Christmas fun and entertainment is looming large in HELEN MUSA’s latest Arts in the City column.

Radio playwrights Mike Weston and Jo Jones are back on the airwaves this Christmas with a new seasonal romp to be performed by Tempo Theatre. Their latest story, A Monster Christmas – which asks whether Santa will make it home for Christmas – has just been recorded and is now being fitted with special effects before airing on Christmas Day. Radio 1RPH, December 25 (broadcast times at tempotheatre.org.au).

Led by master illusionist Michael Boyd, with guest star Prinnie Stevens, The Christmas Spectacular will offer illusion, Christmas glamour, with classic Yuletide favourites in a style pitched somewhere between the Rockettes, The Nutcracker and a dash of Las Vegas sparkle. Stevens will sing All I Want for Christmas Is You and Joy to the World, while Boyd’s illusions and circus artist Aleisha Manion’s aerial routine add to the festive entertainment. Canberra Theatre, December 22-23.

An outdoor family concert at Lanyon will be led by Steve Amosa and his children Kirrah, Lahni, Mayah and Kofi. The afternoon event also features Legs Dance Studio, St Edmund’s Boys Choir, local acts, food trucks, family photo sessions and a sunset finale by the Amosas. Lanyon Homestead, December 13.

Child Players ACT presents a new children’s Christmas show, The Grinch (Who Almost) Stole Christmas, complete with a chance for young audience members to meet the cast in character after the performance. Actor David Cannell, who by day co-ordinates theatre at Questacon, will add a dash of science. The show will support the Ballet to Kokoda Initiative, with proceeds going to MS Plus. Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman Arts Centre, December 13.

Luminescence Chamber Singers and the Luminescence Children’s Choir will present Medieval hymns, traditional carols and familiar songs in Christmas Classics, across three evening performances, along with A Sunburnt Christmas on December 14. Wesley Uniting Church, December 12-14.

Candlelight: Christmas Classics is a multisensory experience where audiences are surrounded by the glow of candles while being serenaded with carols and festive melodies. James Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery, December 19-20.