Christmas ballet London 2018: From the Nutcracker to Swan Lake, the best festive dance shows

Is there anything more Christmassy than Clara’s adventures with the Nutcracker?

It’s just as well we all love it so much, because there are three major companies performing the ballet in London over this year’s festive period.

But if you feel you’ve had your fill of sugar plums, you can catch the tear jerking Snowman or Matthew Bourne’s iconic feathered classic as well.

Read on for our guide for the Yuletide in dance.

Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker

The first of three fabulous renditions, the Royal Ballet performs Peter Wright’s interpretation of Lev Ivanov’s choreography to Tchaikovsky’s glorious score. Marianella Nuñez, Francesca Hayward, and Yasmine Naghdi are among the principal dancers rotating the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

December 3-January 15, Royal Opera House, roh.org.uk

English National Ballet’s Nutcracker

The ENB’s instalment of the festive tale brings more than 100 dancers and musicians to the Coliseum. They’re really pushing the boat out, or in this case, the hot air balloon, as the set is something marvellous to behold. Playing to sold out audiences for the last two years, this is a truly charming family outing.

December 13-30, London Coliseum, londoncoliseum.org

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Coming to London for just three days, the Birmingham Royal Ballet’s production gets a fresh twist. Created specially for the Royal Albert Hall, this show is a real spectacle, complete with projections, falling snow and accompaniment from the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

December 28-31, Royal Albert Hall, ballet.org.uk

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Every time there’s something new. Matthew Bourne continues to redevelop his iconic show, keeping elements of the original ballet and adding in exciting new twists. The costumes and set are a phenomenon, but what really draws attention is the male ensemble replacing the traditionally female corps-de-ballet.

December 4-January 27, Sadler’s Wells, sadlerswells.com

The Snowman

If you’re not sobbing by the end of the film, there’s something wrong with your tearducts. This dance show is based on Raymond Briggs’s classic book-turned-film and has been running each Christmas for 21 years, complete with Howard Blake’s memorable score.

November 22-January 6, The Peacock Theatre, sadlerswells.com