Watch The Nutcracker, Peter Pan or Cinderella…

Is seeing a show in the lead-up to Christmas one of your unwavering traditions, alongside festive markets and hearty roast dinners? If the answer is yes, you won’t be disappointed by the line-up of theatre shows and concerts in Dubai this Christmas.

From the delicate ballet portrayal of the Nutcracker to a fun Peter Pan pantomime and performance of Disney’s much-loved Cinderella, here’s 4 festive theatre shows and concerts you need to see in Dubai this Christmas.

The Nutcracker

When: Wednesday December 4 to Saturday December 7

You can catch all of the magic of the classic Russian ballet, The Nutcracker, at Dubai Opera this December. The story follows Clara Stahlbaum, who at a Christmas Eve party receives a nutcracker from her godfather. At midnight, the nutcracker comes to life and fights the Rat King to escape from an evil curse and when he does, he transforms into a prince and invites Clara on an enchanting adventure. The timeless show is based on the 1816 novel by German author E.T.A. Hoffman and has become more famous with its accompaniment of Russian composer Tchaikovsky’s scores. The show at Dubai Opera will see all of the classic scores performed by a live orchestra from St-Petersburg Tchaikovsky Ballet Theatre. There are evening and matinee performances.

The Nutcracker, Dubai Opera, Dubai, Dec 4, 8pm to 10.30pm, Dec 5, 8pm to 10.30pm, Dec 6, 2pm to 4.30pm, 8pm to 10.30pm, Dec 7, 2pm to 4.30pm, 8pm to 10.30pm, from Dhs125. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

ALSO READ: 7 of the best Christmas markets to visit in Dubai this year

Jingle Bell Favourites

When: Thursday December 12 to Saturday December 14

If your Christmas isn’t complete without a sing-along to all your favourite festive hits, then there’s one ticket you seriously need to snap up – Jingle Bell Favourites at Dubai Opera. From December 12 to 14, you’ll be able to catch all the Christmas magic with morning, matinee and evening performances from The London Concert Orchestra and Capital Voices. Expect to sing along to the likes of Silent Night, Frosty the Snowman, Winter Wonderland and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The grand opera hall will be covered with Christmas trees, baubles and lots of holly.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Thursday December 12 to Saturday December 14, tickets from Dh175. Tel: (04) 440 8888. dubaiopera.com

Peter Pan

When: Friday December 13 to Tuesday December 24

A perfect show for the whole family, a Peter Pan pantomime will take place at the iconic QE2 from December 13 to 24, so there’s plenty of time for you to catch one of the shows. Join Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and friends as they take you on an adventure through Neverland, with Wendy, Michael and your other favourite characters like Captain Hook, The Lost Boys and of course, a rather hungry crocodile. Like any pantomime, expect lots of theatrical entertainment to get the little ones excited. There will be two shows each day, with the first at 11am to 1pm and the second from 3pm to 5pm. You could even have ‘Tea with Tink’ along with Captain Hook and other characters between shows for Dhs65.

Peter Pan, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai, Dec 13 to 24, 11am to 1pm, 3pm to 5pm, Dhs150 adult, Dhs120 children. Tel: (04) 526 8888. qe2.com

Cinderella

When: Wednesday December 18 to Friday December 27

If you go weak at the knees for a romantic fairytale, a production of Disney classic, Cinderella, will be right up your street. It comes from the same people that put on the successful Aladdin show at the Madinat last year, however this year’s Cinderella show will be taking place in the ballroom at Fairmont The Palm. A magical theatre performance can be expected, with loads of enchanting music, dreamy costumes, a bit of comedy and welcome audience involvement. This ones for the kids and the adults, with a bit of nostalgia thrown in too. It’ll run for 9 dates, from December 18 to 27 with afternoon and evening shows every day from Thursday December 19.

Cinderella, Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Dec 18 to 27, afternoon shows 3pm to 5pm, evening shows, 7pm to 9pm, Dhs125. Tel: (04) 457 3388. fairmont.com/palm-dubai

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Images: Getty