Behind you, in front of you, on every side, wherever you look, the season of festive family entertainment has begun, Sylvia Thompson, helps point you in the direction.
Children's theatre
BELFAST
The Snow Queen
This new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's magical tale celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Danish writer's birth. Directed by Richard Croxford (for five- to 11-year-olds).
Lyric Theatre, 55 Ridgeway Street, Stranmillis, Nov 29-Jan 7, various times, £11/£9, 048-90381081, www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
CORK
The Snow Queen
This unusual adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's tale, by playwright Mike Kenny, is produced by Graffiti Theatre Company for eight- to 12-year-olds.
St Luke's Hall, Summerhill North, Cork City, Dec 8, 9, 15 and 16, 7.30pm, Dec 10 and 17, 3pm and 7.30pm, €10/€7, 021-4397111, www.cork2005.ie
DUBLIN
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens's perennial Christmas favourite is adapted by John Mortimer and directed by Alan Stanford.
Gate Theatre, Nov 29- Jan 28, 8pm; also, 3pm matinees on Dec 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 23, 28 and 31 (no shows on Sunday), €18-€27, 01-8744045, www.gate-theatre.ie
Annabelle's Star
Directed by Raymond Keane of Barabbas Theatre Company and performed by Judith Ryan, this wordless show explores how a little girl called Annabelle overcomes her fears of abandonment (for four- to eight-year-olds).
The Ark, Eustace Street, Dec 10, 17 and Dec 27-Jan 6, 1pm and 3pm, €8.50/€6.50, 01-6707788, www.ark.ie
The Secret Garden
This theatrical adaptation by Landmark Productions of the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett offers an interesting alternative to traditional festive fare. Directed by Michael Caven, an excellent cast includes Ailish Symons (as Mary Lennox), Ciarán Fitzgerald, Susan Fitzgerald, Bosco Hogan and Declan Conlon.
The Helix, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dec 8-Jan 8, 7.30pm, also 3pm on weekends and holidays, (previews Dec 6-7, 7.30pm), €24/€17, 01-7007000, www.thehelix.ie
LONGFORD
A Magic Merry Christmas
A fun-filled show with magic, juggling, acrobatics and comedy, presented by the Belfast-based Streetwise Community Theatre.
Backstage Theatre, Longford, Nov 30-Dec 1, 10am and noon, €8, 043-47888, www.backstage.ie
ON TOUR
A Magic Merry Christmas
A fun-filled show with magic, juggling, acrobatics and comedy, presented by the Belfast-based Streetwise Community Theatre.
Backstage Theatre, Longford, Nov 30-Dec 1, 10am and noon, €8, 043-47888; Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co Mayo, Dec 17, 3pm, €5, 094-9023733
Pinocchio's Christmas
Talisman's Theatre Company's tale about Pinocchio's first Christmas.
Town Hall Theatre, Galway City, Dec 1 and 2, 10am, 11.15am and 12.30pm, €8.50, 091-569755; Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny City, Dec 1 and 2, 10.30am and 12.15pm, €12.50/€10.50, 056-7761674; Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, Birr, Co Offaly, Dec 5 and 6, 10am, 11.15am and 12.30pm, €12.50, 0509-22911; Millennium Theatre, Limerick Institute of Technology, Dec 12 and 14, 10.30am and 12.15pm, €12.50/€10.50, 061-322322
Santa's Magical Christmas
A touring seasonal production from Talisman Theatre Company.
Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone, Co Westmeath, Dec 1, 10am, 11.15am and 12.30pm, 0906-492129; Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, Birr, Co Offaly, Dec 7, 10am, 11.15am and 12.30pm, €12.50/€10.50, 0509-22911
The Red Hot Runaways
Storytellers Theatre Company and the Civic Theatre have adapted the Brothers Grimm tale about a donkey, a hound, a cat and a rooster who get up to all sorts of adventures as a means of escaping a nasty end (for five- to 11-year-olds).
Draíocht, Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin, Nov 29, 30, Dec 2, 10am and 12.15pm, Dec 1, 5pm, €7, 01-8852622, www.draiocht.ie; An Grianán, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Dec 5-16, various times, €12.50/€8.50, 074-9120777, www.angrianan.com; Civic Theatre, Tallaght, Dec 20-22, Dec 28-31, Jan 3-8, 3pm/7pm, on various days, €20/€14, 01-4627477, www.civictheatre.ie
Musicals and dance shows
BELFAST
The Snowman
This one-hour concert from the Ulster Orchestra ends with a magical film of The Snowman by Raymond Briggs with Howard Blake's score performed live.
Belfast Waterfront Hall, 2 Lanyon Place, Dec 10, 2.30pm and 5pm, £11.50/£6, 048-90334455, www.waterfront.co.uk
DUBLIN
Bugsy Malone
Directed by Christine Scarry with David Hayes as musical director, the show stars 108 young people.
Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Dec 26-Jan 8, various times, €22.50-€29.50, 0818-719330, www.ticketmaster.ie
Hansel and Gretel
A musical version of the story of the two children who get lost in the forest.
Pavilion Theatre, DúLaoghaire, Dec 27-Jan 15, various times, €12-€18, 01-2312929, www.paviliontheatre.ie
The Snowman Christmas Special
A fully choreographed performance of Howard Blake's quintessential Christmas tale with the Dex McGloughlin School of Ballet and Stageright Performing Arts School. Narrated by broadcaster Craig Doyle.
National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dec 18 and Jan 5, 5pm and 7.30pm, €15/€10, 01-4170000, www.nch.ie
Snow White on Ice
The Russian Ice Stars perform this classic children's story on skates.
The Helix, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Jan 10-Jan 13, 7.30pm, Jan 14, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Jan 15, 1.30pm and 5pm, €22-€37, 01-7007000, www.thehelix.ie
The Wizard of Oz
Festival Productions returns with its musical version of this festive favourite.
National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dec 27-30 and Jan 2-4, various times, €16-€30, 01-4170000, www.nch.ie
GALWAY
Santa's Christmas Mystery
A musical by Shay Healy and Michael Scott complete with magic spells and complaining elves.
Town Hall Theatre, Galway City, Dec 19 and 20, 10am, 11.30am and 1pm, €8.50, 091-569755, www.townhalltheatre.com
Festive films
Cheaper by the Dozen 2
A family of eight children compete with the brood from the original Steve Martin comedy. Also starring Bonnie Hunt and Piper Perabo.
Opens Dec 26
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Shrek director Andrew Adamson brings us CS Lewis's magical tale about four London children who enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe. Starring Tilda Swinton as the White Witch.
Opens Dec 9
The Family Stone
Claire Danes, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Sarah Jessica Parker and Luke Wilson star in a comedy about a family thrown into turmoil when their son brings his uptight fiancée home for Christmas.
Opens Dec 16
King Kong
Peter Jackson's mega-budget treatment of the 1933 classic is being heralded as the best remake in years. Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody and Jack Black head the cast.
Opens Dec 16
Lassie
The famous collie returns for a new adventure largely shot in Ireland. Directed by Charles Sturridge and starring Samantha Morton, Peter O'Toole and Peter Dinklage.
Opens Dec 16
March of the Penguins
Opens Dec 9
On ice
BELFAST
Dundonald International Ice Bowl
Ice-skating on the Olympic-size rink.
048-90809123, www.theicebowl.com
DUBLIN
7UP Christmas On Ice
Back for its third year, the RDS event includes a children-only ice rink and Santa's polar palace.
RDS, Ballsbridge, daily until Jan 15, one-hour sessions, Mon-Fri, 9.30am-10.30pm, Sat/Sun, 10.30am-10.30pm, €8.50-€14 (ice-skating only), 0818-717200, www.ticketmaster.ie
Smithfield On Ice
Billed as the largest outdoor ice rink in Ireland.
Smithfield, daily until Jan 8, one-hour sessions, 10.30am-9pm, €9.50-€14, 01-4487777, www.smithfieldonice.com
Pantomimes
BELFAST
Jack and the Beanstalk
Fee-fi-fo-fum fun for all in this traditional pantomime.
Belfast Waterfront Hall, 2 Lanyon Place, Dec 1-Jan 14, various times, £13.50/£9.50, 048-90334455, www.waterfront.co.uk
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Panto queen May McFettridge is joined by Eamonn Holmes and Linda Nolan.
Grand Opera House, Great Victoria Street, Dec 3-Jan 28, £5-£22, 048-90241919, www.goh.co.uk
CLARE
Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp
The Pantaloon troupe is back this year with a little help from the Sparks School of Hip Hop Dance.
Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Jan 1-7, 7.30pm. Also Jan 1, 2, 7, 2.30pm, €12/€10 065-6843103, www.glor.ie
CORK
Babes in the Wood
Two children lost in Sherbert Forest meet Robin Hood, Maid Marian and the glamorous Dame Knotty Knickers in this traditional panto.
Cork Opera House, Dec 13-Jan 15, various times, €17-€23, 021-4270022, www.corkoperahouse.ie
DERRY
Sleeping Beauty
Fun, frolics and laughter are promised in this traditional pantomime, with comedian Conal Gallen as the Dame.
Millennium Forum, Derry City, Dec 2-Jan 8, various times, 028-71264455, www.millenniumforum.co.uk
DUBLIN
Aladdin
Traditional pantomime starring George McMahon (Mondo from Fair City), Joanna Ampil and the Billie Barry Kids.
Gaiety Theatre, Dec 4-Feb 5, various times, €17.50-€29.50, 01-6771717, www.gaietytheatre.com
Cinderella
Eurovision singer and You're A Star judge Linda Martin makes her panto debut as the Wicked Stepmother. She's joined by David Mitchell and panto regulars Alan Hughes (as the inimitable Sammy Sausages) and Joe Conlan.
Liberty Hall Theatre, Dec 19-Jan 22, (previews Dec 14-18 €20/€22), various times, €22.50/€24.50, 01-8721122, www.centralticketbureau.com
Cinderella
Large-scale rod puppets and colourful stage sets create a festive mood for this puppet pantomime.
Lambert Puppet Theatre, Monkstown, Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 and Dec 27-Jan 8, (no show
Jan 1), €12.50/€9, 01-2800974, www.lambertpuppettheatre.com
GALWAY
Cinderella
Playwright Maeve Ingoldsby's version of the classic fairytale, starring Niall McDonagh.
Black Box Theatre, Galway City, Jan 1-8, 2.30pm/7.30pm, €14/€11, 091-569755, www.townhalltheatre.com
Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood
Renmore Pantomime presents a mix of laughter, dancing, music and song.
Town Hall Theatre, Galway City, Jan 1-14 (no shows Jan 9 and 10), 7.30pm and 2.30pm on various days, €15/€12, 091-569755, www.townhalltheatregalway.com
LIMERICK
Aladdin
Limerick Panto Society presents the traditional pantomime.
University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Dec 30-Jan 8, 3pm and 8pm on various days, €16/€14, 061-331549, www.uch.ie
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack Potty's beloved cow is sold on eBay in this modern take on the traditional tale from CentreStage. Starring Myles Breen as Philippa Potty.
Millennium Theatre, Limerick Institute of Technology, Dec 26-Jan 8, 3pm and 8pm on various days, €15.50/€13.50, 061-322322, www.litmt.ie
Santa
CORK
Breakfast With Santa
Families with young children can meet Santa over breakfast during this Christmas season.
Fota Wildlife Park, Fota Island, Cork, Dec 3, 10, 17, 10am-noon and Dec 4, 11, 18, 11am-1pm, €19.50 children (includes gift and breakfast), €15 adults (includes breakfast), 021-4812678, www.fotawildlife.ie
DUBLIN
Breakfast With Santa
See Cork above.
Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dec 3, 10, 17, 10am-noon, Dec 4, 11, 18 10.30am-12.30pm, €21 children (includes gift and breakfast), €16 adults (includes breakfast), 01-4748900, www.dublinzoo.ie
Workshops
DUBLIN
Art Workshop at the National Gallery A popular creative opportunity for children, with talks and music from the Royal Irish Academy of Music Junior Group.
National Gallery, Merrion Street, Dec 27, 28, 29, 3pm-4pm, admission free, 01-6615133, www.nationalgallery.ie
Christmas Workshop
Make reindeer, angels, snowmen and decorations at craft workshops (for five- to 10-year-olds).
Dublin Writers Museum, Parnell Square, Dec 4 and 11, noon-1pm, €10, 01-8722077, www.writersmuseum.com
Christmas Workshop
Make your own Christmas cards and gift wrapping and learn how to bind books (for six- to 12-year-olds).
National Print Museum, Beggars Bush, Haddington Road, Dec 10 and 17, 1pm and 3pm, €15, 01-6603770
Design and Make Decorations at Farmleigh
An opportunity for children and their parents to design and make decorations in these beautiful surroundings. The crib with live animals in the stables is also worth a visit.
Farmleigh, Phoenix Park, Dec 3, 4, 10 and 17, 1pm-2pm and 3pm-4pm, Dec 11 and 18, 12.30pm-1.30pm, admission free, 01-8155900, www.farmleigh.ie
Making Christmas Presents
A chance to make your own Christmas presents (for six- to 11-year-olds).
Airfield Trust, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dec 10, 2.15pm-3.30pm, €3, 01-2984301, www.airfield.ie
