Yes, you want your teenagers to be outside, all rosy-cheeked, singing carols and delivering pressies to loved ones as in the Boots advert, but it’s unlikely. After all, that smartphone isn’t going to play with itself – and Christmas can be a pain no matter what your age. Liz Nicholls offers some timely help

If you've got teenagers around the house over the Christmas holidays, cabin fever can set in. Teens and tweens themselves are more adept than anyone at using social networks but the musically inclined could do a lot worse than check out The Guide (also oxfordmail.co.uk/leisure) for the best gigs. If they’re old enough (and you’ve probably had conversations about this), Nyctophobia’s True Sound arrives at the O2 tonight with Koven, Subnox and Moize (over-14s only) or else Skeletor at the O2 on Saturday are similarly parent-free.

Soundworks at Blackbird Leys Community Centre has been helping youngsters find their voice since 1999. Budding rappers, MCs, singers and bands can lay down their tracks with a demo session and get a copy to take home. Very cool. Soundworks, Blackbird Leys Road, OX4 6HW. 01865 401585/ soundworks -oxford.co.uk If you’re looking for something fun and frivolous to get teenage girls giggling, you could also book a teenage pamper party. Run by former teacher and trained beautician Karen Paine, parties are tailored to girls aged six to 15 to learn all the tricks of the trade, take care of their skin and —most importantly feel GOOD about themselves. Visit pamperpartiesoxfordshire.co.uk or call 01993 891218 to book a party or buy a gift.

Oxford Ice Rink is a perennial favourite and the skating carries on through the holidays, as well as loads of chilled-out events. Its regular skating discos (weekends) are teenage heaven with the ice all a-twinkle with disco lights, DJ, music and skate hire. Visit fusion-lifestyle.com or call 01865 467002. (If you ‘like’ Oxford Ice Rink on Facebook, by the way, you can win goodies.) As far as family days out go, teenagers should enjoy the big Boxing Day Match too – this year the U’s play Plymouth Argyle (kick-off 3pm). Visit oufc.co.uk to book.

Scrabble and Monopoly can be competitive for all the wrong reasons (and as someone who has witnessed a physical fight sparked off by a game of Christmas chess, I should know) but if you head to Outdoor Laser in Culham, that should blow the cobwebs away. Adults are banned, so you can drop them off and give peace a chance. Visit outdoorlaser.com or call 01865 727378.

Teenage adrenalin junkies are welcome at Karting Oxford in Sandy Lane, Cowley. With 360 metres of unadulterated tarmac, wannabe drivers can get in the driving seat without the risk of being done for TWOCing! The lap record is 23 seconds. So get those engines running. Visit kartingoxford.co.uk

On rainy days or nights, Oxford Ozone Leisure Park in Grenoble Road, East Oxford, offers Bowlplex, pool and more arcade games than you can shake a joystick at. Random discount offers pop up on a daily basis (such as £7 for unlimited junior bowling; £6 for pool). You can also book teen parties – Sundays are a good option – and the park is open every day until late except for Christmas Day. Visit bowlplex.co.uk or call 01865 714 100.

If you’ve reared a brood of budding Heston Blumenthals or even if you haven’t, in fact, Pudding Pie in Banbury is a great option. Any teen with a birthday over Christmas (and sharing a birthday with Jesus is never that much fun as you don’t get so many presents) would love a cookery party with their mates.

The team come to your kitchen with ingredients to train you up as young chefs. As well as brushing up on possibly the most important life skill there is, the teens have served up rave reviews about the fun to be had. The team will offer a three-hour teenager party, complete with everything needed including ingredients and leave the place spotless for £125. Visit puddingpie.co.uk or call 01295 713705.

If you are really desperate to get them away from their phones and gadgets, clever tweens are sure to love Phoenix magazine – which has just published its 100th issue packed full of daring tales, gorgeousness, quizzes and a celebration of all things young and witty. Visit thephoenixcomic.co.uk/xmas -shopping to add this to your stocking and join the glitterati.