From family hit The Smeds and The Smoos, to Rat Pack rhythms and seasonal folk songs, there’s plenty to get you in the festive mood this Christmas at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry.

Based on the much-loved children’s tale, Tall Stories’ The Smeds and The Smoos (Tuesday 26 Nov to Sun 29 Dec 2024) brings writer Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s colourful characters to vivid life.

On a distant planet, the red Smeds and blue Smoos can never be friends. But when a young Smed falls in love with a Smoo, and the two fly off together, their belligerent families are forced to overcome their prejudices and unite, or risk losing their children.

Nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Family Show 2024, The Smeds and The Smoos is a delightful adventure of family and acceptance, ideal for ages 3+.

For families visiting on Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 December, there’s also Alien Christmas Adventures! (11.30am-3.30pm, Gallery Foyer). Led by artist Toni Midlane, expect an intergalactic family romp with music, movement, puppets, bubbles, crafts, moon jumping, and more. Alien Christmas Adventures! is a free drop-in activity - no prior booking required (and you don’t need a ticket to The Smeds and The Smoos to attend).

Providing a suitably cool soundtrack for the holiday period, Rat Pack: A Swingin’ Christmas At The Sands (5 Dec 2024) recreates the excitement and camaraderie of The Rat Pack (aka Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr) with a cast that includes Jason Pennycooke, star of the West End musical smash Hamilton, while Lost In Music: One Night At The Disco (14 Dec 2024) celebrates disco's golden era - expect slick renditions of classic dancefloor anthems from the likes of Chic, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Sister Sledge, and more.

For something a little more introspective, yet nonetheless tuneful, try Ashley Hutchings’ famed Albion Christmas Band, who mark their 25th Christmas Tour (13 Dec 2024), or folk supergroup A Winter Union (12 Dec 2024), who’ll be playing a jubilant mix of carols, wassails and winter songs, both old and new.

Keeping things traditional, The Music Centre’s Christmas Celebration (3 Dec 2024, 4pm-6pm, Gallery Foyer, free), features a festive feast of Crimbo favourites, including all your favourite carols. Sit back and enjoy with a free mince pie, or grab a carol sheet and join in.

Elsewhere, Sara Pascoe helms a top line-up of comedy talent for Live At Christmas (13 Dec 2024), with guests including Lou Sanders, Phil Wang and Ivo Graham, and Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke and vocalist Lance Ellington present a slick evening of song'n'dance for Christmas With Anton Du Beke (15 Dec 2024).

But Christmas at Warwick Arts Centre wouldn’t be Christmas without the hugely popular annual Warwick Christmas Lectures (25 Nov & 2 Dec 2024). Find University of Warwick boffins demonstrating fascinating feats of science and engineering on stage, while free Live Labs sessions precede both lectures (from 5.30pm, hosted by Warwick Institute Of Engagement) to get you in the mood.

There’s also a chance to pick up a truly unique gift as the arts centre’s Seasonal Makers Market returns (5 Dec 2025). Around 30 of the very best artists and makers from the region will be selling beautifully handcrafted items and sustainably produced one-offs.

And if you're feeling a little peckish, Benugo Bar and Kitchen is serving a tempting Christmas Menu with two courses for £27.50 (or three for £30), while Panda Mami - the latest addition to Warwick Arts Centre’s food offer - promises dozens of authentic dishes from around the world.