by Saoirse Anton

The tinkling clatter of baubles across the floor informs you that the cat has knocked over the tree yet again, the nut roast is taking more time in the oven than you expected, the roast potatoes have taken less time than you expected and are now burning, you are retrieving the baby Jesus from the crib out of the mouth of a toddler for the third time today, you’ve just remembered that you forgot to buy a present for Auntie Marjorie, and the doorbell has just rung to announce her arrival…

Sound familiar? For many, Christmas is the most magical time of the year, but amidst all of the organising, gathering, cooking and celebrating it can also bring its fair share of drama. If you are looking to escape the stage management of everyday life this festive season and enjoy some time to drift into the Christmas spirit, then what better way than enjoying some more contained theatrics on stage?

Read on to discover some top picks of this festive season on Irish stages.

 Visions of Sugar Plums Danced in their Heads…

The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic, and this year Ballet Ireland are putting a new spin (or pirouette?) on it with Nutcracker Sweeties. Telling the tale of Ciara and Fionn’s adventure when they wander away from their parents in a Dublin department store and find themselves among magical company as the shop windows come to life. Nab yourself a ticket and be transported to a Christmas wonderland for the evening!

There'll be scary ghost stories

And tales of the glories

Of Christmases long, long ago

As the temperature drops, the evenings draw in and we all cosy down for Christmas, it’s the perfect time for a good story. Whether Little John Nee’s tale, The Nettle Horse, catches your attention as it promises “characters you wish you’d met years ago,” you fancy some poetry from Wexford wordsmiths at So Say So at Wexford Arts Centre,  or you want to revisit an old favourite with A Christmas Carol at the Viking Theatre, you can’t beat an absorbing tale to warm a cold Winter night!

A right jolly old elf

If you are looking for some family fun, look no further than Barnstorm Theatre company’s latest production, The Elves and The Shoemakers. Atmospherically set in Padmore & Barnes’ Boot Factory in Kilkenny, this adaptation of the classic Grimm’s Fairy Tale is sure to be a delightful introduction to the magic of theatre for the youngest of audiences.

Troll the ancient yuletide carol (falalalala…)

Listening to and singing Christmas carols is one of the most joyful festive activities, and luckily, wherever you are in the country there is bound to be a carol service or concert happening near you. Whether it’s Carols by Candlelight at the National Concert Hall, Carols at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick, the Kilkenny Choir’s Christmas concert at St Canice’s Church, or the local primary school choir serenading shoppers in your town, enjoy some music with friends, family, neighbours and strangers this December. 

A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight

I couldn’t write a list of festive treats without including pantomime (oh yes I could, oh no I couldn’t…). Whether you’re catching a celebrity appearance in a large-scale production, or spotting your primary school principal on stage at your local panto, the joy of all the classic tropes, some musical numbers and a plethora of topical gags remains the same. Start practising your cries of ‘He’s behind you!’ and take your seats for a classic theatrical treat. 

‘Tis, after all, the season to be jolly, so take a breather from the gift-buying, food prepping, catch-the-last-post panic, and find yourself some festive fun on Ireland’s stages.