OUT ON THE TOWN

DORA MAAR, LONDON ‘Dora, for me, was always a weeping woman… and it’s important, because women are suffering machines,’ said Pablo Picasso of the woman he depicted in his Weeping Woman portrait. Far more than being Picasso’s muse, however, Dora Maar was a 1930s icon of surrealism, social documenter and fashion photographer for the likes of Chanel. Now, the artist is the focus of her own 200-piece exhibition exploring her formerly overshadowed career. From 20th November to 15th March; tate.org.uk

THE SNOWMAN, UK TOUR Nothing says Christmas quite like The Snowman, which has been a cosy staple of childhood festivities for decades. Walk in the air and experience the magic up close with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s charming stage adaptation based on Raymond Briggs’s book (the basis of the iconic film), as it returns for its 22nd year. From 7th November to 19th January; birmingham-rep. co.uk/snowmantour

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, LONDON

The Royal Ballet revisits The Sleeping Beauty to immerse us in a world of princesses, fairy godmothers and magical spells. Danced exquisitely to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score at the Royal Opera House, it’s guaranteed to be as glorious as it was in this very place in 1946, when Margot Fonteyn danced the role of Princess Aurora. From 7th November to 16th January; roh.org.uk

TUTANKHAMUN: TREASURES OF THE GOLDEN PHARAOH, LONDON

A once-in-a-lifetime exhibition, this landmark installation at the Saatchi Gallery will showcase 150 original artefacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb, 60 of which have never been viewed beyond Egypt (and will never be shown outside the country again). See the gold coffinette that stored the pharaoh’s liver after his death, and the gilded naos – a decorated shrine depicting royal scenes. From 2nd November to 3rd May; tutankhamun-london.com

THE SNOW QUEEN, EDINBURGH

Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved tale was a classic long before Frozen

took inspiration from it. Relive the original with a glittering performance of The Snow Queen to Rimskykorsakov’s captivating music – a celebration of 50 years of Scottish Ballet. From 7th to 29th December; scottishballet.co.uk

ALADDIN AND THE FEAST OF WONDERS, LONDON

This theatrical reimagining of Aladdin promises a whole new world of adventure. Drag artists and cabaret acts throw guests into a gastronomic, grown-up pantomime experience that promises to dazzle and surprise with a raucous evening of dining, partying and dancing on the tables. Age 18+. On now until 15th January; thevaults.london

NUTCRACKER, LONDON AND LIVERPOOL Lose yourself in the fantasy world of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker with the English National Ballet. Follow Clara from an Edwardian London on Christmas Eve to face the Mouse King and travel to the Land of Snow after she’s gifted an enchanted nutcracker. Brought to life by 100 dancers. From 27th November to 5th January; ballet.org.uk

CIRCUS BAR POP-UP CINEMA, LONDON

Keep the kids entertained this Christmas by hiding out under the showman tents of The Circus Bar at the Southbank Centre. Families can enjoy the free pop-up cinema in front of a warm fire and be enraptured by classic films like Frozen and Beauty And The Beast.

From 11th November to 29th December; southbankcentre.co.uk

SHERLOCK: THE GAME IS NOW, LONDON Step into a festive 221B Baker Street for the world’s first official immersive Sherlock Holmes game. Test your detective skills with assistance (via recordings) from the TV cast. Reward your efforts with Christmas drinks and nibbles in The Mind Palace speakeasy bar. Christmas theme available from 12th November to 5th January; thegameisnow.com