Best Christmas musicals to spread a little festive magic for all the family

This heartwarming musical starring Martin Freeman is perfect for all the family to enjoy. It tells the story of a slightly unusual school nativity show, complete with some Hollywood glamour. It is full of great jokes, an all star cast and most importantly music, with some really catchy numbers such as 'Sparkle and Shine,' which you will be guaranteed to be humming while you do your Christmas shopping. Plus if you love this, there are a number of sequels to enjoy as well!

This must be a family Christmas musical tradition. Who doesn't love The Muppets Christmas Carol? Telling the familiar story of Scrooge from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, the muppets put their own festive twist on it, with Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. Complete with music and songs that will get you dancing in your seat, this is one for all the family.

Adapted from Dr. Seuss' famous 1957 book, The Grinch who Stole Christmas, we love this upbeat musical which is a live action TV adaptation of the Broadway musical. Starring Matthew Morrison, kids will love seeing this well known character sing and dance through Christmas in Whoville. This can be streamed on Apple TV+. There are lots of versions of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas ranging from the 1966 animated original which includes the song, 'you're a mean one, Mr. Grinch', Jim Carrey's 2000 live action version and an animated remake of The Grinch from 2018 starring Benedict Cumberbatch.

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas might be a little creepy for younger children but it is a great festive musical, despite what the title might suggest. However, it is also ideal for Halloween too with the main character of Jack Skellington being rather ghoulish. He isn't bad though, bored of being scary he tries to spread the joy of Christmas into Halloween Town but it's not as easy as it seems. Rated 9+ this might be one for older siblings to enjoy for a late Christmas movie night with the grown ups. There is even a sing along version on Disney +.

Starring Forest Whitaker and Hugh Bonneville, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is the magical story of a tired toymaker who finds new hope when his granddaughter arrives. Full of festive joy this film is both gripping and heartwarming, with family at its heart. Rated PG it should be suitable for young children and all the family can snuggle up for a cosy movie night together.

A Christmas classic, this is perhaps one for the grown ups once the kids are tucked up in bed. That said, it is full of wholesome Christmas cheer and with Bing Crosby's famous rendition of 'White Christmas', it really does complete a family movie night during the holidays. When two army friends team up to become a song and dance act, they try to save a ski resort during a season with a lack of snow. It is sweet and full of musical numbers, plus if it's rainy outside, this is one way to experience a white Christmas.

If you and your little one love the film (who doesn't?) then you won't be disappointed with the stage musical. Adapted brilliantly for stage it includes a huge LED screen as a back drop and Santa's sleigh magically flies across the arena. Plus there is also an audience snowball fight, an indoor snowstorm and a journey through the candy cane forest. It is a magical experience for young and old, suitable for all ages.

While Shakespeare's Globe might not be an obvious choice for a Christmas musical, this fantastic adaptation of Hansel and Gretel is packed full of music and songs which little ones will love. Plus, what a great introduction to London's famous Globe theatre. The Brothers Grimm's fairytale has been adapted by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and was voted one of the best Children's Christmas shows to book in 2023. With a running time of just 60 minutes, this is ideal for children 5+.

Adapted from the book by Ezra Jack Keats, The Snowy Day tells the story of the main character, Peter, waking up to snow covering his New York neighbourhood. We love that Polka Theatre is completely child centred and it is a dedicated children's theatre. The Snowy Day is designed for children age 1- 4 years old and it features music and dance with limited dialogue. With a running time of just 40 minutes this is a great introduction to Christmas musicals and theatre for your little one.

This is a great festive introduction to theatre for little ones. Packed full of songs and dance, plus lots of stories and adventure, this is ideal for children from ages 3 - 6. When Father Christmas can't find his keys, his glasses or his boots, the elves get impatient. The sleigh is loaded. It's nearly time. This is fun for all the family and has a running time of 60 minutes.

A heartwarming Christmas film has been transformed into a festive musical on stage and we think this is one for all the family to enjoy. Telling the story of Susan, who must restore the world's belief in Santa, this beautiful story is full of joy. It features songs like, 'It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas' and will really get the whole family in the mood for the festive season.