Pantomime is a uniquely English way to mark the Christmas season and London Pantomime is among the best in the world. Each year there are dozens of shows, either created from scratch or based on the old classics like Aladdin and Cinderella – and all kinds of theatres take part, from huge commercial venues like the New Wimbledon Theatre to arthouse spots including the Young Vic and the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith. And of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a panto-style ballet at the Royal Opera House and the London Coliseum.

From fairytales to classical ballet spectaculars, the pantomime season sees Londoners shrug off their cynicism and drag the kids along for an unforgettable Christmas treat. Of course, there are other non-panto things to do – check out our Christmas Activities for Kids. And if you don't have kids, don't fancy a traditional panto but still want to head out with family, friends or colleagues for a Christmas show, there's plenty of alternatives in our list of Christmas Plays.