5 fun holiday outings

Need some ideas to keep the kids busy this Christmas time?

PETER PAN Boasting Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Anthony Head as Captain Hook, this classy production of J.M. Barrie's classic promises to stay true to the original script. With Lost Boys, mermaids and, of course, magical flying sequences to lift the spirits, it has all the right ingredients to make a perfect treat for the whole family this Christmas. Savoy Theatre, Strand, WC2 (0870 164 8787). Thur 18-Sat 20, Mon 22,Tue 23, Fri 26, Sat 27, Mon 29 Dec-Fri 2 Jan, 2.30pm & 7.30pm, ends Sun 7 Mar, £15-£37.50, concs available.

COOL YULE Over on the South Bank, they take a rather different view of family entertainment at this time of year. Cool Yule is described as an antidote to Christmas shows, with the emphasis on cool rather than yule. Baroque ensemble Chalemie perform an 18th-century panto with Jack And The Enchanted Bean (it's even got a hurdygurdy). There are traditional nursery rhymes for little ones in Little Bo Peep, and a fun production of The Princess And The Piper with plenty of singing and dancing. The Purcell Room, South Bank, SE1 (020-7960 4242). Jack And The Enchanted Bean: Thur 1 Jan, 3pm, £10, child £8, Little Bo Peep: 11am, Fri 2 Jan, £6, child £4, The Princess And The Piper, Fri 2 Jan, 3pm, £8, child £6,

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT A treat for traditionalists, this special candlelit concert by the Mozart Festival Orchestra promises to be very special. They'll be setting the mood by playing all your Christmas favourites in full 18-century costume. Carols will include 'Silent Night' and 'Unto Us Is Born A Son', plus seasonal classics such as Bach's 'Sleepers Wake' and Mozart's 'Alleluja'. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 (020-7589 8212). Sun 21 Dec, 8pm, Tue 23 Dec, 7.30pm, Wed 24 Dec, 2.30pm & 7pm. £8-£31.

FRESH This mixed bill brings together some of the best young dance companies to produce an excellent evening of contemporary dance for kids. Highlights will include Simon and Adam Cooper performing a duet choreographed by Wayne McGregor. Also on the bill are Shift, the Place's own young dance company, as well as the youth companies of Laban and Henri Oguike. There's a break in the middle for fun and games, and it's a great introduction to anyone who's new to modern dance. The Place, Duke's Road, WC1 (020-7387 0031). Sat 20 Dec, 7pm, £5, adults must be accompanied by under-18s.