Brimming with brilliant shows all year round, London's West End is perhaps never more exciting to visit than during the winter, when seasonal productions join long-standing favourites. To find out some of the top titles to see this winter, read our guide.

Of course, if you're planning to visit the capital to take in a show, you may well intend to stay for a few days. In that case, you'll need to make sure you choose some excellent accommodation to put the finishing touch on your break.

Choosing one of the many 3 star London hotels will allow you to stay in comfort in some fantastically central locations, which will be perfect for those hoping to make theatre visits the centre of their break.

Hotels in the West End may of course be particularly ideal, but are not your only option.

For example, you could also opt for one of the hotels in Victoria, which would have the added advantage of being close to national rail connections.

Wherever you choose to stay, you will find a wealth of wonderful shows to be discovered over the winter months, from festive delights to long-running musicals that have wowed audiences for many years.

Of course, the performance – or performances – you opt for will largely be down to personal taste, but there are some that are particularly set to stand out.

These include A Christmas Carol, which will be running at the West End's Arts Theatre between December 8th and January 14th. Starring Simon Callow as the miserly Scrooge, this one-man show is the ideal choice for adults looking to get into the festive spirit.

Alternatively, you might like to reserve seats to see The Nutcracker, which runs from December 8th to 30th. Performed by the English National Ballet, this show will take place at the capital's largest theatre – the London Coliseum.

However, it may be that you would rather see one of the city's long-running titles – in which case you will have a wide array to choose from. These include The Mousetrap – an adaptation of an Agatha Christie novel – and Les Miserables, which is one of the West End's top musicals.

Meanwhile, should you be travelling with children you may be seeking out shows that would particularly appeal to them – and family-friendly, seasonal performances are the perfect choice.

For example, little ones are bound to be thrilled by the fairytale classic Cinderella, which is running between November 26th and January 8th at the Hackney Empire. Expect fun musical numbers and a dazzling palace ball scene that are sure to please the whole family.

Alternatively, young children might like to visit the Arts Theatre to see The Lazy Elf. Larry, the titular elf, does not want to help his fellows make toys ready for Christmas. However, the other elves – alongside help from the audience – show Larry why taking part and being kind are important.

Of course, you're unlikely to spend your entire break in the theatre – and you'll find there's plenty you can do to give your stay that extra sparkle.

Why not discover some of the city's top attractions, such as the London Eye and the London Dungeon, or peruse the countless works in its array of galleries and museums?

Whatever else you decide to do, you're bound to be glad you attended one of this winter's top shows.