On stage: Christmas plays

Get yourself and the little people in the festive spirit by catching one or all of these fantastic, festive shows.

NUTCRACKER! It is back. Matthew Bourne's production (with Lisa Probert) was a box-office-busting hit last year and, though it may not be your traditional Nutcracker( don't expect an appearance from King Rat) it is still a delight.

From the grim opening at Dr Dross's orphanage, where the kids sleep three to a bed, it sweeps through amazing Busby Berkeley-style routines and the technicoloured fantasy of Sweetieland while the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky's score. Memorable stuff. Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1 (020 7863 8000). Tue 2 Dec-Sat Jan 24, £8-£45.

ANIMAL CAROUSEL Inspired by animals, this family concert directed by Peter Manning promises to be quite an event.

Before the show, there's a chance to spend some time with its six musicians and find out a little about their instruments, and how they help convey a sense of each animal.

The programme includes Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight Of The Bumblebee, Alan Ridout's Ferdinand The Bull, and Paul Patterson's Spiders. The pre-performance tickets (12.30pm) are limited, so early booking is recommended. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, WC2 (020-7304 4000). Sun 30 Nov, 3pm, £15, child £5.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN The Unicorn's Christmas offering this year promises mischief and magic, and you can be sure it will deliver.

With original music, wild dancing and a glimpse in to the weird world of fairy folk, it is the slightly dark, yet dazzling tale of an ambitious girl who will do almost anything to gain a position of power.

Rumpelstiltskin is the amoral fairy who makes things happen - no Peter Mandelson jokes, please. Cochrane Theatre, Southampton Row, WC1 (020-7269 1606) . Fri 28 Nov-Sun 11 Jan, £12, child £7, family (two adults & two children) £36.

MADABOUTART It is World Aids Day on Monday, and on Sunday MADaboutART is holding a special event to mark the occasion. There is an evening of song, entertainment and art at the Shaw Theatre, including interactive art workshops for kids and a gallery showing art by children affected by HIV or Aids in Africa.