Let the Holidays ‘Show’ Your Family a Good Time

‘Dashing Through the Snow’ 
From the same creative team that wrote the hit ’80s TV show “The Golden Girls,” “Dashing Through the Snow” offers a collection of four vignettes set against the backdrop of a Christmas-themed inn. While there are some implied adult situations, the show is family-friendly and each act centers on a theme of family. Nov. 25–Dec. 18. $25. The Phoenix Theatre, Edmonds

‘An Improvised Christmas Carol’ 
UP Improv’s “An Improvised Christmas Carol” might belong up above in the “Christmas Carol” section. But then, Dickens’ story is just a starting point, and with dozens of audience suggestions redirecting the performers midstream, there’s really no telling where you and Scrooge will end up. The one thing you can count on: Unexpected Productions will keep it family-friendly. Nov. 25–Dec. 23. $20 online, $25 at the door. Unexpected Productions, Seattle

‘A Very Die Hard Christmas’ 
Putting an end once and for all to the great question “Is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie?” Seattle Public Theater presents a musical parody that is sure to blow the roof off the joint. If your kids are old enough to enjoy the movie, your whole family will love the action, ’80s jokes, soft rock jams and snarky German terrorists in this production. Nov. 25–Dec. 20. $38. Seattle Public Theater at the Green Lake Bathhouse, Seattle

‘The Empress’ New Clothes’ 
British traditionalists will welcome the return of The Fremont Players and Fremont Philharmonic Orchestra with their annual British panto production of cracked classics loaded with jokes aimed both at the kids and over their heads. Expect audience participation and slapstick in a version of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale he never would have expected. Dec. 11–Jan. 8. $20. Sunset Hill Community Club, Seattle

‘Elf – The Musical’ 
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear … which the Driftwood Players are doing in this musical adaptation of Will Ferrell’s beloved contemporary classic Christmas movie, “Elf.” Raised at the North Pole as an elf, Buddy, who is actually a human, travels to New York City to meet his birth father — and rescue him from Santa’s Naughty List. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Nov. 18–Dec. 18. $28. Wade James Theatre, Edmonds 

‘Elf – The Musical’ 
Buddy’s journey from the North Pole continues south in ManeStage Theatre Company’s own production of “Elf – The Musical” in Puyallup. Now South Sound families can enjoy Buddy’s brand of Christmas cheer and unironic joy without walking through the Lincoln Tunnel or, worse, dealing with I-5 traffic. Dec. 2–18. $30. Liberty Theater, Puyallup

‘Cinderella’ 
The British panto-style version of the Cinderella fairy tale is filled with sparkle, glitter and chaos. For more than 15 years, Centerstage has provided holiday laughs in the panto tradition. This year, as always, audience participation is encouraged to enhance the cleverly choreographed mayhem, as the Fairy Godmother, Cinderella, Prince Charming and the evil stepsisters (Kourtney and Khloe) deliver holiday joy and belly laughs. Nov. 26–Dec. 18. $42–$45. Knutzen Family Theatre, Federal Way

Up next: Holiday music