Cookery
The Busy Bee Christmas Holiday Cookery Course, Killiney, Co Dublin: A different way to keep 11
16 year-olds entertained in this handson course December 29th January 2nd and January 5th 8th. 10.30 a.m.
1 p.m. daily. Cost £68 which includes all equipment and ingredients. Tel: 01 2858674
Films
ANTZ: A perfect movie for both adults and children. Who could resist the combination of Woody Allen, Sly Stallone and Sharon Stone playing a worker ant, a princess ant and a soldier ant respectively, all the while looking remarkably like their human forms. Cert PG running throughout Christmas.
Babe: Pig in the City: This sequel to the Academy Award-winning hit Babe is the continuing story of a loveable and precocious pig who thinks that he's a sheep dog. This time, Babe migrates from his country farm to a faraway storybook city. Cert U running in cinemas nationwide throughout Christmas.
The Prince of Egypt: This topical offering tells a Bible story with a look "distinctively different" from other animated films. Opens nationwide on December 18th.
Mulan: If you move fast you can still catch Disney's latest animation movie loosely based on one of China's most popular legends.
The Parent Trap: Denis Quaid and Natasha Richardson star in Disney's big Christmas movie. Child star Lindsay Lohan plays the twins (both of them) and her scheming yields the predictable outcome of Quaid and Richardson resolving their differences, to become perfect parents together. Cert PG in cinemas nationwide from December 11th.
The Mask of Zorro: A sweeping tale of romance and honour, tragedy and triumph starring Antonio Banderas, Anthony Hopkins and Julietta Rosen. Cert PG the movie opens in cinemas nationwide on December 11th.
Cinemagic International Film Festival for Young People: This exciting event takes place in Virgin Cinemas, Dublin Road, Belfast December 3 - 13. The programme features a wide range of films from all over the world, many of which will be accompanied by a discussion from the director or producer. The festival includes masterclasses to teach young people about the film business and a full education programme. For full details, contact the Cinemagic box office hotline: 0801232 559900
Traditions
The Wran, The Wran!: This king of all birds who got caught in the furze makes his appearance traditionally on St Stephen's Day. So, Mrs Murphy, don't be thinking, give them your money and let them go drinking - to paraphrase from the Wren poem. Singers, dancers, mummers and musicians will all gather in Sandymount Green, Dublin, December 26th at noon, and from then until dusk it's one long round of festivities. Members of the public are welcome, and are warned to appear in costume. This event is organised by the Wren Boys in association with the Society of St. Brendan and all proceeds go to Cerebral Palsy Ireland. Tel: 01 2695355.
Keep an eye out for similar events around the country including the Woodford Mummers Feile, Woodford, Galway, December 26th, 27th. Tel: 0509 49248