The best alternative Christmas nights out FT Stoller Hall, RNCM, The Lowry and more

Waterside presents a musical retelling of The Snow Queen for the whole family – running from Wed 29 Nov – Sat 30 Dec. This unique production is created from sustainable materials and follows the main protagonists’ mission to make it snow. Tickets from £7.

Little Bear embarks on a magical adventure this festive season at The Lowry to find the perfect Christmas lights. Puppetry and music are guaranteed in this sensory show aimed at 0-3-year-olds. Join Little Bear from Thu 21 Dec – Sunday 31 Dec. Tickets from £12.

The smash-hit family favourite We’re Going on a Bear Hunt returns to the Lowry this Christmas. Based on the beloved picture book by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, this production promises lots of adventure, interactive scenes and even a musical dog. Expect mischief and surprises along the way. Running from Thu 7 Dec – Sun 7 Jan. Tickets start at £19.

The annual tradition of celebrating creativity returns to Contact this December in Nine Lessons and Carols for Curious People. Hosted by comedian Robin Ince, the show features many guests – often a surprise on the night, with previous guests having included Sara Pascoe and Brian Cox. There are two shows (Fri 1 Dec and Sat 2 Dec) promising an exploration of topics – from folk to physics. Tickets start at £15 and all profits go to charity.

Join the secret party with all the Lapland creatures at Z-arts for an exciting night of live music and stories told through songs and lots of dancing. Fun for all the family, it’s sure to get everyone into the festive spirit in time for Christmas. This is for one day only (Sat 9 Dec) and tickets are £9.45.

HOME brings Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women to the stage from Fri 8 Dec – Sat 23 Dec. This much-loved classic presents comedy, drama and tragedy through the story of a mother and her daughters struggling to survive during the American Civil War. Anne-Marie Casey’s adaptation promises laughter, love, hope and the uplifting of spirits. Tickets from £15.

The RNCM brings Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Snow Maiden to life for the first time. The right-of-passage folklore tale introduces us to the mythical Snow Maiden and her desire to leave the control of her parents to live amongst mortals. Promising romance, a delve into human fragility and operatic writing, The Snow Maiden runs from Sun 10 Dec – Sat 26 Dec. Tickets are starting at £14.

Swing into Christmas at the Stoller Hall with the vocalists and instrumentalists of Down for the Count Concert Orchestra as they recreate music from the likes of Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. Expect original arrangements of jazz as well as festive classics like Winter Wonderland in this 25-piece orchestral setting. This event is for one night only on Thu 21 Dec. Tickets from £11.

On Sun 31 Dec, The Bridgewater Hall invites guests to send off 2023 with Signed, Sealed, Delivered, a joyous evening of orchestral covers of iconic soul, dance and disco tunes written and recorded by some of the era’s most legendary artists. Tickets start at £38.50.