FAMILY:

Starlight Express New Theatre, Oxford, until December 29 0844 871 3020 or www.atgtickets.com/oxford

* One of the best loved and longest running musicals in theatrical history, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express is spending Christmas in Oxford. Train themed, this roller-skating extravaganza is a futuristic tale about love and hope in the face of adversity, and promises to take you on the ride of a lifetime – with two hours of speed, spectacle, energy, daredevil stunts and turbo-charged excitement, combined with an electrifying soundtrack, dazzling sets and costumes, extraordinary roller-choreography and some of Lloyd Webber’s most memorable musical hits.

What The Dickens? Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, Oxford Until December 30 01865 812 150 or www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

* Pegasus presents a new physical comedy of a fairytale for Christmas, so expect the Dickensian experience to begin as soon as you enter the building, with audiences being immersed in an interactive Victorian experience complete with historical and fictional characters scattered around the building as a prelude to the main show. The show itself features a young Charles Dickens, a rookie reporter on The Morning Chronicle who, whilst investigating the foggy slums of Ye Olde London Towne, accidently stumbles on a story that could make his reputation. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with him, encountering a world of pockmarked pickpockets, cobwebby convicts, teeming slums, empty marshes, dark secrets, convoluted plots and lots and lots of fog along the way.

The Snowman: Orchestra Of St John’s Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Sunday, Decmber 23 01865 252351 

* Come and see the wonderful film The Snowman accompanied by OSJ playing Howard Blake’s music. The programme also includes Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and Carol Symphony as well as the finalists of the Oxfordshire Schools Winter song competition. The stuff Christmas is made of. Aladdin And The Magic Lamp North Wall Arts Centre, South Parade, until January 5 www.thenorthwall.com l Creation Theatre will whisk you away on a magic carpet ride to visit faraway lands with peasant boy Aladdin, Princess Badr-al-Budur and a mischievous, magical genie who has some fantastic tricks up her sleeves.But beware of the evil sorcerers, secret caves and an enchanted lamp. Will good prevail over evil in this Christmas offering? Expect joyful songs, colourful characters and lots of belly laughs.

Dick Whittington Oxford Playhouse, until January 13 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

* The one you’ve all been waiting for, another feel-good pantomime from the Playhouse’s festive stable.

Packed with mischief, colourful characters and toe-tapping tunes, Dick Whittington ventures off into the big city with his faithful cat by his side. And having laughed ’til I cried, I can vouch for this hilarious performance, thanks to the brilliantly cast Dame Doris Donut, King Rat and The Dictator. Haphazard, charming and the perfect addition to the festive season line-up.

Cinderella The Theatre, Chipping Norton Until January 6 01608 642350 www.chippingnortontheatre.com 

* It’s all go in Chipping Norton this year, as The Theatre celebrates 40 years of the world-famous Chipping Norton panto, with an especially sumptuous production of Cinderella, pictured top right. Set in Venice, this rags-to-riches tale has lost none of its magic over the years as the theatre is transformed in its entirety for the lavish production. But don’t panic, all the traditions are still in place, from the fairytale storyline, complete with ugly sisters, handsome princes and glass slippers, to the large dose of laughter, sweets and songs.

LITTLE KIDS Where’s Father Christmas? Burton Taylor Studio, Gloucester Street, Oxford, until Sunday, December 30 www.oxfordplayhouse.com or 01865 305305

* If you take your little ones to anything, take them to this interactive show where children join Father Christmas in the wrapping room for stories, songs and activities…if you can find him! That’s right, Father Christmas has gone AWOL and it’s up to you to help find him. For children aged three to six and their families, book now because this show is selling out fast.

Miki and the Winter Wonderland Cornerstone Theatre, Didcot, until December 23 01235 515144 or www.cornerstone-arts.org

* Based on the bestselling book by Stephen Mackey, this is a sweet Christmas show that the whole family will enjoy, featuring Miki, Polar Bear and Penguin who live in a place where nothing ever grows.One winter evening they make a wish and Miki embarks on a magical adventure in search of a star. Featuring amazing underwater creatures, songs to sing along to and extraordinary puppetry, Miki is an inspiring story about friendship, courage and adventure. Plus enjoy Cornerstone’s Winter Wonderland gallery transformed into a colony of penguins, hand-drawn snowflakes and sound installations to create a truly magical environment. With a running time of 50 minutes and aimed at children aged three and over, anyone unable to face a full-length pantomime should book tickets now.

Santa Claus Oxford Castle Unlocked, December 22-23 between 12pm and 2pm, with standard tours leaving every 20 minutes. 01865 260 666 www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk

* Father Christmas will be brightening up the castle’s prison wing this December, and listening to children as they relay what they want for Christmas, all included in the Oxford Castle Unlocked admission price. Children will also be encouraged to write their own letters to Santa in the prison gallery and post it in the castle’s special Santa postbox for a personalised reply from the man himself.

Muddy Waters – Santa Cruises Thrupp, near Kidlington December 22-23, 10am to 4pm 01865 356140 or www.muddywaters.org.uk

* For a unique Christmas experience, join Santa and his naughty elves on a waterborne adventure, complete with grotto where the man himself will have a warm welcome waiting, followed by tea and mince pies at Annie’s Tea Room. Book early because places are disappearing fast

GROWN-UPS:

Alice Gobo Theatre Foundation, December 21-22, Exeter Hall, Kidlington, and elsewhere until February 2013 www.gobotheatre.co.uk 01865 305305

* If the thought of battling your way into Oxford is too much, then catch this production of Alice, which is touring Oxfordshire and coming to somewhere near you. It might also provide some adult respite from the enormous variety of family- and children-based shows being put on over the festive season. Side-splittingly funny, and chokingly touching, this modern retelling of the Alice in Wonderland does contain some scenes that children aged under 10 may find disturbing, so leave them at home.

THE UKULELE EVANGELISTS AUSTERITY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL! Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, tomorrow, 7.30pm www.cornerstone-arts.org or 01235 515144

*  Expect a hilarious evening of musical mayhem with Christmassy slides, Christmassy goats, carols, competitions, eccentric dance, extreme scooting plus, in these times of austerity, some terrific tips to kick off a happy and thrifty festive season. Sublime physical comedy.

The Mill Comedy Club: Sara Pascoe and Mary Bourke The Mill Arts Centre, Spiceball Park, Banbury, Thursday, December 20 www.themillartscentre.co.uk or 01295 279002

* Two comediennes for the price of one. Sara Pascoe, below, is one of the regular weekly stars of the Channel 4 series Stand Up For The Week, as well as being a gifted actress and highly original comic. Award-winning Irish comic Mary Bourke presents her contrasting guide to 21st century life, covering everything from Mums.net to Fifty Shades of Grey in her hilarious no-holds-barred style. And with Mary’s last show voted Time Out Pick of the Edinburgh Fringe, catch her before she becomes huge.

Christmas Concerts St Agnes Fountain St Mary’s Church, Banbury Tonight 8pm 01295 279002 or www.themillartscentre.co.uk

* This year’s St Agnes Fountain brings its annual mixture of musical invention, laughter and stardust to the festive season. So bring a cushion and join in another instalment of festive delight.

Christmas by Candlelight:

The Cathedral Singers of Christ Church Christ Church Cathedral, tomorrow www.chch.ox.ac.uk. 01865 305305

* Listen in wonder as this world-famous choir sings Rutter, Whitbourn, Gabrieli, Willcocks and then sing along to your favourite carols with a glass of wine.

* Handel – Chandos Anthems, Monteverdi Sacred concertos, Purcell verse anthems, and Christmas carols. Exeter College Chapel, Exeter College, Turl Street, Saturday, December 22 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk

* Choral music for Advent Merton College: Chapel, Merton Street, Oxford, Saturday, December 22 www.merton.ox.ac.uk or 01865 305305

OTHER FESTIVE TREATS:

Big Botanic Christmas Tree University of Oxford Botanic Garden, Rose Lane, until Wednesday, January 2, but closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 01865 286690 www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk

* Come and see a real festive tree in the Conservatory adorned with natural decorations made by Oxfordshire schoolchildren. Get ideas for making your own natural and recycled Christmas decorations and take a winter stroll around the garden to find Christmas plants like holly and ivy. And while you’re at it, why not pucker up under the mistletoe?

Ice Skating with Peppa Pig, Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Road, Frilford, near Abingdon. Until Jan 8. 0800 9549484, 01865 391923 or www.milletsfarmcentre.com

* Not only does Millets Farm boast the biggest outdoor ice rink in Oxfordshire, but Peppa Pig herself is coming to join in with the fun today. Children can enjoy a 45-minute skate with Peppa – who happens to be a highly skilled ice skater – followed by a tea served within the magical Ice Cafe. Teas consists of sandwich, mini cheese, carrot sticks, crisps, cupcake, chocolate buttons, grapes and juice for £9.99 per child. Make sure you book in advance. Otherwise just enjoy the magic of ice skating outdoors, set within the beautiful outdoor plant department.

Christmas Literary Walking Tours Blackwells Bookshop, 48-51 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BQ 01865 333606 or www.bookshop.blackwell.co.uk

* How about this for a spot of Christmas magic? A one-hour tour around Oxford to see the historical venues, tapestries and art, while you hear about Christmas traditions in the city, followed by a warming drink in a 16th -century tavern. Sounds good to me.

Christmas Crafts Exhibition 2012 Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 1DP, until Sunday, January 6 01865 252351 

*  If you get bored of Christmas shopping, pop into the Town Hall where you can explore the free local arts and crafts exhibition at length. And while you’re there have a look round the Exploration Station, with drop-in crafts for families, costumes to try on and a Christmas tree to decorate.

Bill Spectre’s Ghost Trail Oxford Castle Unlocked and Tourist Information Centre, 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford December 21-22 and 28-29 www.ghosttrail.org/ ghost-walk-oxford or call 0794 104 1811

* Meet outside the glass-fronted gift shop of Oxford Castle Unlocked at 6.30pm, or for a shorter walk, by the Tourist Information Centre at 7pm where you will be met by Bill Spectre, distinctively dressed as a Victorian undertaker, who will take you on this theatrical ghost trail around Oxford. Historically informative and hugely entertaining, it’s the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of our famous city, leaving you with a deliciously scary tingle running down your spine.