the worlds of music, technology and theatre collide in the cutting-edge spectacular that is ABBA Voyage – and bring your favourite dancing queen.

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ABBA Voyage

The Lion King

Disney
Must see
Popular

Gift this show to: Disney fans, Elton John fans, first-time theatregoers

Experience the Circle of Life for yourself at multi-award-winning musical The Lion King. If you’re not already familiar with the plot (where have you been?), the stage show follows young lion cub Simba, who is prince and heir to Pride Rock. He sets out on a life-changing journey through Africa’s Pride Lands with pals Timon and Pumbaa, but must defeat his evil uncle Scar who dreams of stealing the throne.

Sounds exciting? Then make like Simba and roar at your family until they snap up some tickets this Christmas. It’s a wonderful introduction to theatre for young audiences in particular, but everyone will love this Disney classic reborn.

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The Lion King

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Popular
Netflix
Sci-fi

Gift this show to: Fans of the Netflix series, theatregoers looking for thrills, fans of a prequel

Nothing says festive like the creepy origin story of a monster called Vecna! This is your sign to travel to the Upside Down for Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which follows troubled kid Henry Creel after his family moves to the small town of Hawkins, Indiana.

The stage show features some familiar faces from the popular Netflix series, including teenage versions of Joyce Maldonado and Jim Hopper, plus some tantalising hints about the gripping story's endgame in the upcoming final season – and, via astonishing effects, you get to see all those sci-fi thrills live. Get ready for a new chapter in theatre.

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Stranger Things: The First Shadow

The Mousetrap

Agatha Christie
Historic
Long-running

Gift this show to: Theatregoers who want to see the world's longest-running show, Agatha Christie enthusiasts, fans of Cluedo, true-crime fans

There’s only one secret harder to keep from the kids than Santa, and that’s the plot of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery The Mousetrap. It is the longest-running play in the world but audiences are careful not to spoil the reveal at the heart of this whodunnit, about a group of people gathered in a remote part of the countryside who discover there is a murderer in their midst.

The Queen of Crime is still outfoxing keen amateur sleuths, all these decades on, and The Mousetrap features her signature fiendish plotting – and, of course, an almighty climactic twist. Put your detective skills to the test and join theatre’s best-kept secret this Christmas.

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The Mousetrap

Unlock your 24-hour London itinerary

Unlock your exclusive guide, full of the best attractions, food, free events and more.

09:00

The Breakfast Club

Head to one of The Breakfast Club’s central London branches for a slap-up English cafe classic.

10:30

Buckingham Palace

Is there anything more British than the changing of the guards? Arrive early for a good spot to watch this historic event, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10.45am.

Matilda The Musical

Children's theatre
Popular
West End

Gift this show to: Younger theatre fans, lovers of the book and film, Roald Dahl enthusiasts

Even revolting children deserve the chance to see Matilda the Musical in the West End. Adapted from the Roald Dahl novel, the musical is about a young schoolgirl with a thirst for knowledge. Sadly, her bright mind isn't appreciated by her vacuous parents, and when she joins new school Crunchem Hall, she comes up against an even bigger challenge: headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

Featuring deliciously naughty songs by comedian Tim Minchin, this family-favourite musical continues to inspire both kids and grown-ups. Stand up for what is right and secure your tickets to this Tony and Olivier Award-winning production.

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Matilda The Musical

Wicked

Popular
West End
Trending

Gift this show to: Those who can't stop talking about Wicked: For Good, best friends, The Wizard of Oz fans

What do Elphaba and Santa Claus have in common? They both defy gravity! Unfortunately, Elphaba doesn't give little boys and girls Christmas presents, but why not book Wicked tickets to see her soar? You can make it a double bill with the Hollywood movie version, which finally opens this Christmas season.

The bewitching musical tells of Elphaba and Glinda's journeys to become the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West. If you're a musical theatre fan, you'll probably know a lot of the songs, but the epic staging has to be seen to be believed. Keep dancing through life this Christmas.

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Wicked

Back to the Future: The Musical

Screen to stage
West End
Musical

Gift this show to: Fans of the film, theatregoers who are nostalgic for the 50s and 80s, DeLorean superfans

Are you on Santa's "Johnny B. Goode" list? Rev up your DeLorean, as it's time to travel back to the future at the Adelphi Theatre! The hit sci-fi film is now an Olivier Award-winning West End musical hit, and you can join Marty McFly and Doc Brown on their epic time-travel adventure.

The Back to the Future musical is co-created by the film's writers/director Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis. Together, they've packed in all the most recognisable moments, now with a musical twist – including a flying car. What are you waiting for? Get ready to feel the power of love this Christmas.

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Back to the Future: The Musical

The Devil Wears Prada

Romcom
Must see
Musical

Gift this show to: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Vanessa Williams fans, stylish gals, romcom obsessives

If an ironic Christmas jumper is your choice for the party season, you might just incur the wrath of the legendary Miranda Priestley, editor of Runway magazine. Yes, the most stylish festive show in town is the musical adaptation of 2005 movie The Devil Wears Prada, so gird your loins!

This stage version stars Vanessa Williams and Matt Henry, and features a score by Elton John and Shaina Taub, a book by Kate Wetherhead, and direction by Jerry Mitchell. Get a front-row seat to this most fabulous West End production. That's all.

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The Devil Wears Prada

MJ The Musical

Michael Jackson
Musical
Hit show

Gift this show to: Michael Jackson fans, those looking for a "thriller" night out, music buffs

Looking for a thriller of a Christmas outing? This sizzling bio-musical all about pop legend Michael Jackson, centring on rehearsals for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and reflecting on his turbulent life and revolutionary hits, is definitely the one to book for – you can't beat it.

MJ The Musical features all of Jackson's biggest songs, including “Billie Jean”, “Smooth Criminal” and of course “Thriller”, and both his distinctive voice and his electrifying moves are brought to life by Jamaal Fields-Green.

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MJ The Musical

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Pop songs
Musical
Love story

Gift this show to: Theatregoers looking for a spectacular, spectacular night out, party-goers, jukebox musical fans

You can-can-cannot miss theatre spectacular Moulin Rouge! The Musical this Christmas. Adapted from Baz Luhrmann's 2001 Oscar-winning film starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, the musical is an opulent, luxurious tale of love between a Bohemian poet and a beautiful courtesan.

The show’s music features more than 70 pop classics by the likes of The Beatles, U2, Elvis, Dolly Parton, Queen, Beyoncé, and more. So skip the trip to continental Europe and take a seat at London’s Piccadilly Theatre for a night at Paris’s most infamous and hedonistic nightclub. All you need is love!

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Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Starlight Express

Andrew Lloyd Webber
Musical
Must see

Gift this show to: Andrew Lloyd Webber fans, train enthusiasts, skaters

As Santa makes his incredible journey from the North Pole, join another magical form of transport: the racing trains of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Starlight Express. These colourful engines come to life thanks to the imagination of a child – and to a new, state-of-the-art, turbo-charged production at the Troubadour theatre.

This excitingly immersive show plunges you right into the action as the actors playing trains whiz past on roller skates and deliver Lloyd Webber's beloved rock-pop tunes, including that glorious title number. Choo-choo-choose Starlight Express for your Christmas outing in 2024.

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Starlight Express

Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour

Dancing
Ballroom
Must see

Gift this show to: Ballroom dance fans, Strictly enthusiasts, first-time theatregoers

Keep dancing this Christmas and sashay your way to the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour – it’s a 10 from us! This official tour brings together all our favourite parts of the TV dance series, from judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, who are ready to dazzle with their wisdom, to a fabulous celebrity line-up.

Kicking off in January 2025, the Strictly tour visits venues such as Birmingham, Manchester, and London’s O2 Arena. Don’t miss the chance to see who will lift that coveted Glitterball Trophy: book those fab-u-lous tickets for a loved one now!

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Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour

The Phantom of the Opera

Must see
Musical
Popular

Gift this show to: Andrew Lloyd Webber fans, that melodramatic friend, first-time theatregoers

For the ultimate theatre gift, take a friend, family member, or loved one to listen to the music of the night. Lose yourself in the romantic tragedy of the Phantom and his protégé young soprano, Christine Daaé and gaze at that beautiful chandelier.

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The Phantom of the Opera

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Page to stage
Iconic theatre
Must see

Gift this show to: Fans of the books, people who love magic, Potterheads

Is there anything more Christmassy than Harry Potter? Instead of rewatching the films for the millionth time, find out what happens 19 years after the seventh and final book concludes. Join Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their children as they continue to battle evil that threatens to destroy the wizarding world in a new play by Jack Thorne, based on original ideas by Thorne, J.K. Rowling, and John Tiffany.

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Hercules

Popular
Screen to stage
Disney

Gift this show to: Fans of Greek mythology, Disney enthusiasts, families, muscles

He's going from zero to hero! Don't miss Luke Brady as demigod and son of Zeus, Hercules in Theatre Royal Drury Lane's latest Disney musical. Director Casey Nicholaw has teamed up with Alan Menken and David Zippel (music and lyrics) to bring this story of resilience to the West End. The musical is sure to go the distance with families and first-time theatregoers.

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Hercules

Paddington The Musical

Page to stage
Children's book
Popular

Gift this show to: Paddington Bear fans, people who love cute animals on stage, someone looking for their next favourite British musical

Everyone's favourite bear has made his big West End debut — marmalade sandwich in hand! Don't miss the incredible stagecraft that has brought Paddington Bear to life in a musical with music and lyrics by none other than McFly's Tom Fletcher. This is the perfect show for children and adults this festive period.

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Paddington The Musical

Hamilton

American history
Popular
Musical

Gift this show to: History buffs, Lin-Manuel Miranda fans, anyone who likes a catchy tune

Want to be in the room where it happens this Christmas? Then book tickets to Lin Manuel-Miranda's groundbreaking musical about one of America’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, who helped to shape the nation. The award-winning hit musical features a mash-up of hip-hop, R&B, and soul songs that are more ear-wormy than the King and Queen of Christmas, Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey.

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Hamilton

The Book of Mormon

Musical
Funny
Comedy

Gift this show to: South Park fans, people who enjoy risqué humour

Follow a pair of mismatched Mormon missionaries — Elder Price and Elder Cunningham — as they journey to Africa to spread their faith. It's the perfect theatre trip for first-timers — just make sure you can handle the cheeky humour.

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The Book of Mormon

Oliver!

Musical
Rags to riches
Popular

Gift this show to: Fans of a Cockney accent, classic musical lovers, literature lovers

Lionel Bart's iconic musical has been staged in an all-new production to tell the story of young orphan, Oliver Twist, who falls in with a group of child pickpockets led by Fagin (played by the sensational Simon Lipkin). All he wants is home and a family — a beautiful message to share at Christmas time.

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Oliver!

Cabaret

Musical
Popular
Must see

Gift this show to: Lovers of immersive theatre, a wild party

Life is a cabaret, old chum — come to the Cabaret! The award for wildest holiday party this year goes to Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, where you can find Sally Bowles and The Emcee telling their story of decadence and debauchery in 1930s Berlin. Broadway golden couple Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney are the latest in a long line of stars to take on this iconic pairing.

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Cabaret