Christmas Musicals to Watch at Home

There's no better time to enjoy a musical than at Christmas. The festive atmosphere seems to bring out the musical-lover in all of us, even the po-faced aunts or the macho, football-mad dads. We're often left salivating like puppies at the chance of hearing those much loved Christmas songs again in person.

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However, not everyone can be easily convinced to wrap up warm to get their festive musical fix. Even though London theatre break providers can offer affordable West End theatre ticket and London hotel packages for classic musicals such as Oliver!, Mamma Mia!, some would rather stay at home.

If you'd rather miss out on the bright lights of the West End, on the festive markets and romantic ice rinks, the glorious smells and heart-warming sights then fair enough; stay home and rent one of these Christmas musicals on DVD instead.

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Muppet Christmas Carol
Since 1992 The Muppet Christmas Carol has been the best adaptation of Charles Dickens' iconic Christmas novel ever made. A slightly controversial viewpoint, I know; I'm sure that several legitimate theatre groups have had a good stab at capturing the essence of the story in an accessible, funny, and family-friendly way, but they didn't have Rizzo the Rat.

Make sure you're paying attention for One More Sleep 'Till Christmas, one of the most uplifting, life-affirming Christmas songs ever sung by a green felt frog.

If you're a fan of Disney, this festive sequel to the finest film of the Disney Renaissance really is a Christmas must-see.

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Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
No doubt you're deeply suspicious of Disney's straight-to-DVD sequels, especially after Return to Neverland (damn you, Disney) but give The Enchanted Christmas a try, it really is rather good. In it, Tim Curry voices a malevolent pipe organ named Forte and the entire cast of the first Beauty and the Beast film return, even Angela Lansbury as Mrs Potts.

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A Charlie Brown Christmas
An American cult classic which is woefully under-appreciated in the UK, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a touching little film featuring the Peanuts (Snoopy) characters. It gently explores the traditional Christmas themes; commercialism, friendship, togetherness, secularism all that sort of thing. Snoopy himself makes an appearance, which is always nice.

There's a gentle religious message as well, which you can choose to ignore and focus on Snoopy instead, your choice.

This guest post has been provided by Show and Stay, offering you the best London Theatre Breaks.