Best London Theatre Shows for Families for Christmas 2026: Matilda, The Jungle Book, Room on the Broom and More

Planning a family theatre trip in London? The best choice depends less on finding one universal winner than on matching the show to your children's ages, attention spans and appetite for adventure. Here is a quick, current comparison of four West End and London favourites, with official guidance on age, length, tone and the stage magic young audiences can expect.

At a glance

| Show | Venue | Official age guidance | Running time | Best for | |---|---|---:|---:|---| | Room on the Broom | Lyric Theatre | 3+ | 60 minutes, no interval | First theatre trips and picture-book fans | | Matilda The Musical | Cambridge Theatre | 6+ | 2 hours 35 minutes, including interval | Confident primary-age children who love songs, jokes and imaginative stories | | The Jungle Book | Olivier Theatre, National Theatre | 7+ | Not stated on the official listing | Children ready for a more atmospheric adventure | | Disney's The Lion King | Lyceum Theatre | 6+ | 2 hours 30 minutes, including a 15-minute interval | Big spectacle, music and visual storytelling |

Room on the Broom: the gentlest introduction

For the youngest theatre-goers, Room on the Broom is the clearest starting point. Tall Stories' production follows the witch and her cat as they make room for a dog, bird and frog on their broomstick before a dragon arrives. The official production page highlights imaginative storytelling, music, puppetry and live performance, making this a warm, playful choice for children aged 3 and up.

At one hour with no interval, it is substantially shorter than the big musicals. That compact format should suit families testing the waters, or children who may find a two-and-a-half-hour West End evening daunting. It plays at the Lyric Theatre from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Matilda: witty, energetic musical theatre

Matilda The Musical is the most song-and-dance-led option here. The Royal Shakespeare Company production, inspired by Roald Dahl, centres on a book-loving, imaginative girl who stands up for herself and changes her destiny. Children are likely to enjoy the punchy original songs, comic classroom world, visual surprises and the sense that cleverness and creativity matter.

The official guidance is 6+, and the show runs for 2 hours 35 minutes including one interval. Parents should also note the production's flashing lights, lasers, loud sound effects, popped latex balloons and stage haze. For children who enjoy a lively, slightly mischievous musical with a strong hero, Matilda offers a fuller West End experience than the short-form story shows.

The Jungle Book: a richer adventure for older children

The National Theatre's new play reimagines Rudyard Kipling's story in the mangroves of the Sundarbans, where Mowgli grows up among wolves, birds and tigers. Its official description promises an imaginative, thrilling adaptation, with innovative puppetry bringing the jungle to the Olivier stage.

The National Theatre recommends it for ages 7 and above and flags depictions of death and violence, so it is the most obviously intense choice in this guide. It is a play rather than a musical, and its atmosphere, puppetry and coming-of-age adventure may appeal particularly to children ready for a more dramatic story. Performances are scheduled for 13 November 2026 to 6 February 2027. The official listing does not currently publish a running time, so check the theatre's details before booking.

The Lion King: a spectacular family musical

For families seeking scale and visual wonder, Disney's The Lion King remains a standout London musical. The Lyceum Theatre describes a production filled with colour, effects, enchanting music, masks and puppets, following Simba's journey from cub to king. Familiar songs such as “Circle of Life”, “Hakuna Matata” and “I Just Can't Wait to Be King” add instant recognition for many children.

The official recommendation is 6+, with under-threes not admitted. It runs for 2 hours 30 minutes, including a 15-minute interval. Compared with Matilda, it leans more toward spectacle and music; compared with Room on the Broom, it is a much longer, grander outing.

Which London family show should you choose?

Choose Room on the Broom for a short, gentle first visit; Matilda for witty, high-energy musical theatre; The Jungle Book for a more atmospheric play aimed at older children; and The Lion King for an iconic, visually spectacular musical. Whatever you pick, check the official age guidance and performance information again before travelling, particularly for younger children and families with sensory requirements.