Back once again, it runs until 7 January (closed 25 and 26 December): Monday to Friday 10.30am-9.30pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-9.30pm. Price: 16/ 11 an hour. Call 0818 946900 or visit www. smithfieldonice. ie

Ireland on Ice

Get your skates on at the People's Park, Waterford, from 5 December until 7 January: 10am-2pm, 2.30pm- 5pm; 6-10pm. Price: 16 for adults and 12 for children. Call 051 879600 or visit www. irelandonice. com

Carols in the Cathedrals

You don't need tickets to attend St Patrick's (17 December, 3.15pm) and Christchurch (17 December, 3.30pm) cathedrals and if these services don't get you in the mood for Christmas, nothing will Christmas Magic at 35 North Great George's Street, Dublin 1

The James Joyce Centre becomes a Victorian winter wonderland with actors, the Belvedere choir and minced pies and warm spiced apple juice or mulled wine for attendees. 1-21 December, 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday; 12pm- 5pm Sunday. Price: 5 for adults and 3 for children. Tel: 01 8788547

Jack and the Beanstalk

Twins Brian and Sean Power direct this excellent pantomime which also features the Renmore Smurfs.

Townhall Theatre, Galway. From 1-13 January (except 8 January) at 7.30pm and also at 2.30pm on 1, 6, 7, 13, 14 January. Price: from 13. Tel 091 569777 or visit www. townhalltheatregalway. com

Cinders All hail

June Rodgers, who is accompanied by 110 children in this extravaganza. Olympia Theatre, Dame Street, Dublin 2. 26 December-7 January. Price: from 17.50.

Call 081 8719330

IT WOULDN'T BE CHRISMAS WITHOUT. .

The Snowman Movie

This live concert takes place at the National Concert Hall, narrated by Craig Doyle and conducted by David Brophy.

Various dates. Price: from 14. Visit www. nch. ie

Live Animal Crib

The traditional nativity scene among live animals in a live-sized stable is a great way of bringing the country to city kids. The event, in its 11th year, has become a muchloved tradition and is free although donations to the Lord Mayor's Charity Fund are welcome. At the Mansion House, 11-23 December