From 8 to 24 December, the English National Ballet performs its vibrant & eccentric version at the London Coliseum.   Then on 28 December, Derek Deane's critically-acclaimed production of Alice in Wonderland takes over for a 10-day run.

You can catch Alice & the White Rabbit at other theatres in the UK from 19 October.   There are performances scheduled at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, the New Theatre in Oxford, the Bristol Hippodrome, & the Mayflower in Southampton.   The Mayflower will also host the first of the season's performances of The Nutcracker from 16 to 18 November.

Group discounts apply, but they vary depending on the venue & the number of people in your party.   See www.ballet.org.uk for more specific information or to book online; otherwise, try their groups line on 020 7580 6793.

From 13 to 30 December, Edinburgh's Festival Theatre's walking on air with a production of the West End hit The Snowman.   Based on Raymond Briggs's children's book from 1978, The Snowman tells the story of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life.   In 1982, Dianne Jackson adapted the story for an animated film that was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Short in 1983.   It's now a favourite programme over the holiday period & a bit of a Christmas tradition in the UK.   The stage version features Howard Blake's classic score Walking in the Air from the film & has been enthusiastically received since its premiere in 1993.

The dancing continues at the Festival Theatre when the Scottish Ballet brings the classic fairytale Cinderella to the stage from 4 to 13 January.   Set in 18th-century France, the performance should be a visual treat with sets & costumes by award-winning designer Antony McDonald.

You've also got the chance to see Cinderella - the panto - in Edinburgh this Christmas.   Qdos Entertainment brings the show to the King's Theatre for six weeks from 2 December - & you can expect to see Allan Stewart, Andy Gray & Grant Stott in top panto form.

Cinderella christened the boards of the King's Theatre on 8 December 1906, so it's fitting that the panto's back to celebrate 100 years of theatre at the King's.  

You can find out more about all of these productions on www.eft.co.uk.   For bookings, ring group sales on 0131 529 6005.

J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan premiered at the Duke of York's Theatre in London on 27 December 1904.   Owing to its critical & commercial success, it was an annual Christmas event in the West End for several years, & it's still a popular show over the holidays.

The legend of Peter Pan lives on at Chichester Festival Theatre this holiday season - & if their 2005 production of The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe is anything to go by, Peter Pan promises to be a theatrical delight.  

Discounts vary according to performance dates & the number of people in your group.   Ring the group-sales organiser on 01243 812909 for more.

Let the countdown begin.   The stage version of the classic 1987 film Dirty Dancing makes its UK debut at London's Aldwych Theatre on 24 October.   While the story of Johnny Castle & Frances 'Baby' Houseman isn't exactly a Yuletide tradition, it's light-hearted & great fun.   And for those of you who need a break from all the tinsel & mistletoe, this might be just the sort of holiday entertainment you're after.

Eleanor Bergstein - scriptwriter & co-producer of the original film - re-wrote the story for theatre audiences.   Her adaptation was hugely popular in Australia, & record-breaking ticket sales in the UK suggest that we're just as keen on the folk from Kellerman's.

There are good rates for groups, but they vary according to group-size, day & time.   Ring the groups box office on 0870 240 1900 for further details & to book tickets.

Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre is also offering an alternative to traditional Christmas fare with Edmond Rostand's classic play Cyrano de Bergerac.   Following his success in Harvey last year, Ben Keaton returns to the Royal Exchange to play the would-be romantic hero from 29 November to 13 January.   Go to www.royalexchange.co.uk for more details or ring 0161 833 0483.