Stratford’s Theater Royal always puts on a memorable panto with original music and characters, so we were delighted to hear that this year’s production is a classic with a twist as part of the venue’s 140th anniversary. The wooden puppet Pinocchio will be played by Dylan Collymore, alongside his toymaker father Geppetto, played by Tok Morakinyo. Pinocchio will be joined on his adventures by Nicole Louise-Lewis as Krik Krak and the Blue Rinse Fairy, a fabulous lady, who will be played by Stratford East favorite Michael Bertenshaw. Will the Blue Rinse Fairy and the Cricket Krik Krak manage to keep Pinocchio off the wrong path as he struggles with the trials and tribulations of becoming a “real boy”?

November 23-January 4

Visit StratfordEast.com

From the sound of the orchestra tuning in to the final bows and applause, a trip to the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum is always a Christmas treat. More than 100 dancers and musicians will bring The Nutcracker to life with world-class dance, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s popular score performed live. On a bright Christmas Eve in a frosty Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world where they battle the Mouse King and meet a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and her brave Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the sparkling Land of Snow, where her adventure truly begins.

December 12-January 12

Visit LondonColiseum.org

Sparkling with festive spirit, The Snowman is back for its 27th year. Based on the book by Raymond Briggs, this show has transported generations of children and their families to the wintry world of a boy and a magical snowman. With music and lyrics by Howard Blake, including the classic “Walking in the Air,” The Snowman is a heartwarming mix of dance, performance, storytelling, splendid scenery and music performed by a live orchestra.

November 23-January 4

Visit SadlersWells.com