Roll up, roll up. It may be Christmas but alongside the classic stalwarts of Oxford’s festive line-up there are some hidden gems among them with comedy, drama, musicals and of course pantomimes playing away across the county.

From tiny children to grown-up only shows, there is absolutely no excuse to stay inside by the logfire eating mince pies. So dust off your snow boots and get out to Oxford’s theatreland. It’ll be worth it I promise.

The Night Before Christmas – Didcot Corner stone until Dec 24.

This show, aimed at the three to six age group, will warm the cockles of your heart. The magical festive tale zones in on Emily waiting excitedly for Christmas morning, while in the corner a mouse called Eddie can’t understand why only humans get presents. So he sets off in search of Father Christmas to find out for himself, experiencing a wonderful adventure along the way, and receiving some unexpected advice from the magic fairy on top of the tree, about the real meaning of Christmas.

Call the box office on 01235 515144 or see www.cornerstone-arts.org

Cats – New Theatre Oxford until Jan 5

If you haven’t been, now’s your chance, because one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history is returning to Oxford for the Christmas period. Based on T.S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking adaptation depicts just one special night of the year, when all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball. Expect music, dance and verse fused together with fantasy, drama and romance.

Box office on 0844 871 3020 or by visiting www.atgtickets.com/oxford

Robin Hood – Oxford Playhouse until Jan 12

This year’s offering is a first, Robin Hood riding into the Oxford Playhouse for the very first time in an action-packed new pantomime as Robin and his Merry Men battle the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

Under the steely direction of Peter Duncan, his eighth Playhouse pantomime features sword fights galore, a love triangle, a very wet water feature and a tight rope, mixed in with the usual gags, songs and a happy ever after.

Box Office on 01865 305305 or book online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Father Christmas and the Icicle Bicycle – Burton Taylor Studio until Dec 31

If you want to immerse yourself in a wonderfully interactive, child-friendly world of Christmas, then this is the one for you. Brought by the creators of Dear Father Christmas and Where’s Father Christmas? this is for children aged three to six and their families.

Themed this year around bicycles, it’s set in the Christmas workshop where the elves are busy working away, making the many bikes, trikes, scooters and toys asked for by Oxford’s children. But the snowmen are causing chaos, and Rudolph’s too poorly to pull the sleigh. Your children will need to save the day!

Box office on 01865 305305 or online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Jack & The Giant – Chipping Norton Theatre until Jan 19

This famous pantomime draws crowds from all over the country and this year they won’t be disappointed with the unique twist in this classic story. So while a boy and his cow, a giant and his castle in the clouds, beanstalks, bravery and beautiful princesses all feature, this production still manages to surprise you.

Box Office on 01608 642350 or www.chippingnortontheatre.com

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by Creation Theatre – The North Wall until Jan 4

A tall order maybe, taking on one of Oxford’s favourite tales in its hometown, but Creation has pulled it out of the bag yet again with this CS Lewis classic. The new script and original score, help us follow the Pevensie children embarking on the journey of their lives as they encounter fauns, beavers and a magical lion en route.

Box Office 01865 766266 or online at www.creationtheatre.co.uk

I’m An Aristocrat Get Me Out of Here! – Pegasus Theatre until Jan 5

If you fancy a laugh, then this is the show for you. Set in Paris in 1792, the city is in the grip of revolution. King Louis sits alone in his prison cell hoping someone will rescue him.

Starring a mysterious hero, a dastardly villain, a clueless king and a beautiful queen, this wonderfully inventive action packed comedy is full of ingenious disguises, daring escapes and swashbuckling swordfights, plus comedy and thrills galore.

Box office on 01865 812150 or see www.pegasus theatre.org.uk/shows/ christmas-show

Doctor Faustus – The Old Fire Station until Dec 21

There’s only two days left of this totally unseasonal offering of this Marlowe classic where Doctor Faustus, bored with study, seeks a shortcut to infinity by selling his soul. A morality tale for today if there ever was one.

See www.oldfire station.org.uk/event

Scrooge versus Santa – Oxford Castle Unlocked, 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford, until Dec 21

Totally interactive, if you don’t want to sit in a theatre, get down to Oxford Castle Unlocked on Saturday for a Christmas experience to remember, with families invited to explore the castle and encounter well-known characters from the festive season including Santa and the more daunting Scrooge.

Families will then be challenged to convince Scrooge to celebrate Christmas, with sweet treats on offer for all who complete the mission. Tiny Tim, the Christmas Fairy and Angel will be on hand to help.

Visit www.oxfordcastle unlocked.co.uk

New Year’s Eve Comedy Show 2013

at Glee Club Oxford featuring the magnificent Shappi Khorsandi, truly affable Paul McCaffrey, exhuberant Patrick Monahan and young wit Ian Smith.

Not only is this a dazzling comedic line-up but Glee Club Oxford’s December 31 offering also boasts reserved seating, a club menu, midnight countdown and after-show late bar and disco.

Until then you can enjoy the sparkling wit of headliner Shappi Khorsandi – one of the hottest comedy prospects in the country, who’s feisty, flirty and effortlessly funny style will have you in stitches.

Call the box office on 0871 472 0400 or see glee.co.uk/oxford