The festive countdown is on…

With the countdown to Christmas in full swing, we’re rounding up the best ways to spend Christmas in Dubai.

So what better way to get into the spirit than catching some live entertainment on stage? Watch the magic of Christmas come alive with our pick of some of the best festive concerts in town.

The Night Before Christmas

Join the adventures of Eddie the mouse who sets out to find Father Christmas on the night before Christmas. He’s joined by the family cat, a cowardly toy soldier and the magical fairy on top of the tree. The event is perfect for families, and there will be a Santa’s Grotto in the foyer so children can meet the man in red before and after the show.

Madinat Theatre, Dubai, December 7 and 8. Tel: (04) 366 6546. Dhs55. Tel: (04) 3666546. madinattheatre.com

The Nutcracker & I

A new take on the much-loved story of The Nutcracker. There’s a piano performance by Alexandra Dariescu and a ballerina dancing in front of a projection of hand drawn digital animations that follow the music and engage with the pianist and ballerina as they dance across the screen. It’s a fusion of reality and technology that leaves the audience feeling as though they are in, and a part of, The Nutcracker story.

Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, December 12. Dhs125 to Dhs350. Tel: (04) 4408888. dubaiopera.com

Jingle Bell Favourites

Kick off the Christmas countdown with this family concert of carols and much-loved classics performed by The London Concert Orchestra Show Band and Capital Voices Choir. Numbers include Jingle Bell Rock, Frosty the Snowman, Silent Night, Winter Wonderland and Let It Snow conducted by Freddie Tanner and West End star soloists, Alison Jiear and Matt Little. It also includes a special appearance by a choir of 48 school students from GEMS schools.

Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, December 13 to 15. Dhs175 to Dhs475. Tel: (04) 4408888. dubaiopera.com

The Jersey Quartet

Although not a festive concert entirely, we reckon this one still deserves a mention. Theatre by QE2 is bringing West End favourite The Jersey Quartet to the iconic cruise ship’s Grand Lounge on Friday December 14. Tickets cost Dhs495, which includes an evening brunch… so you’ll be able to enjoy dinner and a show. Described as the ultimate Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons concert, The Jersey Quartet features four West End stars singing the group’s biggest hits like Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You, Oh What A Night, Sherry, and Big Girls Don’t Cry.

Theatre by QE2, QE2 Dubai, Port Rashid, December 14, 8pm to 11pm. Dhs495. To book, email dining@qe2.com or call (04) 526 8888. qe2.com

Robin Hood and his Merry Men

Whilst pantomime started as a particularly British institution, it’s a much-loved part of many people’s Christmas experience each year. This ‘winter’, catch Robin Hood and his Merry Men in a fun, noisy and silly interactive take on the classic tale, which encourages maximum participation and ends wherever the audience decides to take it. Suited to children aged four to 11 but lots of entertainment for parents and adults too.

The Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz 1, Dubai. 11.30am and 3pm, December 14 and 21. Tel: (050) 7812269. courtyardplayhouse.com

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