From the festivities of Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens to the prestigious Mozart Concert Dinner in Salzburg, Insignia presents a guide to the best shows around the world this Christmas. Featuring dinners, musicals, ballets and more, this compilation is everything you need for the perfect Christmas theatre trip.
London
A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic
13 November 2023 to 06 January 2024
Experience the magic of the festive season with Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol, at The Old Vic in London’s West End. Starring Christopher Eccleston, famous for his roles in “Dr Who” and “28 Days Later,” the play brings Scrooge’s iconic character to life in a heart-warming tale of transformation.
Audiences can expect to be captivated by stunning staging, where doorframes evoke gallows, Jacob Marley’s chains resemble Lady Di’s wedding train, and a sense of unity blurs the line between stage and audience.
As “A Christmas Carol” reminds us, hindsight is precious. If you’re new to this adaptation, prepare to be enchanted by London’s radiant holiday gem.
Christmas Actually at Royal Festival Hall
07 to 11 December 2023
Don’t miss the winter’s hottest show! Visit the Royal Festival Hall for a Christmas extravaganza curated by Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral) in partnership with Comic Relief.
Christmas Actually promises to deliver the heart, humour, and holiday spirit with a blend of music, poetry, comedy, live illustrations, Christmas jokes, letters to Santa, and a festive sing-along featuring a star-studded line-up—a delightful evening capturing the joy and laughter of the season.
While it may indulge in sentimentality, that’s all part of the holiday spirit and supports a good cause.
Carols at the Royal Albert Hall
16 to 24 December 2023
Embrace the holiday season at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall with a Friendship Matinee of Carols. This heart-warming event welcomes all ages, especially those connected with charities or community groups. Enjoy a delightful mix of timeless classics and contemporary festive songs to fill you with holiday cheer.
These matinees offer a relaxed atmosphere, allowing movement and noise in the auditorium and providing chill-out spaces throughout the building. You can dance, sing, or listen while celebrating the season’s spirit.
Join in the festive sing-along, revelling in joyful melodies and lyrics that bring people together and evoke warmth and nostalgia. Held at the world-renowned concert hall and iconic London landmark known for its breathtaking architecture and acoustics, these concerts have become cherished traditions.
Dubai
Beauty and the Beast
14 to 16 December 2023
The Dubai Panto group returns with Beauty and the Beast, a timeless Disney classic. Loosely inspired by the 18th-century French tale, it remains beloved and relevant today, offering a perfect family pantomime.
The story follows the transformation of Prince Beauregarde into a beast as punishment for selfishness. To break the curse, he must learn to love and earn someone’s love in return. Enter Bella, a young bookworm seeking her lost father, Felix Malolly.
With captivating music, dazzling dance routines, and hilarious antics, this festive production promises an enchanting experience. Set in Fairmont The Palm’s elegant ballroom with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, it’s not to be missed.
Peter Pan
15 to 26 December 2023
Embark on a Neverland adventure at the Theatre by QE2, an enchanting venue aboard the iconic QE2 ship, steeped in maritime history and offering a unique, luxurious setting. Join Peter, Wendy, Michael, John, and the Lost Boys as they encounter Tiger Lily, Indians, bumbling Pirates, and the infamous Captain Hook.
This magical performance brings the beloved family classic to life in a distinctive format, blending talented live actors with a breathtaking musical score and state-of-the-art LED back wall, creating mesmerising scenic backdrops. With pirates’ antics and thrilling peril, the show captivates young imaginations and those young at heart.
Vibrant costumes, dazzling choreography, and seamless flying sequences make this live entertainment a genuinely immersive experience—you’ll believe in the magic of a boy who can fly!
New York
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
17 November 2023 to 01 January 2024
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a must-see on every bucket list, ranks as the world’s most stunning Christmas show. Held in the Art Deco masterpiece of Radio City Music Hall, the largest indoor theatre globally, it has welcomed legendary stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and Katharine Hepburn, along with hosting prestigious events like The Grammys, Tonys, and MTV Video Music Awards.
Be mesmerised by the world-renowned Rockettes, performing dazzling high kicks, falls like dominos, and toy soldier routines with impeccable precision. The glamorous show combines heartwarming melodies, incredible dance numbers, and over 140 dancers and aerialists.
The story follows two brothers on a quest for the perfect Christmas gift, leading them to the enchanting North Pole. Debuting in 1933, the show has charmed over 75 million viewers, blending cherished moments with awe-inspiring technology to enchant fans of all ages.
Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil
7 to 28 December 2023
“Twas the Night Before” transports audiences into a magical holiday realm, brimming with breathtaking stunts, mesmerising visual effects, and a heart-warming narrative that captures the season’s essence. Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever Christmas show brings the beloved Christmas poem to life through the artistry and acrobatics the troupe is celebrated for.
Performed by acrobats, clowns, and other talented artists, this enchanting circus takes centre stage at the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden, fusing entertainment magic with elegant design.
With new performers and acts, “Twas the Night Before” promises to become a cherished family tradition, offering a whirlwind of love, holiday merriment, boisterous fun, and endearing characters. This vibrant acrobatic spectacle celebrating sharing and friendship will create enduring memories for children and adults.
Copenhagen
The Snow Queen
30 November to 23 December 2023
Copenhagen’s Christmas festivities take centre stage this year with “The Snow Queen” ballet at the iconic Tivoli Concert Hall. This visual extravaganza features costumes crafted by Queen Margaret herself and choreography by Tivoli’s ballet director, Peter Bo Bendixen.
But the enchantment doesn’t end there. Kids can revel in a world of merriment with Christmas amusements that promise laughter and joy.
Tivoli Gardens, blending timeless charm with modern thrills, transforms into a realm of magic during the holiday season. Stroll through manicured gardens adorned with colourful Christmas trees and sparkling lights. Immerse yourself in the traditional Yuletide ambience and savour Danish classics like gingerbread hearts, pancakes, and rice pudding from vendor stalls. Enjoy a captivating Northern Lights show, the Tivoli Lucia Parade, Christmas Fireworks, and more. It’s a festive adventure waiting to be explored!
Paris
The Nutcracker
08 December 2023 to 01 January 2024
Experience the enchantment of the festive season with “The Nutcracker” at Opéra Bastille, where Rudolf Nureyev’s brilliant choreography, set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s extraordinary score, brings this famous ballet to life in two captivating acts.
The Nutcracker’s story harks back to the 19th Century and boasts a wide variety of dances, from waltzes and mazurkas to Arabic, Chinese, and Russian performances, among others.
Don’t miss the iconic Pas de deux du grand adage between Clara and the Prince, a highlight of this whimsical tale. Nureyev’s choreography is acclaimed for its breathtaking visual aesthetics and artistic innovation, capturing the ballet’s magic and beauty while adding his personal touch. Opéra Bastille invites the whole family to enjoy this exceptional holiday show.
Salzburg
Mozart Dinner Concert
10 November 2023 to 31 December 2023
Experience an unforgettable evening in the stunning baroque setting of St. Peter Stiftskulinarium—the oldest restaurant in middle Europe. The venue is set within the majestic St. Peter’s Abbey in the old town of Salzburg, a captivating time capsule of history and architecture, where every cobblestone street and baroque building exudes an enchanting charm that transports visitors to a bygone era.
Savour the very finest cuisine with a unique three-course-dinner inspired by Mozart’s favourite dishes: lemon chicken soup with rosemary dumplings, supreme of roasted capon on a glaze of red wine and herbs with creamy white polenta from Padre Prior’s garden.
Then, be transported back to Mozart’s time of the late 18th Century and enjoy opera singers and musicians in authentic costumes performing Mozart’s most beloved arias and duets from” Don Giovanni “, “Figaro’s Wedding “, and “The Magic Flute “.
Reserve your Christmas show tickets with Insignia
From timeless classics like “A Christmas Carol” to spectacular productions like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, these incredible Christmas shows will fill your heart with joy and festive spirit. For tickets to the best seats in the house, along with a complete travel itinerary, contact your Personal Assistant. Not a member? Visit our card section, browse our portfolio of premium payment products and discover another world with Insignia.
