The Emperor’s New Clothes – 19th Dec – 31st Dec
Sherman Theatre and Theatr Iolo are putting their spin on this Hans Christian Andersen classic. There are performances of the show in either English or Welsh. With songs, humour and plenty of joy and silliness, this performance is great fun for the whole family, especially the little ones.
Tickets are £8.
The Borrowers – 19th Dec – 31st Dec
Another production at the Sherman Theatre, this time for slightly older audiences. After the success of last year’s production, this year another family classic will be brought to life with the Sherman’s special touch. This performance of The Borrowers will take the whole family on a magical journey.
Tickets are £15-£25, Concessions have £2 off and Under 25s are half price.
Meet Father Christmas at Hamleys – Until 24th Dec
Toy shops are a special place for any child – especially at Christmas time. Father Christmas and his trusty elves are stopping by Hamleys to make this experience even more magical. With magical Christmas stories, writing Christmas wish lists and meeting Father Christmas himself, this is bound to be lots of festive fun.
Ticket prices are from £19.99.
Festive Quarter – Cardiff Christmas Market – 20th Dec – 23rd Dec
Christmas is creeping closer and closer but there is still time to get some special last-minute presents at the Festive Quarter. With wooden chalets and stalls, there are plenty of places to find festive foods and hand-crafted gifts. You can even take a break from shopping to enjoy some mulled wine…
Mary Poppins – 21st Dec – 14th Jan
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh present the award-winning musical, Mary Poppins, which is flying into the Wales Millennium Centre this winter. With clever choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs, this magical story of the world’s favourite nanny is perfect for the whole family.
Tickets: £22.50 – £57.50
Cambrian Consort of Viols – 22nd Dec
This informal lunchtime concert celebrates the re-opening of Swansea’s Glynn Vivian Art Gallery in a programme inspired by the ten sheets of Leonardo’s drawings currently on display, on loan from the Royal Collection. Performing music that Leonardo would have heard, played on instruments of the period, the Cambrian Consort is a locally based group specialising in the polyphonic instrumental music of the Renaissance.
Admission: free
The 1975 – 22nd Dec
The 1975 are bringing their sold-out show to the Motorpoint Arena. After selling out the O2 arena in London in less than 3 hours, this is definitely a hot ticket. Stunning visuals and unique sound makes The 1975’s live performance an incredible experience for anyone attending.
Tickets are from £23, plus booking fee
The Nutcracker – 22nd Dec – 24th Dec
The classic tale of The Nutcracker is being performed by The Russian State Ballet of Siberia. The story starts on Christmas Eve and as midnight strikes, whisks us away to a fairytale world. With toys coming to life and a mouse army battle, this enchanting show will capture the hearts of everyone in the audience.
Ticket prices range from £15.00 – £35.00
Soul and Motown Experience – 23rd Dec
The Neon in Newport is putting on a night of soul and motown. Gimme Some Lovin’ will be providing the music for this soul-inspired Christmas party. The dance floor is always packed when this band takes the stage, guaranteeing you a night of fun and foot-tapping.
Tickets: £10
Sleeping Beauty – 24th Dec – 8th Jan
This classic fairytale comes to Swansea Grand Theatre over the festive period. With an all-star cast, this pantomime is jam-packed with music, magic, comedy and special effects. Pantomimes are always great fun for the whole family so join Prince Charming and the gang in this Christmas treat.
Tickets are £12.50 – £26.00
words CONNIE MATTHEWS