‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to put a smile on your face than with some incredible Christmas shows?

From festive favourites such as Elf and Nativity to brand new productions and beautiful ballets, we’ve got the best shows of the season from across the county.

The Snowman with Live Orchestra, Leas Cliff Hall

It just isn’t Christmas without The Snowman. This BAFTA-winning animation first made its way onto our screens in 1982 and became an instant classic, with Raymond Briggs’ heartwarming story and a score made famous by a young Aled Jones. This Christmas, you can experience the short film in a whole new way, with a live orchestra and an interactive introduction. Children will even have a chance to meet the Snowman himself after the show.

When: Saturday, November 26 at Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone. Book online here.

Tickets: From £15, excluding booking fees.

Salvation Army Christmas Celebration, Tower Theatre

It’s the most charitable time of year, and there’s just something about getting together and supporting a good cause at Christmas. Enjoy a special evening with the Salvation Army in Folkestone this November and sing along to all your favourite Christmas carols. The Shepway Community Choir, Salvation Army Band and members of the Folkestone-Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society will be performing delightful Christmas songs to raise money, and there will be a chance to donate if you wish.

When: Sunday, November 27 at the Tower Theatre, Folkestone. Book online here.

Tickets: Free, but must be booked in advance.

A Christmas Carol, Benenden School

One of the best-loved Christmas stories ever told, A Christmas Carol is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit. The story, all about the stingy Ebenezer Scrooge and the efforts of his family, workers and three eerie ghosts to help change his ways, has been adored by all ages since Medway’s own Charles Dickens penned the novel in 1843. The classic is being brought to life by the Chapter House Theatre Company for the eleventh year and is visiting Benenden on its UK tour.

When: Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 at Benenden School, between Cranbrook and Tenterden. Book online here.

Tickets: £18 per adult, £12 per child.

The Lighthouse Cat’s Christmas Adventure, Brook Theatre

This unique show is the perfect way to keep your children entertained. The Lighthouse Cat’s Christmas Adventure, aimed at 3-6 year olds, features playful characters, uplifting music and interactive puzzles to light up their senses and delight even the youngest theatre-goers this Christmas.

When: Friday, December 2 to Christmas Eve at the Brook Theatre, Chatham. Book online here.

Tickets: From £8, excluding booking fees.

Elf the Musical, Dreamland

There’s nothing better than popping on a festive film at Christmas, and there’s no doubt that families up and down the country will be watching Elf this December. The 2003 film, starring Will Ferrell, is now being brought to the stage in Margate with a hilarious show by Regency Productions and Music Theatre International. Before the musical begins, visitors can join a pre-show meet and greet with the characters and snap a selfie with Buddy and Santa.

When: Wednesday, December 7 to Tuesday, December 13 at Dreamland’s Hall By the Sea, Margate. Book online here.

Tickets: From £21 per adult, with the option to add a meet and greet ticket for £5.

The Morgan and West Great Big Christmas Magic Show, Queen’s Hall Theatre

This fun-filled magic show has enough tricks to last you until the New Year. Time-travelling magicians Morgan and West, known for their mind-bending illusions and daring stunts, all wrapped up in a family-friendly show, will be coming to the Queen’s Hall Theatre to delight and amaze audiences. Their show is given a festive twist and is a great way to lose yourself in the magic of Christmas.

When: Friday, December 9 at the Queen’s Hall Theatre, Cranbrook. Book online here.

Tickets: From £13, excluding booking fees.

The Storm Whale, Marlowe Theatre

Experience something a little different this December. This charming show, based on Benji Davies’ childrens’ books the Storm Whale and the Storm Whale in Winter, tells the story of a child who rescues a whale when it washes up on a beach after a storm and longs to see it again when winter rolls around. The Canterbury production, suitable for ages four and up, is created by the Marlowe Theatre, York Theatre Royal, Little Angel Theatre and Engine House.

When: Friday, December 9 to New Years Eve at the Marlowe Theatre Studio, Canterbury. Book online here.

Tickets: From £15, excluding booking fees.

Strictly Christmas: Len Phillips Swing Orchestra, Benenden School

Warm up your vocal chords, grab your dancing shoes and get ready to hear your favourite big band Christmas songs. The Len Phillips Swing Orchestra will be performing songs from the likes of Bing Crosby and Michael Bublé, and audiences are invited to hit the dancefloor and show off their best swing, Latin or ballroom moves along with the music.

When: Saturday, December 10 at Benenden School, between Cranbrook and Tenterden. Book online here.

Tickets: £25 per person, excluding booking fees.

Trio of Christmas Shows, Trinity Theatre

This year, there are not one, not two, but three incredible festive shows coming to entertain audiences at this Tunbridge Wells theatre. The same nine cast members will be performing all three shows, taking on roles such as swashbuckling sword-wielders in the New Musketeers, creatures from outer space in the Aliens Who Saved Christmas and Kris Kringle and co. in Miracle on 34th Street.

When: Wednesday, December 14 to Monday, January 2 at the Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. Book online here.

Tickets: From £10, excluding booking fees. Prices vary depending on the show.

Maidstone Wind Symphony, Mote Hall

Join the Maidstone Wind Symphony for a wonderfully festive afternoon. The group will be performing a Christmas concert of live music in Maidstone, featuring everything from classic hits to the Frozen soundtrack. To give it an extra special touch, there will also be an appearance from Elsa and a chance to have your photo taken with the Disney princess, as well as a mini indoor market and seasonal food and drink.

When: Saturday, December 17 at Mote Hall in Maidstone. Book online here.

Tickets: £12 per person.

The Nutcracker, Malthouse Theatre

This beautiful ballet has been a staple of the Christmas calendar ever since Tchaikovsky introduced the world to his magnificent score in 1892. For more than 100 years, the show has amazed audiences around the world, and the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company are bringing their inclusive production to Canterbury this December. The London-based company will share their reimagining of the ballet’s iconic characters, from the Sugar Plum Fairy to the Nutcracker Prince.

When: Monday, December 19 at the Malthouse Theatre, Canterbury. Book online here.

Tickets: £16.25 per adult.

Nativity the Musical, King’s Hall

This feel-good show is the perfect way to get into the spirit of things in the days leading up to Christmas. The family film, released in 2009 and starring Martin Freeman, has now been turned into a stage musical and is being performed by the talented young actors at Herne Bay Youth Theatre. Follow the kids of St Bernadette’s School and their despairing teacher, Mr Maddens, as they attempt to put on the best nativity ever seen, with plenty of comedy and chaos along the way.

When: Wednesday, December 21 to Thursday, December 29 at the King’s Hall, Herne Bay. Find out more online here.

Tickets: Book tickets by calling the box office on 01227 374188.

The Polar Express, Hazlitt Theatre

The Hazlitt’s own HI Youth Theatre group is taking on a Christmas classic this winter. The Polar Express sees a young child board a train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve and embark on a magical journey to find Santa Claus. The 2004 animated film, starring Tom Hanks, broke records upon its release and has become a firm favourite over the years and is set to delight audiences all over again as it takes to the stage.

When: Wednesday, December 21 to Christmas Eve at the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone. Book online here.

Tickets: £13 per person.

The Nutcracker, Orchard Theatre

Our second Nutcracker production on the list, although this one is slightly after Christmas. However, you can still celebrate into the New Year with the International Classic Ballet Theatre’s enchanting production, which comes to Dartford in January. Follow Clara’s magical adventures with her Nutcracker Prince, all set to music performed by a spectacular live orchestra.

When: Tuesday, January 3 and Wednesday, January 4 at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. Book online here.

Tickets: From £27, excluding booking fees.