There’s nothing quite like the magic of taking your kids to the theater for the first time. From waiting outside to collect your tickets in the shining lobby, to taking a seat in the stalls, going to see a Christmas show is a great way to truly get your entire family in the holiday spirit. While your little darlings might prefer spending the cold, long evenings glued to their iPad or the TV screen, they will light up and be surprised by the truly magical experience that is live theater. The same applies for going to see a live ball game or soccer match too, as you can experience the atmosphere first-hand.

Choose your event

With so many different theater events and games for you to choose from, it can be difficult to know which option will best suit your family. Remember that young children get bored easily, and you might risk spending a large portion of the show out in the lobby. A Broadway show such as Guys and Dolls or the Lion King is a great option for smaller kids – as they will enjoy the live music and fantastic singing and dancing. Older kids may want to be taken a bit more seriously, so consider a classic play such as Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol or even a play by Shakespeare.

If your kids, however, have no interest in seeing show, then do not despair. Instead, go catch a local or international sports match. No matter who you support, there’s nothing more magical than going to a live sports game with your entire clan. Make sure you do your research online first to get the best prices and offers for Sports tickets.  Buying off ticket touts or on the door could see prices double, or even triple, so it pays to book and purchase well ahead.

Budgeting

It can be difficult to budget in a theater trip if you have a large family, or have already spent a large portion of your Christmas savings on gifts and food for the holidays. However, there are a few tricks that every Mom can use when taking their kids to the theater. Rather than buying expensive snacks and drinks, carry a few surprises in your bag so that you can save some cash. It’s also a good idea to book the afternoon, or matinee performance, in particular if your children are still young. These tickets are a lot cheaper and the shows finish around dinner time. It’s easy to make a trip to the theater affordable – so don’t let pricing and travel costs put you off.

Christmas is the most magical time of the year, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by attending a show with your loved ones. From sports to Broadway or even a small, local play, taking your family to the theater will provide them with lasting memories for years to come. Plus, it’s a far better gift than the latest gadget or computer game. So if you are looking for a gift that your entire family can benefit from and enjoy this Christmas time, then get organized and book your tickets now.