In this weather, you might be tempted to hibernate by the fire when you're not frantically in search of the perfect gifts. But a great variety ofseasonal activities also beckons. Treat yourself and the children to a different kind of Christmas craicer this holiday season.
Christmas should be a time of joy and laughter, the appreciation of the beautiful, a feast of the senses, a time of reverence for the encroaching night and future renewal of life. All too often, however, we become ensnared in its commercial uses for boosting the economy at the tail end of the year. While Christmas shopping can be an invigorating experience (No, it can't! Yes, it can!), the season has much more to offer, with rewards that warm the heart instead of simply robbing the wallet.
Like ourselves, children like a break from the shopping and stress, and warm to events that give them a chance to become creative, to listen to music, to watch or take part in play-acting and absorb the spicy smells and traditional atmosphere of the holiday season.
FAMILY THEATRE
Aladdin
The Lambert Puppet Theatre, Monkstown, Co Dublin
A puppet panto with a genie in a lamp - magic! Runs weekends from December 7th to 26th, continuing daily for a fortnight after that, and then again on weekends until the end of January. All performances at 3.30 p.m. €9.50 adults/€8.50 children. 01-2800974
Annabelle's Star
The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin
Young children will enjoy this non-verbal show about a girl who finds herself lost, only to get support and magical gifts from her two special stars. Written by Mary McNally, directed by Raymond Keane from Barabbas, lighting by Paul Keogan. The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin from December 15th to January 5th, €5. 01-6707788
The Blizzard Wizzard
Lyric Theatre, Belfast
This original production by the acclaimed Cahoots NI brings an exciting new story to the stage about Holly, who is so impatient to see her present she opens it at midnight and is transported into a magical adventure. Directed by Zoe Seaton and Paul Bosco McEneaney. Until December 28th, £6. 048-90385648
A Christmas Carol
Gate Theatre, Dublin
Atmospheric, colourful and intricate stage production of Dickens's iconic novel about the transformation of the now legendary Ebenezer Scrooge. Runs until January 4th. Performances at 8 p.m. €24/€22; matinees Wednesdays and Saturdays, €16. 01-8744945
Hansel and Gretel
Project, Temple Bar, Dublin
Storytellers Theatre Company has created a combined actors/puppets production of this fairy tale about abandonment and enchantment, adapted by Mary Elizabeth Burke-Kennedy. Featuring Bríd Ní Neachtain, Barry Barnes, Fergal McElherron and Judith Roddy, the production is directed by Bairbre Ní Chaoimh with lighting by Paul Keogan, music by Trevor Knight, and shadow puppets by Clodagh McCormick. Children 8 years and over. Runs from December 12th to January 4th, €15 adults/€12 children/€45 family ticket. 01-8819613
The Little Mermaid
The Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co Kildare
This upbeat, contemporary production of the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen was adapted for stage by Simon Sharkey. Special costumes, lighting and special effects create an underwater atmosphere on stage. The production also features an audio description facility for the visually impaired. Runs from Friday until December 29th, 7 p.m., matinees at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. €10/€7.50. 045-448333
Rover Saves Christmas
The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin
Roddy Doyle returns again this year with the excellently staged reading of his children's novel about a streetwise dog who saves the day for Christmas. Directed by Eric Fraad, the production includes the work of production designer Robert Ballagh, lighting designer Paul Keogan and music by Brian Byrne. Most enjoyable. At 10.15 a.m. and 12.15 p.m. today until Friday and December 9th, Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., €5. 01-6707788
The Twits
An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Everybody loves to hate the dubious protagonists of Roald Dahl's novel The Twits. An Grianán's production brings them revoltingly to life. Watch them play their grotesque tricks on each other, and help the Roly Poly bird and the Mugle Wump monkeys get revenge. Until December 21st, 2.30 p.m. and 7 p.m., €10/€7/€28 family ticket. 074-20777
Also runs from December 26th to January 12th at The Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, €19/€14/€11 children under 14/€48 family ticket. 01-2312929
PANTOMIME
Aladdin
Draíocht, Blanchardstown
Aladdin journeys from widow Twankey's Laundry to a princess's palace, but will he be thwarted by the villain Abaneezer, who wants to rub that magic lamp? Coolmine Panto Group's show runs from January 2nd to 11th, €15/€12. 01-8852622
Cinderella
Grand Opera House, Belfast
This lavish panto production features May McFettridge, Scott Wright, Lucy Morgans, Richard Cadell and, last but not least, Sooty - who else? Runs until January 18th, 7.30 p.m., matinees 1.30 p.m. or 2.30 p.m., £19.50-£8.50. 048-90241919
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Waterfront Hall, Belfast
Who's been eating whose porridge? Find out at the biggest panto yet at Waterfront Hall, featuring the cream of local talent. Runs from Friday, December 6th to January 12th, £13.50-£9.50/£7, £42/£27 family ticket. 048-90334455
Jack and the Beanstalk
Millennium Forum, Derry
Fee Fi Fo Fum, will Jack and Jill defeat a three-legged/two-headed giant? The production also includes Mrs Garbage, a seriously displaced Easter Bunny and a band of singing, dancing magic beans. Runs until January 4th, 7.30 p.m. except December 9th-12th, 16th/17th, various matinees, £12.50-£5. 048-71264455
Jack and the Beanstalk
Cork Opera House
That strapping giant-killer turns up again in Cork in a mix of modern and traditional elements geared especially to appeal to teenagers. Kylie O'Reilly and Britney Brophy join Jack and Jill and the terrifying Bertie Big Foot for great Christmas cheer. Runs from December 12th to January 18th, 7.30 p.m., matinees 2.30 p.m., €17-€12. 021 454 3210
Little Mrs Muffett
CYMS Hall, Killorglin, Co Kerry
A (most) original panto by the Killorglin Pantomime Society, written by Declan Mangan, to celebrate 40 years of continuous success. Mrs Muffett, a baker, gets into trouble with Spiderwoman when she tells the King her daughter Miss Muffett can turn flour into Goldgrain, and he only hears the first syllable. Runs from January 19th-26th; also appearing at Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, Co Kerry on February 1st and 2nd. 066-9790961
Mother Goose
Town Hall Theatre, Galway
The Renmore Panto presents a greedy Dame with a goose that lays golden euro eggs (designed by Macnas), but sacrifices it in search of beauty. Will she discover that true beauty lies within? We've seen her. Let's hope so. Runs from January 1st to 12th (except 7th and 8th), 8 p.m., matinees 3 p.m., €11 adults/€9 children. 091-569777
Mouseio's Magical Christmas
Tivoli Theatre, Dublin
A panto for the very young, Mouseio's Magical Christmas tells the story about how Mouseio and his family rescue Santa from a tight spot and save Christmas for everyone, including themselves, of course. Until December 23rd, 12.30 p.m., 4 p.m., 7.30 p.m., €20/€18.50, Ticket price includes goody bag for the kids. 01-4544472
Sleeping Beauty
Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
In its annual sumptuous panto, The Gaiety presents a glittering cast, including Frank Kelly, aka Father Jack from the comedy series Father Ted. Directed by Alan Stanford. Runs until February 2nd, matinee and evening performances, €24.50-€17. 01-6771717
DANCE
The Nutcracker
Cork Opera House
No Christmas would be complete without the Nutcracker, and although Nutcracker tours are thin on the ground this year, Cork City Ballet, under the direction of Alan Foley, will present the Nutcracker Suite and excerpts from other works, starring guests from the Kirov Ballet: Veronika Ivanova and Nikita Shcheglov. On tonight and tomorrow, 8 p.m., €28-€15. 021 454 3210
Irish National Youth Ballet
O'Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Dublin
The Irish National Youth Ballet Company puts on its version every year with its young but excellent dancers. On Friday andSaturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., €15 adults/€10 children. 01-8586644; also on December 14th at 3 p.m. at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone, Co Westmeath, €15/€10 0902-92129
Romeo and Juliet/Swan Lake
The Point, Dublin
One of the most exciting events of the season is the return of the fabulous Perm State Ballet to Dublin, with five performances of either Romeo and Juliet or Swan Lake. Ballet at its finest. Runs from December 12th to 15th, 7.30 p.m., matinee December 14th, 2 p.m., €65-€25, €10 discount for children under 12. 01-8363633 or 1890-925100
Swan Lake/Sleeping Beauty
Waterfront Hall, Belfast
The longing for the traditional at Christmas always brings a flurry of Tchaikovsky's ballets to the stage, and the Russian National Ballet brings these two favourites to Belfast. Running from December 15th to 17th, 7.30 p.m., matinee December 15th 2.30 p.m., £22.50-£10.50. 048-90334455
MUSIC
Carols by Candlelight
National Concert Hall, Dublin
If you're looking for atmosphere, come to this concert of favourites presented in full 18th-century costume in candle-lit setting. Soprano Deborah Norman joins The Mozart Festival Orchestra and Mozart Festival Chorus, conducted by Adrian Partington. December 23rd, 3.15 p.m. and 8 p.m., €35-€16. 01-4170000
A Christmas Festival
National Concert Hall, Dublin
Dublin County Choir, directed by Colin Block, presents this show of music, carols and dance. The concert includes guests The Billie Barry Children. Celine Kelly, pianist, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music Wind Ensemble accompany the choir; Niamh Murray joins in as both soprano and presenter. December 21st and 22nd, 8 p.m., €18/€15/€8 children. 01-4170000
The Carolling Corcorans
The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin
After a lull of more than 30 years, the Carolling Corcorans reunite to present three final farewell performances of Christmas music ranging from "the sacred to the profane to the inane". Children's cabaret directed by Eric Fraad, with staging and choreography by Liz Roche, set and costume design by Monica Frawley and lighting by Paul Keogan. December 18th, 20th and 21st and 6 p.m. €5. 01-6707788
Countdown to Christmas
National Concert Hall, Dublin
Can't wait for Christmas? Join the RTÉ Concert Orchestra in its Countdown to Christmas concert, presented by Alasdair Malloy. Gareth Hudson conducts the orchestra in a musical family show. On December 17th at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., €10 adults/€5 children. 01-4170000
Goethe Institute Christmas Concert
National Concert Hall, Dublin
The wonderful Goethe Institute Choir gets back on stage for its beloved Christmas concert, with Bach's very beautiful Christmas Oratorio - soloists Colette Boushell, Úna McMahon, Robin Tritschler and Simon Morgan - and Vivaldi's Bassoon Concerto in A minor - bassoon soloist Peter Whelan. John Dexter directs the choir; John Finucane conducts the Hibernian Orchestra. An annual treat. Tonight at 8 p.m. €15/€12. 01-4170000
Lassus Scholars and Piccolo Lasso Choirs
National Concert Hall, Dublin
In this first of two concerts (see Young European Strings), the Lassus Scholars and Piccolo Lasso Choirs present music from Beethoven, Delibes and Bizet, accompanied by the Orlando Chamber Orchestra, with Charles Pearson on the organ. They are joined by soloists Franzita Whelan, Imelda Drumm, Declan Kelly, Jeffrey Ledwidge and Ite O'Donovan. December 8th at 8 p.m., €15 01-4170000
The (Little) Magic Flute
Glór Irish Music Centre, Ennis, Co Clare
The run of The (Little) Magic Flute is nearly over, but there are still a few opportunities to catch up with it. A charming adaptation of Mozart's classic opera by Opera Theatre Company for children, Thursday. 065-6843103. Also, the Roscommon Arts Centre, December 8th, €16/€12. 0903-25824
New Year's Eve Concert
National Concert Hall, Dublin
If you don't want to spend all of New Year's Eve keeping up the conversation until it's finally midnight, come to the RTÉ Concert Orchestra's New Year's Eve Concert, conducted by Proinnsías Ó Duinn. Starting late to keep you awake until the big moment, the concert features classical favourites and - what else? - Viennese music, of course. On December 31st, 9.45 p.m. €40-€8. 01-4170000
The Palestrina Choir Centenery Concert
National Concert Hall, Dublin
This choir, conducted by Blánaid Murphy, performs a special concert of favourite Christmas songs, including excerpts from A Ceremony of Carols, In Dulci Jubilo, the première of The Dublin Bell Carol by David Mooney, the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah and other well-loved carols. On December 8th at 8 p.m., €20-€10. 01-4170000
Young European Strings School of Music Christmas Gala Performance
National Concert Hall, Dublin
This school celebrates 15 years of success with a Children for Children Christmas Gala Concert. The school has fostered a technique of child-centred learning, teaching children to hear a note before they play it, and nurturing the skills of memorising, listening and developing a personal style and presence on stage. Gerhard Markson, conducts the Lassus Scholars and Piccolo Lasso Choirs, joined by violinist Gwendolyn Masin. The programme features music from Buxtehude, Mozart and Stravinsky. December 15th at 3.15 p.m., €15/€8. 01-4170000
CRIBS AND CRAFTS
Art Workshop: Christmas is coming and the Geese are Getting Fat
National Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Make your own cards and decorations using the museum's collections as an inspiration on December 8th and 11th at 2.30 p.m. admission free, but booking essential. 01-6777444
Back to the Future
Collins Barracks, Dublin
A chance to create a colourful calendar for the New Year looking at objects from the past to decorate your future, suitable for 6+ years. December 29th from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., admission free. 01-6777444
Celebrate Christmas at Collins Barracks!
Collins Barracks, Dublin
A day of craft and musical events, including a workshop to make your own Christmas crib figures, a choral performance and storytelling with Aideen Mcbride. Sample Christmas goodies and take the "Christmas trail", a seasonal activity sheet for children. This year's event focuses on the Napolitan Crib as its theme. This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission free. 01-6777444
Christmas Craft Fair
Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford
Waterford Home Crafts puts on its annual craft fair, presenting and selling regional work. Runs until December 21st, admission free. 051-855038
Glenroe Farm
Kilcoole, Co Wicklow
Glenroe Farm has set up a real stable with animals and a manger to add to its usual farm animals and pets, and has invited Santa to greet children both naughty and nice. Until December 23rd, €10 children - including visit to Santa and a present; accompanying parents free; assorted "non-believers" €2.50. 01-2872288
Ireland's Lapland at Glendeer Farm
Drum, Athlone, Co Westmeath
That Santa is such a whiz, he's discovered the secret of being in many different places at the same time (wouldn't we all like that gift in our stockings this Christmas?). Santa makes an appearance with Dancer and Prancer, a crib, Mrs Claus's cabin and more. Until December 23rd. Open Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday 3 p.m.-8 p.m.; cost €9 children/€4 adults Monday-Saturday; €10/€5 Sunday. 0902-37147
A Medieval Christmas
National Museum of Archaeology and History, Kildare Street, Dublin
All are invited to a Medieval Christmas Fayre to see how Christmas was celebrated in the Middle Ages. A Galloglas soldier will stand guard as visitors call on a chandler, a scriptor and wood turner, a goodwife who has obligingly cooked a feast and musicians playing Christmas music. On December 15th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., admission free. 01-6777444
National Crafts Fair of Ireland
RDS, Dublin
Ireland's largest crafts fair: five days and more than 350 exhibitors selling a vast range of artisan-made goods and original gifts. Along with a selection of candles, ceramics, pottery, stained glass and hand-made toys, the fair features the work of five contemporary jewellers. From December 11th to 15th, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat/Sun 10 a.m.-7 p.m., 10 per cent discount on December 11th. Admission €7. 01-6702186
One Hundred and One Uses of Straw
National Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, Co Mayo
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, Ted Kelly demonstrates how to weave straw into a crib for Christmas. December 15th at 2.30 p.m., admission free. 01-6777444
Paper Magic: Fold Your Way to Christmas
Collins Barracks, Dublin
Make graceful and unusual Christmas ornaments using origami, the Japanese art of paper-folding. December 8th, 3 p.m.-4 p.m., admission free. 01-6777444
Santa at Kia-Ora Mini Farm
Gorey, Co Wexford
This time Santa has even transported his workshop, kitchen, post office and bedroom to Ireland, complete with a live stable. To sweeten it for the long-suffering adults, complimentary mulled wine and Christmas cake will be served. Until December 24th, Thursdays/Fridays 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays/Sundays 1 p.m.-6 p.m., from December 14th every day 1 p.m.-6 p.m. €10 children, includes present. 055-21166
Christmas Village
Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park, Loughrea, Co Galway
Turoe Pet Farm transforms itself into a Christmas village, with crib, stable and Santa's grotto. The village also includes a trade fair, with stands of books, paintings, cakes, crafts and garden centre decorations such as wreaths and trees. Hip kids can also visit the children's disco. Until December 22rd, Thursdays/ Fridays 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays/Sundays 2 p.m.-8 p.m., December 22nd 3 p.m.-9 p.m., €7 children/€4 adults, €3 extra to see Santa and collect present. 091-841580
ICE DELIGHTS
Dublin on Ice
Smithfield Plaza, Dublin
Dublin joins cities such as New York and Paris to offer its own winter city skating experience, Dublin on Ice. Smithfield Plaza has been transformed into a slick sheet of ice for the Christmas season. The rink consists of 700 square metres of ice and can hold up to 2,500 visitors a day, so get your skates on and have a go! Open until January 12th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., St Stephen's Day and New Year's Day noon to 10 p.m., closed Christmas Day. €10 adults/€7 children/€27 family ticket. 1890-925100; group, family and school bookings on 1850-423423, www.dublincityonice.ie
Giants' Christmas "Teddy Chuck"
Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Please do throw things on the ice at the Giants' Christmas "Teddy Chuck" for Childline. Repeating last year's successful event, the Belfast Giants play the Sheffield Steelers on December 13th and invite spectators to bring a soft toy, such as teddy or other stuffed animal, to chuck onto the ice at the end of the game. Teddies and any monies collected go to Childline NI. Match begins at 7 p.m., £17.50-£10 adults/£7 children/ £33 family ticket. 048-90739074, or 048-95091111 (Belfast Giants)
The Russian Ice Stars
The Helix, DCU, Dublin
The Nutcracker finally hits the skids when the Russian Ice Stars come to Dublin to present it, together with Sensational Ice, in a ballet programme on skates. Runs from January 7th to 11th, 2.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., €35-€20. 01-7007000. Also appearing at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, January 1st-5th, 2.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., £24.50-£10.50. 048-90334455
