Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is everywhere in London at Christmas, but in 2026 there are several very different ways to experience Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. From a major stage production to an immersive Victorian feast, here are five places to see A Christmas Carol in London in 2026.
1. A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic – the classic London choice
The Old Vic has turned A Christmas Carol into one of London’s most established Christmas theatre traditions.
Jack Thorne’s adaptation, directed by Matthew Warchus, returns for its tenth year, combining Dickens’ story with music, atmospheric staging and plenty of festive touches.
Dates: 12 November 2026 – 9 January 2027
Location: The Cut, Waterloo
Age guidance: 8+
Running time: Approximately two hours
Book A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
2. The Great Christmas Feast – the most immersive version
For something completely different, The Great Christmas Feast at The Lost Estate turns A Christmas Carol into an entire evening out.
Guests step into a recreation of Victorian London and become Charles Dickens’ guests as the story unfolds around them. Live theatre and cinematic music are combined with a three-course Christmas feast and festive drinks.
Dates: 6 November – 31 December 2026
Location: West Kensington
Running time: Approximately three and a half hours
Recommended age: 13+
Book The Great Christmas Feast
3. A Christmas Carol charity reading at the Lyric Theatre – the star-studded choice
One of the most unusual A Christmas Carol performances in London this year takes place for one night only at the Lyric Theatre.
The live reading in aid of Crisis brings together a remarkable cast including Jim Broadbent, Imelda Staunton, Bella Ramsey, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, Adjoa Andoh, Paapa Essiedu, Alex Lawther and Tanya Reynolds. Bessie Carter directs.
Date: 7 December 2026
Location: Shaftesbury Avenue, West End
Tickets: Due to go on sale 1 September
All funds raised support the homelessness charity Crisis.
4. A Christmas Carol in Words and Music at Wilton’s Music Hall
Wilton’s Music Hall is an especially atmospheric place to hear Dickens’ ghost story.
Actor Anton Lesser performs A Christmas Carol in Words and Music, accompanied by David Le Page and musicians from Orchestra of the Swan. Rather than a conventional stage adaptation, Dickens’ words are interwoven with live music.
Date: 12 November 2026
Location: Wilton’s Music Hall, East London
Book A Christmas Carol in Words and Music
5. A Christmas Carol: A Musical Retelling at Cadogan Hall
For a more musical interpretation, head to Cadogan Hall in Chelsea.
Opera Holland Park presents Will Todd and David Simpatico’s A Christmas Carol: A Musical Retelling, scored for eight singers, an actor, piano, double bass and accordion. Victorian carols and handbells are woven into the familiar story.
Date: Sunday 13 December 2026 at 5pm
Location: Cadogan Hall, Chelsea
Running time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Book A Christmas Carol: A Musical Retelling
Which A Christmas Carol in London is best?
For the classic London Christmas theatre experience, The Old Vic remains the obvious first choice. For a memorable night out with dinner, try The Great Christmas Feast. The Lyric Theatre’s one-night charity reading has the standout celebrity cast, while Wilton’s Music Hall and Cadogan Hall offer more intimate musical interpretations.
Whichever you choose, A Christmas Carol in London in 2026 ranges from traditional Dickens to immersive theatre, live music and a unique West End charity performance.
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