Christmas is a time for traditions and one of ours is a trip to see a Christmas show or two. In Manchester we have lots of great theatres within easy reach of our home and they always offer an exciting selection of Christmas productions. There’s something for everyone. Love panto? Go and see Sleeping Beauty. Got little ones? Go and see Stick Man at The Lowry. Below are six family Christmas shows you can see in Manchester this Christmas…

Stick Man, The Lowry 1 December – 6 January

This classic tale by Julia Donaldson is on at The Lowry from 1st December to 6th January. The story follows the Stick Man on a series of unfortunate adventures which lead him far from the comforts of home. But will he ever make it back to the family tree?

Stick Man is a modern classic and is suitable for children aged 3+. Fans of the book will enjoy this delightful adaptation where Stick Man finds himself in all kinds of perilous situations.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit the website.

Raymond Briggs’ Father Christmas, Waterside Arts 4 – 31 December

Children of all ages will delight in Briggs’ grumpy but loveable Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest day of the year: Christmas Eve.  Watch as he prepares his Christmas deliveries, feeds his reindeer and finally takes flight into the snowy night. But things don’t run smoothly and he soon encounters soot-covered chimneys to squeeze through and treacherous weather conditions.

With plenty of live music, songs and playful puppetry, this critically acclaimed adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ much loved book is a delightful festive treat for children to enjoy. Suitable for ages 3-11 years.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit the website.

Doctor Dolittle, The Lowry 11 December – 5 January

This year’s festive extravaganza at The Lowry is the hotly anticipated Doctor Dolittle. It’s based on the popular 1967 film with Rex Harrison and stars Mark Williams, Vicky Entwistle, Brian Capron and Adele Anderson.

Join the eccentric Doctor, his human companions and his exotic menagerie of animal friends on an extraordinary adventure to find the Giant Pink Sea Snail, that holds the secret of life and making the world a happier place. With help from the Pushmi-Pullyu and his trusty sidekick Polynesia the Parrot, the larger-than-life Doctor Dolittle teaches us not only to talk to the animals but to listen to them as well!

For more information and to buy tickets, visit the website.

Little Gift, The Lowry 18 – 31 December

Ted is a lonely old soul, living all alone in the big city. One morning his life is changed forever when a mysterious helping hand steps in and disrupts his quiet routine. This playful show presents Ted’s tale with a heart-warming mix of puppetry, live music and song.

Little Gift is a brand-new story from multi award-winners M6 Theatre and Andy Manley. It’s suitable for children aged 3-7 years and it just the thing to bring a bit of light into the darkest season of the year.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit the website.

Sleeping Beauty, Stockport Plaza 30th November – 6th January

What’s Christmas without a panto? Starring Ted Robbins and Claire King, Sleeping Beauty is the story of a Princess who sleeps for a lifetime in her forgotten palace after an evil curse puts her under a spell. Will her true loves kiss awaken our Sleeping Beauty or will evil triumph over good in this magical family adventure that everyone can enjoy.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit the website.

The Tin Soldier, Ordsall Hall, Salford 12th January

Toy soldiers, goblins and ballerinas… all the ingredients for a perfect family show filled with puppetry, multimedia and live music, this is a Christmas story not to be missed. Adapted from the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale and performed by Folksy Theatre.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit the website.

Are you going to see any Christmas Shows? What are you going to see?