Celebrate Christmas at the Royal Opera House, where art, design, and performance come together in a season of creativity and festive cheer. This year, the Royal Ballet and Opera welcomes Paul Smith as Official Christmas Partner, bringing his signature style to Covent Garden with a spectacular Christmas tree in Paul Hamlyn Hall, free to visit from 7 November.

Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker returns to the Main Stage from 22 November to 5 January, with live cinema screenings across the UK. Free live at lunch performances, recitals, and Nutcracker-themed tours bring music, magic, and behind-the-scenes wonder to the House.

Enjoy festive dining and treats across the Royal Opera House, from Cicoria and Bar Cicoria to Balconies and Crush Room restaurants, and browse unique gifts at the Royal Ballet and Opera Shop. With House-wide projections, festive installations, and activities for all ages, the Royal Opera House is the ultimate Christmas destination in Covent Garden.

Just steps from Covent Garden in the heart of London, the Royal Opera House is open, and not just for performances. Step inside to explore our beautiful public spaces, admire the iconic architecture, enjoy a coffee in the welcoming Ground Floor Café, or sip a drink at Bar Cicoria overlooking the Piazza below.

• Free public access
  Come in anytime from 12noon. Take a break, meet friends, enjoy the space.
• Art and installations
  Discover a curated series of rotating exhibits, historic features, architecture and creative surprises throughout the building.
• Guided tours (Booking Required)
  From behind-the-scenes explorations to immersive, themed experiences, discover the Royal Ballet and Opera like never before, from the hidden corners of our Covent Garden home to the craft workshops in Thurrock. Find out more.

Your visit to the Royal Opera House is more than just a night at the theatre — it's a complete evening experience. From world-class performances to exceptional dining and drinks, discover everything we have to offer before and after the curtain rises.

• Watch a world-class performance
  Enjoy an evening of opera or ballet performed by some of the world’s leading artists. Whether you're drawn to timeless classics or bold new productions, each performance promises to captivate and inspire.
• Eat in our restaurants
  You don’t need to be attending a performance to dine at some of our restaurants. Cicoria, located on the Royal Opera House’s fifth floor above the historic Covent Garden Piazza, offers an exceptional dining experience and welcomes all guests, with or without a theatre ticket. Please note: a performance ticket is required for our other restaurants.
• Enjoy a drink at our bars
  Take a moment to unwind at one of our beautiful bars, offering a curated selection of wines, cocktails and champagne - perfect for pre-show conversation or a quick interval refresh.
• Drinks on the Cicoria Terrace
  Overlooking the heart of Covent Garden, the Cicoria Terrace is the ideal place to enjoy a drink in the open air. Join us before the show or stay a little longer afterwards to take in the view and atmosphere.

The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is open daily from 12noon and closes at 11pm Monday–Saturday and 9pm on Sundays or after the evening performance.  

For information about getting here, visitor guidelines and everything you need to plan your visit, please see our Visitor Information page.

Step into the world of music and movement with our guide to Your First Visit, a curated introduction to the beauty, traditions and magic of live performance.