Twinkletoes, cribs, carols and beanstalks

Whatever your idea of festive fun, there's bound to be an event that you and your family will enjoy. Sylvia Thompson and Catherine Foley round up what's on

A new take on the Nativity

The story of the Nativity may well be the reason why we celebrate Christmas in the West, but it is rarely a theme of children's shows by professional theatre companies. So it is striking that two Canadians - Andrea Montgomery, artistic director of the Riverside Theatre, at the University of Ulster's Coleraine campus, and Stephanie Young, a London-based scriptwriter - decided to put it in a 1940s American context for this year's Christmas show for children at the Riverside.

"I wanted to do something that would connect and pull children together from the different traditions in Northern Ireland," says Montgomery. "So I thought why not go back to the story that is at the heart of Christmas, where there are no divisions, and tell it afresh, so children can think about what it would be like for an ordinary girl in a small town to become pregnant? Then I thought about the film It's A Wonderful Life, with James Stewart, which everyone says is the essence of Christmas, so, together with Stephanie, we decided to set the play in a kind of 1940s post-war American movieland setting."

The result, according to Young, is "a story people can relate to in which supernatural things happen to people who are natural, ordinary people". Also as part of the 1940s mood, Young and Montgomery have transformed the three wise men into "three wise guys" - journalists who discover a star behaving strangely and follow it for its news value - and made the angel Gabriel a pilot who was killed during the second World War.

The 90-minute show also contains lots of humour, music and song. Montgomery says: "We're both big Bugs Bunny fans, so it has given us an opportunity to juxtapose real emotion and real humour close together, weaved into a story with incredible spiritual meaning.

"So far the children who play the shepherds, angels and townsfolk totally understand how you can be respectful and have lots of fun and games at the same time." ... ST

[ www.ulster.ac.uk/riverside ]

What's on at the movies

Christmas With The Kranks

A light-hearted family comedy in which Luther Krank (Tim Allen) decides to skip Christmas to go on holiday with his wife (Jamie Lee Curtis). When his daughter decides to come home for the holidays he is forced to put Christmas back together. Also stars Dan Aykroyd. Opens on Friday

Surviving Christmas

Ben Affleck plays Drew Latham, who is so determined not to face another Christmas alone that he pays a family of strangers to let him spend the holidays with them. Then the family's eldest daughter (Christina Applegate, whose father is played by James Gandolfini from The Sopranos) doesn't appreciate the presence of her 'adopted' brother. Opens on Friday

The Polar Express

Robert Zemeckis employs innovative digital technology for this fable, featuring Tom Hanks as the conductor on a magical train journey to the North Pole. Opens Dec 10th

Ella Enchanted

Shot in Ireland, Tommy O'Haver's spin on Cinderella stars Anne Hathaway in the leading role, with Patrick Bergin as her widower father and Joanna Lumley as her wicked stepmother. Opens Dec 17th

Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events

This Christmas's most eagerly awaited children's film is about three orphaned children whose greedy relative (Jim Carrey, left) schemes to steal their inheritance. Opens Dec 17th ... ST

 Home for Christmas

The Sound Of A Clare Christmas will be Dawn Kenny's first big concert in her native county since the release of her second album, Sound, earlier this year.

It will be an occasion to dress up, celebrate and be with family, says Kenny, who will sing and play a baby grand piano, accompanied by a string quartet, a children's choir and her classical-guitarist husband, Michael O'Toole.

Having toured Ireland during the year, as well as visiting the US and the UK, Kenny will travel home for Christmas to perform with the Clare Music Makers Children's Choir and String Quartet, with Sharon Nye on cello, Dave Clare on violin and Neil Boland on piano.

She will perform favourites such as Joni Mitchell's The River and The Pretenders' 2000 Miles, as well as her own works, including the newly composed Christmas Can't Come Soon Enough.

The classically trained singer-songwriter, from Ardnacruscha, in Co Clare, says the concert will have a recital feel to it. "It's like a family occasion. It's lovely to do a gig in your home county." ... CF

Glór, Ennis, Dec 19th 7pm, €16, concessions €10 (065-6843103, www.glor.ie)

Another seasonal sell-out

The sound of three choirs, accompanied by a mighty church organ, drums and a brass ensemble, is set to raise the roof of the Pugin-designed chapel of St Patrick's College, Maynooth. More than 2,000 people come over three nights to enjoy the annual carol service, conducted by Prof Gerard Gillen.

The first night, Monday, December 13th, is open to the public, December 14th is for the college and December 15th is for an invited audience. The public concert has already sold out.

So what makes the event special? "It's the sheer thrill of hearing young voices fill that great space," says Gillen. With the 150 young voices of Maynooth University Choral Choir, along with the 20 singers of the University Chamber Choir and the 20-strong Male Voice Seminary Choir, "it's particularly atmospheric".

"It's a very young, fresh sound, and they sing with great enthusiasm . . . with music ranging from the contemporary John Tavener, the ancient Irish suantraí to lots of Christmas sing-alongs, souped up with glitzy arrangements."

The evenings make the most of the chapel's 500 hand-carved stalls, which make the unique venue one of the largest of its kind in the country. ... CF

Theatre

Belfast Rumpelstiltskin At The Fairytale Laundry An inventive version of the classic fairytale, using puppets, music and lots of socks. Old Museum Arts Centre, Dec 9th and 10th 10.30am and 1pm, Dec 11th noon and 3pm, £5 (048-90233332, www.oldmuseum artscentre.org)

Cavan: Tale Of The Blue Eyed Cat A stage adaptation of the Enid Blyton story, with Jill Murphy and Jennifer Mooney playing the cat, teddy bear, jack in the box, doll and Action Man. Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Dec 8th and 10th 8pm, €6 (049-8547074, www.ramortheatre.com)

Cork The Fisherman And His wife A slightly unseasonal offering, perhaps ideal if you don't want to overindulge in the Christmas spirit. Triskel Arts Centre, Dec 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th noon and 3pm, €8 (021-4272022, www.triskelart.com)

Dublin The Shaughraun Dion Boucicault's melodrama features Don Wycherley as Conn the Shaughraun in what has been described as "unadulterated entertainment and fun" for all ages. Abbey Theatre, Mon-Sat 8pm, also Sat 2.30pm until Jan; €15-€30 (01-8787222, www.abbeytheatre.ie)

Christmas Magic Show Dublin Youth Theatre's production revolves around the students and neurotic principal, Mr Spludgit, of a school for children's entertainers. For eight- to 12-year-olds. Project Cube, tomorrow until Dec 4th 8.15pm, preview today 8.15pm, also Sat 2.30pm, €12 (01-8819613, www.project.ie)

Too Many Cooks: Irish première of a tale about the curious preparations for a prince's dinner, from Travelling Light Theatre Company. Draíocht, Blanchardstown, Dec 7th to 9th, 10am and noon, €7 (01-8852622, www.draiocht.ie)

The Borrowers: Watershed Productions adapt Mary Norton's famous story of the little people who live under the floorboards. The Helix, Dec 11th to Jan2nd various times, €13-€19 (01-7007000, www.helix.ie)

Sinbad: The puppet maestros have chosen a nautical theme for this year's Christmas show. Lambert Puppet Theatre, Monkstown, Dec 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th 3.30pm, then Dec 26th to Jan 10th 3.30pm, €12.50 adults, €9 children (01-2800974, www.lambertpuppettheatre.com)

Touring

A Christmas Carol Talisman Theatre Company adapts Charles Dickens's classic tale of how a mean old man is transformed by the spirit of Christmas. Backstage Theatre, Longford, today; Rupert Guinness Theatre, Dublin, Fri; TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, Dec 6th; Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, Co Offaly, Dec 7th; Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Dec 9th and 10th; Excel Theatre, Tipperary, Dec 13th; Rupert Guinness Theatre, Dublin, Dec 15th; LIT Millennium Theatre, Limerick, Dec 16th and 17th; Mullingar Arts Centre, Co Westmeath, Dec 19th; Theatre Royal, Waterford, Dec 20th; St Michael's Theatre, New Ross, Dec 21st; all shows are in the mornings, times vary; €12.50 adults, €10.50 children (086-8524826)

Santa And His Magic Sleigh Talisman Theatre Company presents the tale of Polly Greenjeans, whose Christmas Eve preparations are interrupted when Santa and his sleigh crash-land next to her home. Town Hall Theatre, Galway, today; Rupert Guinness Theatre, Dublin, tomorrow; TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, tomorrow; Dunamaise Theatre, Portlaoise, Thu and Fri; Backstage Theatre, Longford, Fri and Sat; White Memorial Theatre, Clonmel, Dec 6th; Excel Theatre, Tipperary, Dec 7th; Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, Co Offaly, Dec 9th and 10th; LIT Millennium Theatre, Limerick, Dec 12th to 15th; Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare, Dec 14th; INEC, Killarney, Dec 15th; Rupert Guinness Theatre, Dublin, Dec 16th and 17th; St Michael's Theatre, New Ross, Dec 16th; Theatre Royal, Waterford, Dec 17th; Mullingar Arts Centre, Co Westmeath, Dec 19th; Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo, Dec 20th; Roscommon Arts Centre, Dec 21st; all shows are in the mornings, times vary; €12.50 adults, €10.50 children (086-8524826)

Pantomimes

Belfast: Jack And The Beanstalk May McFettridge leads a cast that includes former Neighbours star Dan Paris and Charlotte McCurry in a show that promises a breathtaking beanstalk and the scariest giant Belfast has ever seen. Grand Opera House, Mon-Sat 1.30pm or 2.30pm and 7.30pm until Jan 22nd, £5-£20.50 (048-90241919, www.goh.co.uk)

Cinderella University student Alana Kerr plays Cinderella in her first starring role, joined by seasoned pantomime actors Sean Kearns and Christina Nelson as the ugly sisters and Paul Kelly as the prince. Waterfront Hall, from Dec 2nd to Jan 15th 10.15am, 1.30pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm on various days, £13.50, concessions £9.50 (048-90334455, www.waterfront.co.uk)

Clare Jack And The Beanstalk Children from the Sparks School of Hip Hop Dance join the cast from Pantaloons Theatre company. Glór, Ennis, Jan 1st-3rd 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Jan 7th 7.30pm, Jan 8th 2.30pm and 7.30pm, €12, concessions €10 (065-6843103, www.glor.ie)

Cork The Pied Piper The children's tale is given some humorous twists by Alan Shortt. The cast includes Frank Mackey, Mark O'Shaughnessy, Cormac Costello and Gerry McLoughlin. Cork Opera House, tomorrow to Jan 9th, 2.30pm and 7.30pm on various days, €16-€22 (021-4270022, www.corkoperahouse.ie)

Dublin Jack And The Beanstalk Look out for the ghastly giant, the wacky fairy, the handsome hero and the irrepressible baddy in this traditional pantomime, starring Brian Ormond, Susan McFadden and Richie Hayes. Gaiety Theatre, Dec 5th to Feb 6th, various times, €19-€28 (01-677 1717, www.gaietytheatre.net)

Beauty And The Beast TV3 star Alan Hughes leads a cast that includes Brenda Donohue, Jonathan McCrea from Spin FM and You're A Star boy band Final 4. Liberty Hall Theatre, Dec 18th to Jan 23rd, daily at 2.30pm or 3pm and 6.30pm or 7pm, €20-€22.50 (01-8721122)

Treasure Island Coolmine Panto Group bring the classic pirate's tale to life. Draíocht, Blanchardstown, Jan 4th to 15th 8pm, also Jan 8th, 9th and 15th 2pm, €17 (01-8852622, www.draiocht.ie)

Galway Aladdin The 26th annual pantomime from Renmore Panto Group, directed by Brian and Sean Power. Town Hall Theatre, Jan 1st to 15th 8pm, also Jan 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th and 15th 3pm, €14, concessions €11 (091-569777, www.townhalltheatre galway.com)

Limerick Beauty And The Beast The combined talents of writer Mike Finn and actor Myles Breen, of Fair City, come together in this traditional pantomime. LIT Millennium Theatre, Dec 27th to Jan 9th 3pm and 8pm on various days, €10-€15 (061-322322, www.lit.ie/theatre)

Cinderella Limerick Panto society performs this traditional pantomime, starring Tim Cusack. University Concert Hall, Dec 30th to Jan 9th 3pm and 8pm on various days, €15, concessions €12.50 (061-331549, www.uch.ie)

Musicals and dance shows

Armagh Alice - the Musical An all-singing, all-dancing show from Paul Boyd, based on Lewis Carroll's stories. Market Place Theatre, Dec 4th 2.30pm, Dec 11th and 18th 2.30pm and 7.30pm, Dec 19th 2.30pm, Dec 21st and 22nd 7.30pm, £6-£10 (048-37521821, www.marketplace armagh.com)

Belfast Disney On Ice: Toy Story 2 The cartoon characters don their skates for this show full of special effects. Odyssey Arena, Dec 9th 4pm, Dec 10th 4pm and 8pm, Dec 11th and 12th 8pm, £11.50-£24.50 (048-9073 9074, www.odysseyarena.com)

Donegal Pinocchio Five actors, a specially created animation sequence and lots of songs make up this adaptation of the story of the mischevious puppet from Paul Boyd. An Grianán, Letterkenny, Dec 4th, 11th and 18th 2.30pm and 7pm, also Dec 22nd 7pm, €12, concessions €8 (074-9120777, www.angrianan. com)

Family Christmas Concert An evening of traditional Christmas fare, including Handel's Messiah and The Nutcracker, performed by the City of Derry Orchestra, the University of Ulster choir and local primary-school choirs. An Grianán, Letterkenny, Dec 21st 8pm, €20, concessions €15 (074-9120777, www.angrianan. com)

Dublin Disney On Ice: Toy Story 2 The cartoon characters don their skates. Point Theatre, daily 7.30pm until Dec 5th, also Dec 3rd to 5th 3.45pm, €12-€33.50 (01-8363633, www.thepoint.ie)

Santa's Christmas Mystery George McMahon (Mondo in Fair City) stars in this musical comedy, whose hero attempts to rescue his girlfriend before she is hypnotised by Santa's evil brother. SFX City Theatre, Dec 4th 3pm, also Dec 8th, 11th, 18th and 22nd 3pm, €20 (01-8554673)

The Nutcracker Irish National Youth Ballet's annual seasonal offering. Draíocht, Blanchardstown, Dec 10th and 11th, 2pm and 8pm, €18 (01-8852622, www.draiocht.ie)

Music For Fun At Christmas: The RTÉ Concert Orchestra plays Walking In The Air, from The Snowman, and other favourites. The Helix, Glasnevin, Dec 12th 3pm and 5.30pm, €12 (01-7007000, www.helix.ie)

Rudolf The Red: How did reindeer get the best job of the season, pulling Santa across the sky? Find out in this musical for four- to six-year-olds. The Ark, Dec 19th 1pm, Dec 27th to 30th, Jan 2nd to 7th, and Jan 9th and 16th 1pm and 3pm, €8.50 (01-6707788, www.ark.ie)

The Snowman Family Christmas Concert A choreographed version of Howard Blake's The Snowman is the highlight of this concert of music and carols. National Concert Hall, Dec 21st 3.15pm and 5.15pm, €10, concessions €5 (01-4170000, www.nch.ie)

Alice - The Musical An all-singing, all-dancing show from Paul Boyd, based on Lewis Carroll's stories. Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, Dec 26th to Jan 15th 3pm and 7pm on various days, €12-€18 (01-231 2920, www.pavilion theatre.ie)

The Wizard Of Oz Festival Orchestra, chorus and dancers with children from the Independent Theatre Workshop. National Concert Hall, Dec 27th to 30th and Jan 2nd and 3rd 7.30pm, also Dec 28th and 29th and Jan 2nd and 3rd 3pm, €16-€30 (01-4170000, www.nch.ie)

Pinocchio Five actors, a specially created animation sequence and lots of songs make up this adaptation of the story of the mischevious puppet from Paul Boyd.

Civic Theatre, Tallaght, Jan 3rd to 8th 3pm and 7pm on various days, €18 (01-4627477, www.civic theatre.ie)

Limerick Nutcracker On Ice The "Broadway" Nutcracker as performed by the Moscow Stars on Ice, with jazz and rock 'n' roll arrangements of Tchaikovsky. University ConcertHall, Dec 26th and 27th 3pm and 8pm, €30, concessions €25 (061-331549, www.uch.ie)

Workshops

Dublin Christmas art workshop Explore the collection and create your own Christmas cards. Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Dec 4th 2-3.30pm, free but booking essential (01-4070750, www.cbl.ie)

Open day and workshops Festive events include music, storytelling, art workshops, demonstrations and talks. Also, make your own Christmas card. National Museum, Collins Barracks, Dec 11th 10am-5pm, Dec 12th 3-4pm, free (01-6486453, www.museum.ie)

Children's tours Learn what animals do in the winter. Did you know reindeer once lived in Ireland? Find out about them and other animals connected to the festival season. Natural History Museum, Dec 12th 3pm, Dec 18th 11.30am, free (01-6486453, www.museum.ie)

Art workshop and tours Make cool pop-up cards at this workshop for seven- to 12-year-olds. Also, join the tour and see how Christmas was celebrated in medieval times. National Museum, Kildare Street, Dec 18th 10.30am and 2.30pm (tour Dec 18th 1.30pm), Dec 19th 2-5pm, free but booking essential for workshops (01-6486332, www.museum.ie)

Christmas Art Holiday Aimed at children of all ages, this annual feast of creative expression, led by Clodagh Emo, Piia Rossi and Don Conroy, is celebrating 40 years this Christmas. National Gallery of Ireland, Dec 28th to 30th 3-4pm, free (01-6615133, www.nationalgallery.ie)

Mayo

Get Ready For Christmas Make Christmas decorations, cards and candles. Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, Dec 7th to 10th 10am, 11am and 2pm, Dec 15th 2.30pm, Dec 29th 2.30pm (New Year candles), free (094-9031751, www.museum.ie)

Wicklow Dressing The Tree Make decorations for the Christmas tree that stands in the gallery. Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Dec 11th noon-4pm, free (01-2724030, www.mermaidartscentre.ie)

Ice rinks

Belfast: Dundonald International Ice Bowl Olympic-size rink. Dundonald Road, Mon-Fri 11am-5pm and 7.30-10pm (Fri 5.30-10pm), Sat and Sun 10am-noon, 1.30-5pm and 5.30-10pm, £8.50 (€12) a child (048-90809123, www.theicebowl.com)

Cork Fota On Ice Ice skating in a picturesque setting. Fota Wildlife Park, Mon-Fri 10.50am- 10.30pm, Sat and Sun 9.30am-10.30pm until Jan 9th except Dec 24th (9.30am-5.10pm), Dec 25th (closed), Dec 26th and Jan 1st (12.10-10.30pm) and Dec 31st (9.30am-6.30pm), €13.50 adults, €8.50 children (0818-719300, www.ticketmaster.ie)

Dublin Smithfield On Ice Now in its third year, the seasonal outdoor rink has grown slightly and now has a separate area for under-sixes, who can skate with their parents or play on snow sleighs. Smithfield, daily 10am-10pm until Jan 9th except Dec 25th and 26th (closed), Sunday and Jan 1st and 2nd (4-10pm), Dec 24th and 31st (10am-3.40pm), €14 adults, €9.50 children, including skate hire (01-4487777, www.smithfieldonice.ie)

7-up Christmas On Ice Now in its second year, this indoor ice rink has a Christmas market and Santa's Polar Palace for younger children. RDS, Ballsbridge, 9.30am-10.30pm until Jan 9th except Dec 24th and Dec 31st (9.30am-5.10pm), Dec 25th (closed) and Dec 26th and Jan 1st (12.10-10.30pm), adults €15 peak/€11 off peak, children €11/€9, family €42/€32, separate charge for Santa's Polar Palace (0818-717200, www.7upchristmas onice.ie)

Galway - Galway On Ice Skate in the city of the tribes. Nimmo's Pier, Mon-Fri 10.50am-10.30pm, Sat and Sun 9.30am-10.30pm until Jan 9th except Dec 24th (9.30am-5.10pm), Dec 25th (closed), Dec 26th and Jan 1st (12.10pm-10.30pm) and Dec 31st (9.30am-6.30pm), €13.50 adults, €8.50 children (0818-719300, www.ticketmaster.ie)

Visit Santa

Dublin: Santa's Magical Trail Dublin Zoo's trail includes visits to animals from different countries, learning how Christmas is celebrated in places such as Indonesia, Brazil and Madagascar, and visits to the elves' workshop for a gift. Dublin Zoo, Mon to Fri 1-3pm, Sat and Sun 11am-3pm, until Dec 24th, except Dec 8th, 22nd and 23rd (11am-3pm) and Dec 24th (11am-2pm), €19.50 children, €10 adults (01-4748900, www.dublinzoo.ie)

Cork - Santa's Magical Trail Children follow a trail around the park, ending with a visit to Santa. Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Mon-Sat 10am- 3.30pm, Sun 11am- 3.30pm until December 24th, children €14, adults €8 (021- 4812678, www.fotawildlife.ie)

Galway - National Children's Discovery Museum Santa is in part-time residence at this venue, itself a fascinating place for children to explore. National Children's Discovery Museum, Ballybrit, Thu and Fri 2-7pm, Sat and Sun noon-5pm until Dec 23rd, €7 children, €4 adults (091-766829, www.childrens discoverymuseum.ie)

Concerts

Belfast:  Eighth Gala Celebration of Christmas Peace Musical event featuring the New Spirit Gospel Choir, from Germany, and the steel bands of Coleraine College and St Patrick's College, Armagh, as well as soloist Diane Petherick, from Newtownards, and Huntley Brown, a gospel pianist from Chicago. Waterfront Hall, Dec 14th 2.30pm and 7.30 pm, £10.50-£15.50 (€15-22) for 7.30pm, £8.50 (€12) for 2.30pm (048-90334455, www.waterfront. co.uk)

Carols By Candlelight Christmas music with the Mozart Festival Orchestra, aiming to re-create the elegance and charm of the 18th century. Waterfront Hall, Dec 19th 7.30pm, £12-£25 (€17-€35) (048-90334455, www.waterfront.co.uk)

Cavan

A Christmas Journey Killinkere Gospel Singers perform, in story and music, a selection of spiritual favourites under the direction of Jennifer McCabe, narrated by Tony Router. Ramor Theatre, Virginia, Dec 4th and 5th 8.30 pm, €12, concessions €10 (049-8547074, www.ramor theatre.com)

Cork

Winter Concert Cork Symphony Orchestra performs a programme including Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart under the baton of Keith Pascoe, a member of the Vanbrugh String Quartet. St Fin Barre's Cathedral, Dec 11th 8pm, €10, concessions €7 (available from Pro Musica or at the door)

Dublin

Your Favourite Melodies At Christmas Glasnevin Musical Society gets into the Christmas spirit with a lively programme of solos, duets and choruses from the musical and operatic stage, as well as carols and other seasonal songs. National Concert Hall, Dec 4th 8pm, €12-€30 (01-4170000, www.nch.ie)

They Don't Sing Like In The Old Days . . . At Christmas A singalong with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, conducted by Gearóid Grant. Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, The Holy City and other favourites will be led by Austin Gaffney, Frank O'Brien, Sylvia O'Brien and Emmanuel Lawler.

The Square, Tallaght, Dec 5th 8pm, free (tickets from the customer service desk)

Christmas With The Palestrina Choir This annual fund-raising concert by the choir, which is in its 101st year, is a much-loved feature on the choral calender. The choir will be directed by Blanaid Murphy and accompanied by the Orchestra of St Cecilia, with Prof Gerard Gillen on organ. The concert will include Vivaldi's Gloria and Lubeck's Christmas Cantata. National Concert Hall, Dec 5th 8pm, €16, choir balcony €12, concessions available (01-4170000, www.nch.ie)

Carol Concert At Gardiner Street Our Lady's Choral Society's first performance of its Christmas programme. St Francis Xavier Church, Gardiner Street, Dec 7th 8pm, €15 (01-8363411)

Christmas Choice There could be queues down the street for this year's performances of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols by the children of the RTÉ Cór na nÓg. The choir, 14 years in existence, will sing under the direction of Maire Mannion, accompanied by Alison Thomas on piano and the Christmas Brass Ensemble, with leader Killian Bannister. St Ann's Church, Dawson Street, Dec 8th 6pm, €10, concessions €5 (tickets at the door from 4pm), also Dec 20th 1.30pm, €5 (tickets at the door from 11am)

The Lassus Scholars And Piccolo Lasso Christmas begins for many when the choir of Dublin Choral Foundation performs. The voices of members of the Piccolo Lasso children's choir will combine with the adults of the Lassus Scholars. On the programme will be Mozart's Mass in C Minor. Guest soloists are Franzita Whelan, Vivienne Hassell, Eugene Ginty and Eoin Supple. Traditional carols will be included, alongwith favourite opera arias. National Concert Hall, Dec 8th 8pm, €12-€20 (01-4170000, www.nch.ie)

Messiah The Irish Baroque Orchestra and the recently formed Resurgam Choir perform, featuring soloists Rebecca Ryan, Iestyn Davis, Eamonn Mulhall and Owen Gilhooly, under the direction of Laurence Cummings. St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, Dec 9th 7.30pm, €15-€30, concessions available (01-4754817 or 01-6337283) Our Lady's Choral Society

The long-established choir performs Handel's Messiah with the National Sinfonia, conducted by Proinnsias Ó Duinn; soloists include Colette Boushell, Alison Browner, Robin Tritschler and Ian Caddy.

National Concert Hall, Dec 13th, 15th, 16th and 17th 8pm, €15-€25, concessions available (01-4170000, www.nch.ie)

Mistletoe And Wine Taking its name from the Cliff Richard song, which is on the programme, this event features the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, with conductor Gareth Hudson and soloists Alex Sharpe and Glyn Kerslake, performing popular Christmas songs. National Concert Hall, Dec 14th 8pm, €8.50-€22.50 (01-417000, www.nch.ie)

Winter Songs Anúna, who travelled to Argentina and Chile with the President, Mary McAleese, this year, being their performance to Dublin. St Ann's Church, Dawson Street, Dec 17th, 18th and 19th, €26 (01-6778571, www.anuna.ie)

Sing Along Messiah This annual concert with the Dublin Bach Singers, the Orchestra of St Cecilia and special guests should have a good atmosphere, as each member of the audience is handed a score of Handel's masterpiece and given the opportunity to sing. National Concert Hall, Dec 19th 8pm, €14-€22 (01-4170000, www.nch.ie)

Galway

The Three Tenors John Scott, Karl Scully and P. J. Hurley sing arias in the atmospheric church. St Nicholas's Collegiate Church, Lombard Street, Dec 11th 8pm, €25 (091-509960)

Kildare

Kildare International School of Excellence for Young Musicians Christmas Concert Performed by students from Herbert Lodge Arts Centre.

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Dec 11th, prices to be confirmed (045-448314/448315 or 045-432490; www.riverbank.ie)

Laois

Mistletoe And Wine Taking its name from the Cliff Richard song, which is on the programme, this event features the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, with conductor Gareth Hudson and soloists Alex Sharpe and Glyn Kerslake, performing popular Christmas songs. Montague Hotel, Portlaoise, Dec 15th, 8pm, €18/€14 concession (0502-63355)

Louth

Family Christmas Concert The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, under Colman Pearce, performs with mezzo soprano Colette McGahon as soloist. The programme includes Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite No 1 and Leopold Mozart's Toy Symphone. St Joseph's Redemptorist Church, Dundalk, Dec 16th 7.30pm, €20 adults, €10 children (042-9336343 or 042-9334042)

Waterford

Messiah The Irish Baroque Orchestra and the recently formed Resurgam Choir perform, featuring soloists Rebecca Ryan, Iestyn Davis, Eamonn Mulhall and Owen Gilhooly, under the direction of Laurence Cummings. Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Dec 10th 7.30 pm, €20, concessions €15 (051-855038)

A Baroque Christmas Celebration The 70-strong Waterford Institute of Technology choir and 30-piece orchestra perform Bach's Magnificat, Vivaldi's Gloria and Corelli's Christmas Concerto. Christ Church, Dec 16th 8pm, €10, concession €6 (051-858958, www.christchurchwaterford.org)

Civic Carol Service This annual service features the Waterford Brass and Madrigallery Chamber Choir and the Christ Church Waterford Choir, singing together in the country's only Georgian cathedral, which has been restored over the past two years at a cost of €2 million. Christ Church, Dec 19th 4pm, free (tickets from 051-858958)

Westmeath

Winter Songs Anúna, who travelled to Argentina and Chile with the President, Mary McAleese, this year, kick off their Christmas. Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate, Dec 14th 8pm, €25, concessions €20 (0906-482042, www.anuna.ie)

Wicklow Opera Serenade Carols and seasonal songs from the popular Arklow vocal group, accompanied on piano by Margaret Fitzgerald. Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Dec 18th 8.30pm, €12, concessions €9 (0402-38529, www.tinahely- courthouse.ie)

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this guide, but please check with the venue before making a journey