Event guide: Beautiful and beastly Christmas fun for kids

PANTOMIMES

Belfast

• Cinderella: Cheer the goodies, boo the baddies and join in the singalongs at this family pantomime from Lana Productions. Waterfront Hall until Jan 3, £12-£17. 048-90334455, waterfront.co.uk
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Starring Northern Ireland's queen of comedy, May McFettridge, in her 26th consecutive pantomime role. This classic fairy tale contains all the ingredients: wicked stepmother, handsome prince and a damsel in distress. Grand Opera House until Jan 10, £17-£32. 048-90241919, goh.co.uk

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 4

Mary Poppins at the BGE Theatre, Dublin

Clare

• Aladdin: Pantaloons and Sparks Hip Hop Dance School come together for this traditional pantomime. Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Dec 22, 23 & 27-30, €15. 065-6843103, glor.ie

Cork

• Beauty and The Beast: Traditional pantomime starring Frank Mackey, Michael Grennell, Declan Wolfe and newcomers Holly Ryan and Patrick Sullivan. Cork Opera House, Dec 10-Jan 17, €25/€30. 021-4270022, corkoperahouse.ie
• Aladdin: Voice of Ireland winner Keith Hanley stars as the mystical genie alongside Niamh O'Mahony as Princess Jade in this traditional pantomime. Everyman Palace, MacCurtain Street, Dec 5-Jan 10, €17/€26. 021-4501673, everymancork.com

Dublin

• Jack and the Beanstalk: This Theatreworx production stars seasoned performers Niall Sheedy, Eoin Cannon, Aidan Mannion, Colin Hughes, Adam Lynch and Liam Butler, and introduces Orla Jennings. The Helix, Dublin City University until Jan 10, €18.50-€26. 01-7007000, thehelix.ie
• Little Red Riding Hood: The longest- running traditional panto in town, starring legendary panto dame Joe Conlon with Hayley-Jo Murphy, Shane McDaid and Nicholas Grennell. Gaiety Theatre until Jan 10, €19.50-€36. 01-6486029, 0818-719388, gaietytheatre.ie
• Beauty and the Beast: Anthem Productions (aka Alan Hughes and Karl Broderick) presents its annual mix of extravagant antics and humour in this pantomime starring Alan Hughes as Sammy Sausages, Michele McGrath as Belle, Seamus Power as Belle's father, Rob Murphy as the hilarious Buffy and Donal Brennan as the Beast. Tivoli Theatre, Dec 9-Jan 10, €29.50/€30.25. 01-4544472, tivoli.ie
• Freezin – The Story of the Snow Queen: Comedian Al Porter, Fair City actor Ryan Andrews, former children's TV presenter and actor Kathryn McKiernan and Dustin the Turkey star in this pantomime written by Al Porter and Karl Spain, and directed by Simon Delaney. Olympia Theatre, Dec18- Jan 10, €20-€36. 0818-719330, ticketmaster.ie
• Aladdin: A family pantomime from Causey Productions. Civic Theatre, Tallaght, Dec 20-23, 27-30 & Jan 1-3 €12 (sold out). 01-4627477, civictheatre.ie
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Family pantomime from Holding Court Theatre Company. Axis, Ballymun, Jan 7-31 €10/€7. 01-8832100, axis-ballymun.ie
• Beauty and The Beast: Coolmine Panto Group presents this popular family pantomime. Draíocht, Blanchardstown, Jan 3-17 (various days), €20/€16. 01-8852622, draiocht.ie
• Aladdin: The Lambert team put their puppets in pantomime mode for this festive show. Lambert Puppet Theatre, Monkstown, Co Dublin, until Jan 31 (various times and dates), €13/€11. 01-2800974, lambertpuppettheatre.com

Galway

• Jack and the Beanstalk: Renmore Pantomime Society presents this traditional pantomime with a new script by Peter Kennedy and the charming little Renmore Smurfs. Directed by Brian and Sean Power. Town Hall Theatre, Galway city, Dec 30-Jan 10, €16/€14. 091-569777, tht.ie

Limerick

• Sleeping Beauty: Seasoned pantomime stars Keith Duffy, Richie Hayes, George McMahon, Leanne Moore and Myles Breen come together again this year for this traditional pantomime. University Concert Hall, University of Limerick. Dec 16- Jan 3, €15-€27.50. 061-331549, uch.ie

Louth

• Cinderella: An adaptation by EM Productions. Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda. Dec 16-19, 7.30pm (and 2.30pm on Dec 19), €12.50. 041 9833946, droichead.com

Sligo

• Peter Pan: Coolera Dramatic Society presents its annual traditional pantomime, Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo. Dec 6-19, €16 (sold out). 071-9161518, hawkswell.com

Waterford

• Jack and the Beanstalk: Presented by the Waterford Panto Society, Theatre Royal, The Mall, Waterford. Dec 5-30, €19.50/€16. theatreroyal.ie

MUSICALS, DANCE SHOWS AND CIRCUSES

Dublin

• Mary Poppins: Cameron Mackintosh's stage adaptation of the popular musical stars Zizi Strallen as Mary Poppins. Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dec 3-Jan 9, €25-€68. 0818-719377 or 01-6777770, bordgaisenergytheatre.ie
• The Snowman: Back again this year is this wonderful animated film by Raymond Briggs and score by Howard Blake, performed by the Orchestra of the National Concert Hall with special guest Eimear Quinn and narration by actor Simon Delaney. National Concert Hall, Dec 18, 2.30pm & 5pm; Dec 19-20, 2.30pm, 5pm & 7pm. 01-4170000, nch.ie
• Oliver: A flamboyantly costumed version of the classical musical, by Festival Productions, starring Tony Finnegan as Fagin. National Concert Hall, Dec 27-30 & Jan 2-3, €25-€36. 01-4170000, nch.ie
• The Nutcracker Suite: The Irish National Youth Ballet performs this popular ballet to Tchaikovsky's magnificent score. Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, Dec 11-13, €8-€22. 01-2312929, paviliontheatre.ie
• Christmas Circus at Winter Funderland: Fossett's Circus mixes circus acts with festive performances as part of Winter Funderland. Simmonscourt, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dec 12-Jan 10, various times, €9 adults/€8.10 child. Meanwhile, the thrills and spills of spine-tingling rides at Funderland are at the same venue, Dec 17-Jan 10, wristbands €28.95 adults; €21.50 children. 01-4853045, fossettscircus.com, winterfunderland.ie

SHOWS ON TOUR

• Elf Factory: A magical "first Christmas" experience for the very young, courtesy of Little Bigtop productions. Santa's elves will greet children among a large pile of presents (for three- to five-year-olds). Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick, Dec 5, 7, 8 061-774774; Roscommon Arts Centre, Dec 10, 11, 0906-625824; Culturlann Sweeney Theatre, Kilkee, Co Clare, Dec 12, 065-9060769; Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, Dec 14, 01-2312929; Axis Theatre, Ballymun, Dec 16, 01-8832100. littlebigtop.info
• Little Light: Monkeyshine Theatre Company's charming tale of a little girl's adventure to bring back the sun and save her family. The Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Co Cavan, Dec 4, 11am & 7pm, 049-8547074, ramortheatre.com; Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny, Dec 5th, 2pm & 4pm, 056-7761678, watergatetheatre.com; Glór, Ennis, Co Clare, Dec 6, 12pm & 2pm, 065-6843103, glor.ie; Civic Theatre, Tallaght, Dec 11, 10am & 12pm, 01-4627477, civictheatre.ie; Source Arts Centre, Thurles, Dec 13, 2pm & 4pm, 050-490204, thesourceartscentre.ie; Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Dec 17, 10.15am & 12.15pm, 094-9023733, thelinenhall.com; Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Dec 18, 10am & 12pm, 045-448327, riverbank.ie; Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, Dec 22, 11am & 3pm, 01-2312929, paviliontheatre.ie
• Snow Play: Lyngo Theatre Company explores what happens when winter decides to stay in this interactive show for ages three and up). Axis Arts Centre, Ballymun, Dec 5, 2.30pm, 01-8832100, axisballymun.ie; Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, Dec 6, 2pm & 4pm, 01-2322929, paviliontheatre.ie; Draíocht, Blanchardstown, Dec 12, 2pm & 4pm, 01-8852622, draiocht.ie; Riverbank Theatre, Newbridge, Dec 13, noon, 045-448327, riverbank.ie; An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, Dec 16, 10.30am & 12.30pm, 074-9120777, angrianan.com
• The Nutcracker Suite: Tchaikovsky's famous dance music is the scintillating Christmas touring production from the WhistleBlast Quartet. The quartet will also perform popular Christmas carols. St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co Kerry, Dec 3, 8pm, 068-22566, stjohnstheatrelistowel.com; National Concert Hall, Dublin, Dec 5, noon, 01-4170000, nch.ie; Townhall Theatre, Galway, Dec 16, 7pm, 091-569777, tht.ie; Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Co Clare, Dec 17, noon & 7pm, 065-6843103, glor.ie; Ballina Arts Centre, Ballina, Co Mayo, Dec 18, 8pm. 096-73593, ballinaartscentre.com

FAMILY CONCERTS

Dublin

• The Henry Girls at the Ark: This show, featuring new songs written and performed by Donegal folk and traditional singers the Henry Girls, promises to enchant all ages with magical wintry themes. The Ark, Temple Bar, Dec 5, 6, 12, 13, 2pm & 4pm; Dec 4 & 18, 6pm; autism-friendly performance Dec 11, 12.15pm, €12/€9. 01-6707788, ark.ie

Galway

• Galway Music Residency Christmas Family Concert: Galway's ConTempo Quartet, Galway's 3 Sopranos Bel Canto and dancers from the Regina Rogers School of Ballet join forces for this festive show of Christmas carols and excerpts from the Nutcracker Suite. Town Hall Theatre Studio, Courthouse Square, Galway, Dec 12, 1pm & 3pm, adults €12, children €8. 091-569777, tht.ie

ON ICE

Cork

• Cork on Ice: The popular ice rink is back at Mahon Point Shopping Centre until Jan 31, €13/€12 adults, €12/€11 children peak/off-peak. 0818-919807, iceskating.ie

Dublin

• Dundrum on Ice: Now in its sixth year, the ice rink in Dundrum Town Centre is a fun alternative to shopping. €14/€12 adults, €13/€11 children, peak/off-peak, until Jan 10, 01-5242101, dundrumonice.ie
• I-Skate at the RDS: Part of the Winter Funderland experience. This rink draws big crowds. RDS, Simmonscourt, Ballsbridge, Dec 12-Jan 10. €13.50 adults/ €12.60 children. 01-4853045, winterfunderland.ie
• Swords on Ice: Opposite Wrights Cafe, behind Pavilion Shopping Centre in Swords. €14/€12 adults; €13/€11 children peak/off peak, until Jan 3. 01-5242322, swordsonice.ie
• Ice Skating at Blanchardstown: This ice rink is now in its second year. Millennium Park, next to the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre until late February, €13/€12 adults, €12/€11 children, 0818-919807, iceskating.ie

Galway

• Galway City On Ice: In Leisureland, Salthill, this year, until Jan 3, €14/€12 adults; €13/€11 children, peak/off-peak. 091-394504, galwaycityonice.ie

Louth

• Funtasia: The well-known water park has an ice rink this year for the first time. Donore Road Industrial Estate, Drogheda, until Jan 3, €14/€12 adults; €13/€11 children, peak/off-peak. 041-9898000, funtasia.ie
• Dundalk on Ice: Back again in Market Square, Dundalk, until Jan 10, €15 adults/ €13 children. dundalkonice.com

Kilkenny

• Kilkenny on Ice: now in its sixth year. This ice rink is renowned for its huge ice slide, bungee trampolines and a zipline. Cillin Hill, Kilkenny, until Jan 10, €15 adults/ €13 children. kilkennyonice.com

Waterford

• Waterford on Ice: Part of a wider celebration of all things Christmas, including a vintage fun fair and a live animal crib. This ice rink is on Grattan Quay. Festival goes until Dec 23 and the ice rink continues Dec 26- Jan 5. €14/€11 adults, €12/€10 children peak/off-peak. winterval.ie

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS

Dublin

• Glow Family Festival: Dublin City Council lights up Smithfield Square for this family event, which includes storytelling sessions, a children's disco, illustration workshops and street performers. Smithfield Square, Dec 5, 2pm-6pm, adm free. facebook.com/grasshopperevents
• Eco-Christmas Craft Workshops: Grab the chance to make some eco Christmas crafts and decorations from recycled and natural materials. National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dec 5, 11am, €5 (booking essential). 01-8570909, botanicgardens.ie
• Christmas Fayre at Smock Alley: This festive event, now in its second year, includes screenings of favourite Christmas films (Miracle on 34th Street, Bad Santa etc), readings and Christmas carols and songs performed by Tonnta Vocal Ensemble. Smock Alley Theatre, Temple Bar, Dec 5/6, 11am-6pm, adm free. 01-6770014, smockalley.com
• Medieval Christmas at the National Museum: A chance to go back in time to experience Christmas in medieval times; listen to medieval carols and musical instruments, see where our Christmas food originates, make your own Christmas candle and learn how to write with a goose-quill pen. National Museum of Archaelogy, Kildare Street, Dec 6, 2pm-4.30pm, adm free. 01-6777444, museum.ie
• Christmas Family Art Holiday at the National Gallery: The longest-running museum activity in Ireland offers children a chance to draw, with tips from artists (bring your own sketchbook and colours). National Gallery, Merrion Square West, Dec 28-30, 3pm. No booking necessary but numbers are limited. 01-6615133, nationalgallery.ie

Mayo

• Make Felt Wreaths at National Museum of Country Life: Join the Connacht Textiler Crafters to make your own felt wreath (aged seven and up). Dec 12, 2pm-5pm. Also a chance to join in carol singing with the Foxford National School Band, Dec 18, 2pm-3pm, adm free, National Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar. 094-9031751, museum.ie

PANTOMIME FEVER: A HELIX FAMILY AFFAIR

It's the one time of the year that we are all allowed to poke fun at politicians, celebrities, broadcasters and the like. And children and adults can cheer and boo at the extravagantly dressed, all-singing, all-dancing troupes as stages across our cities turn classic fairy tales on their heads. We all have our favourite pantomime venue. After more than 10 years of reviewing shows at the Gaiety, the Tivoli, the Olympia and many more in Dublin, I've found the intimate atmosphere and slick performances at DCU's Helix Theatre especially suited to young children. I expect this year's Theatreworx production of Jack and the Beanstalk, starring the Wicklow-born West End star Niall Sheedy, to be up to the usual quality.

Producer, co-writer and choreographer Claire Tighe of TheatreworX Productions says her joy of pantomimes comes from the audience interaction. “There’s nothing else like it in theatre. You can connect with the audience so quickly with the music and songs. And, I love seeing people express themselves by getting up and dancing.”

Claire grew up watching her mum Rita Tighe’s involvement in amateur dramatics in her hometown of Leixlip, Co Kildare. She choreographed her first show at the age of 16, with Rita directing. Now, years later, it’s a full family affair: Rita makes the costumes for the show, Claire’s dad, Brian, is a company director, and Claire’s husband, the comedian and panto star Aidan Mannion, builds the theatrical sets before he dons his costumes. “It’s just so much part of our lives,” says Claire, whose son, Cian, was born during the opening weekend of the Helix pantomime two years ago. Now they’re expecting their second child, so you get the feeling that this particular dramatic dynasty is not finished yet.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVALS: DUBLIN AND BEYOND

• Dublin: If you're looking for an atmospheric venue with indoor and outdoor festive events, the Farmleigh Estate (01-8155914, farmleigh.ie) in Phoenix Park, Dublin, is hard to beat. The free Christmas programme is open to all ages from 10am-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays from now until Christmas Day. The staff at this former residence of the Guinnesses create a Christmas-themed zone with horse and carriage rides, carol singing, craft and festive food markets and barbershop melodies echoing through the gardens. The children are kept entertained with storytelling sessions, and puppet and magic shows.
• Rest of country: Belvedere House, near Mullingar, Co Westmeath (belvedere-house.ie), Fota House in Co Cork (fotahouse.com), Birr Castle, Birr, Co Offaly (birrcastle.com) and Westport House, Westport, Co Mayo (westporthouse.ie) offer equally stunning locations with Santa visits as an extra attraction. Waterford city takes to seasonal activities in a big way with its annual Winterval Festival. Choose to travel by horse-drawn sleighs or the Winterval Express train to ride the carousel, listen to stories in Reginald's Tower, listen to Christmas carols or watch the light show in Cathedral Square (winterval.ie)