London theatre for toddlers and young children

What is it? Returning for a fresh run having premiered at the Uniorn back in 2019, Anansi the Spider is a funny and beguiling trio of tales concerning the beloved trickster arachnid of West African folklore.

Where is it? Unicorn Theatre.

What is it? This Lyric Christmas staple brings Raymond Briggs’s Father Christmas to enchanting life. The author of The Snowman is known for his beautiful depictions of the season – and this adaptation by theatre company Pins and Needles is equally charming.

Where is it? Lyric Hammersmith.

What is it? Tall Stories' musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's award-winning sequel to 'The Gruffalo' is packed with inventive storytelling, energy and furry jumpsuits from the cast of three. Ages three-plus.

Where is it? Lyric Theatre.

What is it? The brilliantly anarchic theatre company Told By An Idiot calls in at the Unicorn this Christmas with an adaptation of Mac Barnett’s Jon Klassen-illustrated book that poses the titular question. Expect glorious physical theatre lunacy from the Paul Hunter-led company as they experiment with the various ways by which Old Saint Nick might gain entry to your home. For ages two plus.

Where is it? Unicorn Theatre.

What is it?  ‘Me…’, is a charmfest that’s unlikely to upset even the most lily-livered pre-schooler. Featuring a cute bundle of day-old penguin fluff and an icy antarctic environment shaped like a half pipe, it is simple, short and sweet. In a series of gymnastic scenes, baby penguin discovers that the sea is deep, the world is large, and she is small. And that’s about the size of it. 

Where is it? Little Angel Theatre

What is it? Immersive arts specialists Wild Rumpus return to Battersea Arts Centre for the third Christmas on the trot with another theatrical trail through the huge building. Hal Chambers directs a new show based around European Yuletide traditions, which have got out of control – you need to save the season. It’s suitable for ages three plus.

Where is it? Battersea Arts Centre.

What is it? The Unicorn Theatre’s baby-friendly long-runner is back for another year. Scrunch is a show about baby's first Christmas, where there's a ring at the door and some excitingly scrunchy paper to crumple. A sensory offering strictly aimed at babies aged 6-18 months.

Where is it? Unicorn Theatre.

What is it? The Polka’s 2025 Christmas show for younger children is a sweet-sounding number adapted from a Benji Davies picturebook that follows a girl, her dad and – of course – a snowflake as they try to find the places they belong. It’s aimed at children ages three to six.

Where is it? Polka Theatre.

What is it? Returning to the Little Angel, Matt Aston’s adaptation of Benji Davies kids’ books about the delightful relationship between a young boy, Noi, and the little whale he rescues after a storm heads off on tour, calling at Polka over half-term. Ages four-to-eight.

Where is it? Little Angel Theatre Studios.

What is it? A hit in its native Australia, this immersive Christmas experience sounds quite a lot like a posh grotto – which is no bad thing? Take a 50-minute journey to ‘the North Pole’, where you’ll travel through various seasonally decorated rooms simulating Santa HQ – meet elves, Mrs Claus, and even the big man himself. Every purchase includes a photo with Santa. For ages three to eight.

Where is it? ‘Wundr’, Borough Yards.