2017’s best Christmas shows in the UK

Nothing kicks off the Christmas period quite like the joy of a festive show with the family. We’ve rounded up the best seasonal shows for kids, from toddlers to teens, which will be sure to get you all into the Christmas spirit!

1/12 The Arabian Nights, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh

Get swept up in an exotic land of magic carpets, genies and romance with this retelling of Arabian Nights from Suhayla El-Bushra. The wicked Sultan of old Baghdad announces a terrible plan that threatens the world of a charming young girl, Scheherezade. Through her creativity, dreaming and storytelling she weaves a plan to catch him at his own game and save her beloved country. Recommended for ages six and up.

2/12 Slava’s Snowshow, Royal Festival Hall, London

Fans of chaos and calamity would do well to catch this off-beat performance of Russian Christmas clowns. From bubble and balloons to slapstick and silliness, the Slava’s Snowshow cast provide entertainment and laughter at every turn. Far from the usual droll routines of the clowns we saw in childhood, this is a thoughtfully choreographed act that will entertain children and adults of all ages. Recommended for ages five and up.

3/12 The Velveteen Rabbit, Unicorn Theatre, London

This much-loved children’s tale of the special bond between a boy and his toy rabbit is even more heart-warming in live performance. Ashley Byam plays ‘The Boy’ and Christian Roe is ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’, managing to capture the love-worn, raggedy aesthetic of a favourite toy in an understated and gentle way. Recommended for ages four and up.

4/12 The Bear, Weston Studio at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

The author of the beloved Snowman stories, Raymond Briggs, presents The Bear in live theatre. The Bear tells the story of a little girl called Tilly who finds a polar bear has climbed into her room overnight. Tilly’s not scared, and sets out to look after her new friend with jaws as big as her head- what could go wrong? Outstanding puppetry and memorable music feature in this Christmas classic. Recommended for ages three and up.

5/12 The Nutcracker, St David’s Hall, Cardiff

Budding ballerinas will be enthralled at this performance of the traditional Christmas ballet, where fantasy meets reality. At midnight on Christmas Eve watch as a fairytale world is brought to life, awakening toy dolls and sparking a battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker Prince. Travel with the cast and Lord Snow to a magical dimension and get lost in the sparkling costumes and incredible scenery. Recommended for ages six and up.

6/12 Beauty and the Beast, Lyric Theatre, Belfast

Known for their quirky takes on traditional fairy tales, the Lyric Theatre in Belfast presents the 2017 favourite of Beauty and the Beast. The story is told with a contemporary twist, as Belle is in fact the assistant of a singer-songwriter whose fame has turned him into a Beast. Families will love watching Belle try to unravel the Beast’s curse and save him from himself. Recommended for ages six and up.

7/12 Nativity! The Musical, Apollo Hammersmith, London

The hit kids’ Christmas movie is coming to the stage at the Apollo Hammersmith this Christmas. Flustered teacher Mr. Maddens is living every teacher’s nightmare: trying to organise a Nativity show to impress a visiting Hollywood producer. Of course, things don’t go to plan and the audience can expect a laugh a minute in this slapstick comedy. Recommended for ages four and up.

8/12 What The Reindeer Saw, Lyric Theatre, Belfast

A comedic and off-beat tale of the dysfunctional Claus family, this performance from the Lyric Theatre will have the whole family in stitches. Watch as Santa takes sleigh-riding lessons, comes up against angry elves and argues with Mrs Claus about hanging out with his beer-drinking, football watching mates- the reindeer! One thing’s for sure- this is a Christmas story told as never before. Recommended for ages six and up.

9/12 Shark in the Park, Festival Square Spiegeltent, Edinburgh

Little ones will love the rhyming fun at this performance from the creators of ‘The Hairy McLairy Show’. Featuring all three of Nick Sharratt’s ‘Shark in the Park’ books, children can follow Timothy Pope (and his telescope) as he embarks on three exciting adventures. Sit in the colourful Spiegeltent and soak up the magical atmosphere at this captivating performance. Recommended for ages three and up.

10/12 Elf the Musical, King’s Theatre, Glasgow

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”. A musical version of everyone’s favourite Christmas movie, Elf the Musical tells the story of young orphan who accidentally gets lost in Santa’s sack of presents and transported to the North Pole to be raised as an Elf. Discovering his true identity as an adult he embarks in a calamity-strewn journey to New York City, learning with horror that his father is on the naughty list and that his brother doesn’t even believe in Santa Claus! Recommended for ages four and up.

11/12 The Lorax, The Old Vic Theatre, London

The heart-warming tale of a funny creature with a passion for saving the environment has been specially adapted for the stage. Directed by Max Webster, responsible for the success of the ‘James and the Giant Peach’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ stage adaptions, The Lorax tells the story of the grumpy creature’s quest to stop the greed of the ‘Once-ler’ destroying the Earth. Puppetry, humour and songs make this a vibrant Christmas show not to be missed! Recommended for ages five and up.

12/12 Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, New Theatre, Cardiff

This vibrant retelling of the traditional fairy tale is sure to bring Christmas cheer to kids and adults alike. Starring Gareth Thomas and Chico, this comedic performance features spectacular musical numbers, jazzy dance routines and flamboyant costumes. Don’t worry about sitting quietly through the performance; audience participation is much needed if you are to defeat the Wicked Queen! Recommended for ages four and up.

Want more fab ideas for a great day out with the kids? Here are 15 fun things to do November 2017.