From traditional pantomimes, to festive shows to adult Christmas comedies strictly for the grown-ups, here we take a look at all of the seasonal offerings from our local theatres and drama groups.
Pantomime has a long theatrical history in Western culture dating back to the era of classical theatre. Modern pantomime includes songs, gags, slapstick comedy and dancing. It generally combines gender-crossing actors and topical humour with a story more or less based on a well-known fairy tale, fable or folk tale.
Pantomime is definitely a participatory form of theatre, in which the audience is encouraged and expected to sing along with certain parts of the music and shout out phrases to the performers.
For others, the run-up to Christmas means a trip to the theatre for a side-splitting festive show while others enjoy some Christmas crackers of adult comedies. Here’s what’s on offer...

5. COLERAINE
Welcome to a spectacular journey filled with enchantment, laughter, and a touch of Arabian Nights magic as Coleraine's Riverside Theatre presents their pantomime Aladdin. Aladdin is a family-friendly extravaganza, blending dazzling costumes, original music and side-splitting comedy - all ready to whisk you away on a magical carpet ride! Aladdin runs from December 7-21. Check out www.riversidetheatre.org.uk for booking details. Photo: RIVERSIDE THEATRE

6. COLERAINE
The Performing Arts students of the Northern Regional College in Coleraine present Cinderella on December 9,10 and 11. Check out the NRC Facebook page for booking details. Photo: NRC

7. GRAND OPERA HOUSE
In a flash and with a twinkle of fairy dust, the Grand Opera House’s iconic stage magically transforms into Neverland for their most breath-taking, thrilling seasonal spectacular yet - the Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan sees the return of Belfast panto favourites May McFettridge as Mrs Smee in the show which runs from November 30 until January 12, 2025. Go to www.goh.co.uk for booking. Photo: GOH

8. THE MAC BELFAST
Join the cast of the Mac Belfast's Christmas show on an action-packed, fun-filled journey through their fairytale planet with feisty heroine, Red Riding Hood. But in a race to visit Granny Hood with a festive hamper of goodies, could it be a case of mistaken identity for media star Red Riding Hood, the jealous Goldilocks, or the Big (or not so) Bad Wolf? The Adventures of Red Riding Hood runs from November 27 until January 1. Got to themaclive.com for booking details Photo: THE MAC