Oh yes it is time to get out to the festive shows

Kids getting bored with gifts that were must-have items just 48 hours ago? Yes? Then why not have a day out at one the Capital's theatres, where the entertainment continues all week?

At the Edinburgh Playhouse, Michael Ball might be in drag, but he ain't no panto dame. Hairspray, the musical based on John Waters' movie, is cramming them in, transporting audiences back to 1962. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big lass with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion - to dance. When she wins a spot on the local TV dance programme she is transformed into a teen celebrity overnight.

But can a trendsetter vanquish the programme's reigning princess, win the heart of heart-throb Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her do?

At the Royal Lyceum, The Snow Queen is on top form - just look around. Stuart Paterson's Christmas show couldn't be more timely as his villainess turns everything to winter. Can Kay and Gerda save mankind from eternal chill?

At the Festival Theatre, The Secret Garden finds Siobhan Redmond, fresh from her stint in Taggart, leading the cast in this musical production of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic children's novel.

Across town, The King's panto, Jack And The Beanstalk, reunites Allan Stewart, Andy Gray and Grant Stott. Bursting with "brand new comedy", stunning sets and outrageous costumes, it's written and directed by Paul Elliott, who has been at the helm of the last eight King's pantos.

Finally, at The Brunton in Musselburgh, there's still time to catch Mother Goose, in which Gertie Gaga and Muddles must help the eponymous heroine defeat the evil villain Vainglorious.

• Hairspray, Edinburgh Playhouse, Greenside Place, until January 9, 7.30pm (matinees 2.30pm), 18.50-43.50, 0844-847 1661

• The Snow Queen, Royal Lyceum, Grindlay Street, until December 31, times vary, 17-23, 0131-248 4848

• The Secret Garden, Festival Theatre, Nicolson Street, until January 8, times vary, 8-33, 0131-529 6000

• Jack And The Beanstalk, King's Theatre, Leven Street, until 23 January, times vary, 11.50-23.50, 0131-529 6000

• Mother Goose, Brunton Theatre, until December 31, 2pm and 7.30pm, 15.75, 0131-665 2240