Photo Courtesy: Lloyd Winters

Discover the London of Charles Dickens

Generations of readers across the world have grown up with A Christmas Carol, an 1843 novella by Charles Dickens that recounts the story of miser Ebenezer Scrooge and his yuletide journey of redemption. This timeless tale is brought to life across London during the holiday season through everything from musical performances to feasts.

London’s ultimate A Christmas Carol-themed experience may be “The Great Christmas Feast,” an immersive dinner show featuring a three-course feast inspired by Victorian-era culinary traditions. For a playfully irreverent take on the novel, check out “Christmas Carol Goes Wrong” by comedy company Mischief. This production, staged at the Apollo Theatre in the West End, centers on a group of actors who make a hilarious mess of attempting to retell the tale.
For an operatic rendition, head to the 18th-century baroque Sinfonia Smith Square to hear composer Will Todd’s version of the story, which mixes original compositions with melodies borrowed from Christmas carols. To see the story reenacted in a beautifully restored Victorian building, make the trip to North London’s Alexandra Palace Theatre for a haunting performance of “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story.”

Die-hard Dickens fans won’t want to miss the Charles Dickens Museum, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. Housed in the writer’s former home at 48 Doughty Street, the museum showcases a large collection of Dickens’ personal effects along with beautiful period furniture. There’s even an onsite tea room where you can sit down for a cup of tea, just as Dickens himself did nearly two centuries ago. For more fun, sign up for a tour presented by Dickens London Tours and led by an entertaining guide garbed in 19th-century attire.

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A Season of Performing Arts

While Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim might be the stars of the show this festive season, there are plenty of other holiday performances. For a different type of caroling, head to historic St Martin-in-the-Fields at Trafalgar Square, which offers a packed December of experiences ranging from orchestral performances of Handel’s “Messiah” to caroling by candlelight. The world-famous Royal Albert Hall also offers its fair share of holiday concerts featuring everything from gospel choirs to big band performers.

The Royal Ballet’s annual performance of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” is a must-see, showcasing the expert choreography of acclaimed dancer and director Sir Peter Wright. As always, the show will be staged at the Royal Opera House, home to Italian restaurant Cicoria, the newest venture from restaurateur Angela Hartnett.

For holiday entertainment that is about as culturally immersive as it gets, book tickets to one of the many pantomimes (or pantos) around town—just don’t expect a silent performance by a face-painted mime. In the United Kingdom, pantomime refers to a Christmastime theatrical tradition in which beloved fairy tales are given a musical comedy twist, complete with plenty of audience participation and enough double entendres to keep adults giggling while kids are none the wiser. Typical elements include a leading boy actor, a “dame” (played by an actor in drag) and at least one scene where a villain appears behind a character and the audience is expected to yell, “He’s behind you.” Must-see pantos include “Sleeping Beauty” at the London Palladium and Potted Panto’s seven-stories-in-one performance at Wilton’s Music Hall.

Photo Courtesy: Jessie Myers

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