In one of his best works, Matthew Bourne transforms the classic 1948 Powell and Pressburger film, The Red Shoes, into a dance-drama that uses Bourne’s gift for storytelling in full force. The audience is whirled through the tragic story of Vicky Page, the dancer who must choose between her art and her heart on her quest to become the world’s best ballerina.
Christmas is on the horizon, and even if you’re not a ballet fanatic, there’s no better time than the festive season to watch watch some unbelievably talented movers leap, pirouette and glide around a stage. After all, you don’t have to be a dance expert to enjoy the sparkly costumes, magical sets and amazing live orchestras that many of these shows come with.
So with this in mind, it might be time to start thinking about booking one of London’s fantastic Christmas dance productions. The 2025 season has all the classics in store: there are a whopping three versions of The Nutcracker to choose from; Matthew Bourne will take up his usual winter residence at Sadler’s Wells, this year with the smash-hit The Red Shoes; and the great-for-kids The Snowman will return to the Peacock Theatre. For the tights-and-tutu-averse, there’s a hip hop retelling of A Christmas Carol on at Sadler’s Wells East.
So, read on to discover the best London Christmas dance shows that'll inspire you to leap off the sofa and into the yuletide spirit.
RECOMMENDED: Find more Christmas shows in London
See Christmas pantomimes in London.
