Festive family fun

From flying snowmen to traditional pantos, homemade decorations to the latest cinema releases, there's lots of shows, movies, workshops and events for children of all ages this Christmas, writes SYLVIA THOMPSON

PANTOMIMES

ARMAGH

Jack and the BeanstalkTraditional pantomime from the Ulster Theatre Company. Market Place Theatre, Armagh, until Dec 24, various times, £8-£13, 048-37521821, marketplacearmagh.com

BELFAST

AladdinThis traditional pantomime stars popular panto dame Dan Gordon. Waterfront Hall, 2 Lanyon Place, until Jan 7, various times, £17/£15, 048-90334455, waterfront.co.uk

Jack and the BeanstalkNew 3D sequences through the enchanted forest and the Giant's castle promise to bring a new dimension to this pantomime from Qdos Entertainment. Grand Opera House, Great Victoria St, Dec 3-Jan 21, various times, £11-£25, 048-90241919, goh.co.uk

CARLOW

Sleeping BeautyCarlow Club Players present this traditional pantomime. George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Old Dublin Road Dec 15-19, €15/€12-50, 059-9172400, gbshawtheatre.ie

CLARE

Jack and the BeanstalkPantaloons present this traditional pantomime. Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Dec 27-Jan 1, €15, 065-6843103, glor.ie

CORK

CinderellaTraditional pantomime written and directed by Bryan Flynn. Cork Opera House, Emmet Place, From Dec 15, various times, €15-€30, 021-4270022, corkoperahouse.ie

Beauty and the BeastStars of this pantomime include Cork's favourite Dame, Jim Mulcahy; West End star Michael Sands; and, new this year, Julie Kelleher and Mary Hegarty. Everyman Palace, Cork City, Dec 10-Jan 8, various times, €22.50/€25, 021-4501673, everymanpalace.com

DONEGAL

Dick Whittington and His CatLetterkenny Pantomime Society present this traditional pantomime. An Grianán, Letterkenny, Dec 21-28, €8-€15, 074-9120777, angrianan.com

DUBLIN

AladdinTheatreworX Productions panto stars George McMahon, Martha Christie, Eoin Cannon, Frank Mackey and Aidan Mannion. The Helix, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, until Jan 15, various times, €24/€20, 01-7007000, thehelix.ie

Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean PiratesLongest running traditional pantomime in town, starring Samantha Mumba alongside panto regulars Richie Hayes, Michael Grennell and Joe Conlon. Directed by Daryn Crosbie. Gaiety Theatre, South King St, Dec 4-Jan 29, various times, €27.50-€35, 01-6771717 or 0818-719388, gaietytheatre.ie

Sleeping BeautyThis not-so-traditional pantomime, written by Karl Broderick and directed by Michael Scott, stars Alan Hughes (aka Sammy Sausages), John Lovett (Buffy) and former Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh. Tivoli Theatre, Dec 14-Jan 15, various times, €20-€29.50, 01-4544472, panto.ie

Jedward and the BeanstalkJedward (John and Edward Grimes) are back again this year with Linda Martin, Becky and the Koolpops in this pantomime written by Fiona Looney. Olympia Theatre, Dame St, Dec 21-Jan 8, various times, €22-€35, 0818-719330, ticketmaster.ie

Beauty and the BeastHolding Court Theatre Company present family pantomime. Axis, Ballymun, Jan 5-29, various times, €6-€12, 01-8832100 axis-ballymun.ie

Snow White and the 7 DwarfsCoolmine Panto Group presents this popular pantomime. Draíocht, Blanchardstown, Jan 6-14, €20/€15, 01-8852622, draiocht.ie

AladdinThe Lambert team put their puppets in pantomime mode for this festive show. Lambert Puppet Theatre, Clifton Lane, Monkstown, Co Dublin. Various dates from Dec 3, 3.30pm, €13/€11, 01-2800974, lambertpuppettheatre.com

GALWAY

AladdinRenmore Pantomime Society present their annual traditional pantomime, directed by award-winning twins Brian and Sean Power and featuring the Renmore Smurfs. Townhall Theatre, Galway City, Dec 30-Jan 15, various times, €16/€14 091-569777 tht.ie

KERRY

CinderellaTraditional pantomime from Oliver Hurley Productions. Siamsa Tíre, National Folk Theatre and Arts Centre, Town Park, Tralee, Dec 4-7, 8pm, Dec 4 7, 3pm, €16/€13, 066-7123055 siamsatire.com

LIMERICK

AladdinTraditional pantomime from the Limerick Panto Society starring Tim Cusack. University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Limerick City, Dec 28-Jan 8, various times, €18.50/€16.50, 061-331549, uch.ie

CinderellaCentreStage Productions are back this year with a dazzling show, written by Mike Finn and starring Myles Breen. Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick City, Dec 27-Jan 8, various times, €17-€21, 061-319866, belltable.ie

SLIGO

Goldilocks and the Three BearsCoolera Dramatic Society include circus acts in their pantomime this year. Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo, Nov 30-Dec 17, €16, 071-9161518, hawkswell.com

MUSICALS, MAGIC, STORIES AND CIRCUSES

BELFAST

The Little PrinceThe world premiere of a new musical adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's book from Nicholas Lloyd Webber and James D Reid. Lyric Theatre, Belfast, Dec 1-Jan 15, £5-£19.50, 048-90381081 lyrictheatre.co.uk

DUBLIN

The Wizard of OzBack again this year is this classic Christmas film with live musical accompaniment from the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dec 23, 3.30pm 7.30pm, €35/€30/€25. 01-4170000 nch.ie

Oliver!Festival Productions present a staged production of this popular family musical. National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, Dec 27-Jan 3, 6pm €18-€34. 01-4170000, nch.ie

Storytelling, Puppet Shows and Magic Shows at FarmleighThe extensive Christmas family programme includes storytelling in the Old Kitchen with various storytellers. Dec 3,4, 10, 11, 17, 18 12.45pm, 2.30pm 4.15pm; Puppet Shows in the Cowshed Theatre, Dec 3, 4, 11, 18, noon, 1.45pm 3.30pm; Magic Show in the Cowshed Theatre, Dec 10, 17 1.30pm, 3pm, Farmleigh, Phoenix Park, adm free, no booking necessary, 01-8155900, farmleigh.ie

Fossett's Christmas CircusHeld as part of the 7UP Winter Wonderland at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, this family Christmas circus includes a thrilling act – the Wheel of Death, Dec 8-Jan 8, one hour shows at various times, €11/€9 adults, €8/€7 children, 087-7978518, fossettscircus.com

WORKSHOPS

DUBLIN

Puppet-Making and Performance Workshops at the ArkNiamh Lawlor and Emma Fisher from Púca Puppets will facilitate rod-puppet making workshops for 4-7 year olds, while theatremaker Helene Hugel will lead winter performance workshops for 2-3 year olds. Also free drop-in reading space on Dec 3, 10 17, various times, The Ark, Eustace St, €10, 01-6707788, ark.ie

Christmas Family Art Holiday at the National GalleryThis annual event gives children a welcome opportunity to express themselves by drawing and colouring, also tours of exhibitions and musical performances (bring your own sketch pads and colours). National Gallery, Merrion Square W, Dec 28-30, 3pm-4.30pm, adm free, no booking necessary. 01-6615133, nationalgallery.ie

Festive Fun at the National MuseumCarol-singing, festive arts and craft workshops and the 12 Days of Christmas Trail at the Christmas Open Day, Dec 3, 11am-5pm, adm free; Festive storytelling with Niall de Burca, Dec 18, 3pm-4pm, adm free, National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History, Collins Barracks; Experience the magic of a medieval Christmas Fair with Irish Arms historical re-enactors, National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Kildare St, Dec 4, 2pm-4.30pm, adm free, 01-6777444, museum.ie

Christmas Art Workshops at the Dublin City GalleryDesign your own stencils to create special Christmas wrapping paper (for 6-10 year olds), Dec 3, 3pm, €5; make Christmas angels at a family workshop, Dec 10, 2pm-4pm, adm free; make your own Christmas snow globe workshop (for 7-11 year olds), Dec 17, 3pm-4pm, €5; also free Sunday sketching workshops (aged 7+), Dec 4, 11, 18, 3pm -4pm, Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, Parnell Square North, 01-2225564, hughlane.ie

Red Stables Christmas WorkshopsMake your own Christmas tree decorations at drop-in art workshops, Dec 3, 4 10; make your own Christmas angels and decorations, Dec 11, 17; Christmas themed drama/art workshop, Dec 11, The Red Stables, St Anne's Park, Mount Prospect Ave, D3, 01-222 7377, theredstables.ie

MAYO

Christmas Events at National MuseumChristmas Family Day with workshops in Christmas decorations (aged 7+), Dec 10 2pm-3pm, adm free, no booking required; Christmas workshop for 3-6 year olds, Dec 18, 2.30pm-3.30pm, adm free but booking required, National Museum of Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, 094-9031751, museum.ie

MOVIES

HAPPY FEET TWO

Everyone loves penguins. The follow-up to the 2006 hit will feature more scenes of aquatic birds dancing to disco rhythms. Opens Dec 2.

HUGO 3D

Martin Scorsese has his first-ever adventure in family film-making. The great director has turned Brian Selznick's novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret into a grand tribute to silent cinema. Opens Dec 2.

PUSS IN BOOTS

Voiced by Antonio Banderas, the manipulative Puss was the funniest character in the later Shrek episodes. Now he gets his own film. Expect swashbuckling and smart-alecky quips. Opens Dec 9.

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS

The first film brought action and steampunk style to Conan-Doyle's eternal adventures. For the sequel, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris and Stephen Fry join Robert Downey Jr's eccentric detective. Opens Dec 16.

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED

Parents beware. The helium-voiced rodents are back to trouble their carers. You may laugh (or you may not), but the Chipmunks franchise has been a huge smash for 20th Century Fox. Opens Dec 16.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL

Yet another sequel. Brad Bird, director of The Incredibles, makes his live-action debut with an adventure set in and around the mean streets of Moscow. Opens Dec 26.

– Donald Clarke

ON ICE

CORK

Cork on IceThe ice rink is back in the Mahon Point Shopping Centre again this year. Until Jan 22, €14/€12 adults, €13/€11 children, 021-4217641, corkonice.com

DUBLIN

Disney on Ice: Worlds of FantasyMore than 60 Disney stars perform in this dazzling show on ice. City West Hotel, Dublin, Dec 26-Jan 2, various times, €19.50-€39.50, 0818-719300, citywesthotel.com

7UP Winter WonderlandBilled as Ireland's largest ice rink, this year the 7UP ice rink is set up in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, alongside Fossett's Circus, continental markets and the big man in red. Dec 8-Jan 8, From €9, 0818-717200, www.7upwinterwonderland.ie

Dundrum on IceNow in its second year, the ice rink in the Dundrum Town Centre creates an alternative mood around the shops. Until Jan 29, €14/€12 adults, €13/€11 children, dundrumonice.ie

GALWAY

Galway Bay on IceThis ice rink is set up overlooking Galway Bay at Spanish Arch. Until Jan 9, €16.50 adults, €13.50 students, €11 under 12s, 0818-719300, 091-556609, galwaybayonice.com

VISITING SANTA

Santa Claus has the gift of omnipresence in the weeks before Christmas and a family trip to visit the big man in red somewhere other than a shopping centre might prove a more memorable outing for young children in the years to come. Here are a few places to choose from.

Dublin Zoowill set up a grotto for Santa this year and while children wait to see him, they can partake in Christmas arts and crafts activities. Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 22-24. Also, there will be a giant snow globe in place on Dec 10, 11, 17 18 which should make for some atmospheric photographs. €10 (in addition to admission price of €10.50 children; €15 adults) 01-4748900, dublinzoo.ie

Santa will also take up residence in the Arctic Experience at Fota Wildlife Parkon Fota Island, Cork. Dec 2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18-23. Visits to Santa free with admission charge of €14 adults, €9 children (under twos free), 021-4812678 fotawildlife.ie

Billed as Ireland's Lapland, Glendeer Pet Farmin Curryroe, Drum, Athlone, Co Westmeath hosts Santa and his reindeers Dancer and Prancer in a snow-covered arena. Dec 3-23, €15 children, €7 adults, 0906-437147, glendeerpetfarm.ie

Glenroe farmin Kilcoole, Co Wicklow sets Santa up in a homely thatched cottage in the weeks before Christmas. While there, children can also see the nativity stable with live farm animals, visit the farm, watch puppet shows and join in a disco. Dec 3, 4, 10,11, 17,18, 21-23, 10am-5pm, children €15, adults €5, 01-2872288, glenroefarm.com

Travelling across Lough Ennell by boat to reach Belvedere Houseoutside Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Santa passes through the Narnia-inspired landscape to take up residence in the courtyard of Belvedere House this year. Dressed in the traditional robes of Victorian times, this Green Santa will show children how to pot Scots pine and holly trees to take home and plant in their gardens. Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 children €12, under 3s and adults go free with child bookings, 044-9349060, belvedere-house.ie

Santa will visit Dunsandle Castlenear Craughwell in Co Galway again this year. A torchlit procession through the castle's woodland, songs and stories form part of a 90-minute experience. Dec 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 20-23, €27 children; adults €11 (Galway Simon Community will receive a percentage of the admission fee). 091-503865 santacastle.ie

In Co Clare, Santa and his elves have been busy in their Christmas workshop in the Aillwee Cavesince 2000. While there, children can also enjoy puppet shows, a Christmas market and a train to the Birds of Prey exhibition, Dec 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 20-22 €33 children, €15 adults, 1890-245593, aillweecave.ie

Santa, Mrs Claus, a troupe of elves and other Christmas characters will take up residence in Bunratty Folk Parkfrom Dec 2-23, €25 children, €13 adults, 061-360788, shannonheritage.ie

Finally, at the W5in Belfast, children can hop on a train at Christmastown station and travel through a mystical forest and ice cave to elf village and on to Santa's station for an audience with Father Christmas himself. W5, Odyssey, 2 Queen's Quay, Belfast, Until Dec 23, £7.70 adults, £5.70 children, 048-90467788 w5online.co.uk

SHO WS ON TOUR

The Snowman Christmas SpecialNicky Byrne from Westlife tells the story of James and the flying snowman as the magical animated classic is shown with a live soundtrack from the Irish Philharmonic Orchestra. University Concert Hall, Limerick, Dec 2, 7.30pm, 061-331549, uch.ie; Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin, Dec 4 11, 11.30am, 2pm 4pm, 0818-719377; INEC, Killarney, Dec 17, 7.30pm, 064-6671555, €20/€15 ticketmaster.ie

Rudolph The Red-Nosed ReindeerTalisman Theatre Company present this timeless tale with plenty of Christmas songs for young children (aged 3+). Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford City, Dec 5, 10.30am noon, €13.50/€12.50, 051-855038, garterlane.ie; Birr Theatre Arts Centre, Birr, Co Offaly, Dec 12, 10am 11.15am, €13.50/€12.50, 057-9122911 birrtheatre.com; University Concert Hall, Limerick, Dec 14, 10.30am noon, €13.50/€12.50, 061-331549, uch.ie; Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo, Dec 20, 9.45am 11.30am, €13.50/ €12.50, 071-9161518, hawkswell.com

Little Miss Muffet's Magical ChristmasCentre Stage Theatre Company presents this seasonal production for 4-7 year olds. Civic Theatre, Tallaght. Dublin, Dec 20, 7pm, €10, 01-4627477, civictheatre.ie; St John's Arts Centre, Listowel, Co Kerry, Dec 15 16, 10am noon, €8, 068-22566 stjohnstheatrelistowel.com

Santa and the Present PiratesAn all-singing, all-dancing festive show from City Theatre. The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, Co Tipperary, Nov 30, 9.30am, 11am 12.30pm, 0504-90204, sourcearts.ie; Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford town, Dec 1 12, 10am, 11.30am 1pm, 053-9123764, wexfordartscentre.ie; Birr Theatre Arts Centre, Birr, Co Offaly, Dec 2, 10am 11.15am, 057-9122911, birrtheatre.com; Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Co Laois, Dec 5, 10am 11.30am, Dec 6, 10am, 11.30am 7pm, 057-86 63355, dunamaise.ie; Belltable Arts Centre, Limerick, Dec 13, 10am, 11.15am 12.30pm, 061-319866, belltable.ie; Ballina Arts Centre, Co Mayo, Dec 14, 10am, 11.15am 12.30pm, 096-73593, ballinaartscentre.com; Belmullet Arts Centre, Co Mayo, Dec 15, 10am, 11.30am 1pm, 097-81079; Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co Tyrone, Dec 16, 10.05am, 11.15am 12.20pm, Dec 17, 1.30pm 4pm, 048-71384444, adm prices vary across venues

The Nutcracker Suite and The Snow QueenThe 15th anniversary production from the Irish National Youth Ballet. O'Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Great Denmark St, Dec 2, noon 8pm; Dec 3, 3pm 8pm, €11- €18, 0818-205205 centralticketbureau.com; Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, Dec 9, noon 8pm, Dec 10, 3pm 8pm, €18/€15 adults, €13/€11 children, 01-2312929 paviliontheatre.ie