Theatre
Andrew's Lane Theatre, Dublin: The Gingerbread Mix Up - Pauline McLynn swaps her duster for a broomstick in this Bickerstaff family show. Previews December 16th and 17th, opens 18th and runs until January 6th (December 16th 19th at 5.45 p.m. and 8 p.m.; December 20th January 6th, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.) £9. Bookings: 01 6795720. Transfers to the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny for performances on January 7th, 8th and 9th.
Lambert Puppet Theatre, Monkstown, Co Dublin: Jack and The Beanstalk and The Selfish Giant. December 12th and 13th, 3.30 p.m. £4.50. Bookings: 01 2800974/2801863.
The Christmas show is the classic tale Sinbad, which opens for one performance on December 19th and runs daily from December 26th at 3.30 p.m. until January 2nd. £4.50.
City Arts Centre, Moss St, Dublin: Raymondo's Journey - tale for 9 12 years with puppets, musicians, mime and storytelling, which centres on a lonely bachelor and his imaginary friend. This week, until Friday, 10 a.m. and noon. Matinee on Saturday 12th at 3 p.m. Red Riding Hood & Friends - plenty of audience participation as Franz encourages 4 8 year olds to remember this tale. December 14th - 18th, 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and Saturday 19th, 3 p.m. £2.50. Bookings: 01 6770643.
The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin: Christmas Island - new seasonal show for 4 6 year olds with songs and music. Weekly school performances from Monday Friday, with public performances on December 19th, 20th, 28th, 29th, 30th, and January 2nd and 3rd. Performances 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. £5.00. Bookings: 01 6707788.
Siamsa Tire, Tralee: An Goban Saor - The National Folk Theatre presents this Christmas show based on one of the best-loved Irish fairytales. Performances December 28th
30th and January 2nd 4th, 8 p.m. with a 3 p.m. matinee on 3rd. £7, family tickets £22. Bookings: 066 23055.