Best Christmas pantos

Cinderella and the Beanstalk at Theatre503

If the kids are fighting over which panto to see, don't despair. And don't get tix to see every show, either. Just book in to check out comedy trio Sleeping Trees, who have put together a hilarious mashup of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rumpelstiltskin in one show. Even better? You don't need to brave central London to enjoy the theatrics: you'll find Sleeping Trees performing at Theatre503 above Battersea's Latchmere Pub.

Aladdin at the Hackney Empire

What's not to love about a genie in a bottle? Celebrating 20 years of Hackney's Christmas pantomime, expect this festive favourite to be bigger and brighter than ever.

Get ready for a fresh twist on all the Oh No You Didn't traditions as we follow young Aladdin from the distant land of Ha Ka Ney (get it?) as he searches for his fortune through song, dance and tap-dancing pandas (naturally). Aladdin stars Olivier-winner Clive Rowe as the dame and TV's Tameka Empson as the empress. Just be warned: this panto is two-and-a-half hours long, so ensure you make time for toilet breaks before the show starts and during the interval.

Dick Whittington at the Lyric Hammersmith

Magic and jokes are the key ingredients to every successful Christmas panto, ensuring that Dick Whittington at the Lyric Hammersmith – its 10th anniversary panto – will be a firm favourite with families. Featuring a script from comedian Cariad Lloyd, this year's Dick Whittington will be jam-packed with jokes. Watch out for a really good – or should we say bad? – villain, Queen Rat.

Rumpelstiltskin at the Southbank

Australia's award-winning Windmill Theatre Co and State Theatre Company South Australia are in the UK with their magical, mystical and musical take on Rumpelstiltskin, starring 'King of Cabaret,' Paul Capsis. Expect out-there design and costumes and OTT fabulousness.

Photo by Shane Reid

Snow White at The London Palladium

This may just be the fairest panto of them all. Snow White boasts an Olivier-Award winning team and a stellar cast, including Charlie Stemp as the Prince, Julian Clary as the Man in the Mirror and Dawn French, making her panto debut as the Wicked Queen. Expect laughter, special effects, ventriloquy, music and more. Apples optional.

The Wider Earth at the Natural History Museum

If your clan prefers to watch something with a touch of history (and science), then the Natural History Museum's The Wider Earth is your antidote to traditional panto. The story focuses on a young Charles Darwin's voyage around the world – and the crucial discovery he made – and features puppetry, glorious animations and an original score. Children go free with a paying adult.

Photo credit: Prudence Upton

Peter Pan at the Park Theatre

Transport the kids to Neverland with the latest revival of J.M. Barrie's classic play from 1904, Peter Pan, at the Park Theatre, starring Alexander Vlahos as Hook and Nickcolia King-N’Da as Pan. Warning: it may have you wishing to prolong your childhood.

A Pair of Pantos at The Canada Water Theatre

When better to explore identity politics with the kiddos than with an afternoon of panto? A Pair of Pantos is a queer, inclusive panto mashup for the whole family to enjoy. This isn't a show to watch and forget about, it's an exploration of identity and fairness to spark many a future dinner table discussion.

Horrible Christmas at the Alexandra Palace

Horrible Histories may be the best children's show to ever grace our screens, so we can't wait for this live-action version with all of the humour, gore and fun facts we can't get enough of. Yes, you will learn more about the torture of medieval beauty treatments than you ever imagined, and you will love every minute. Sub-4s not admitted.