Panto on Christmas Eve?

[Justforonequestion]

When my kids were small I used to take them to the Hackney Empire panto every year and we always loved it. It's a brilliant trad panto- no celebs but great actors and a real lovely, local atmosphere.

I am thinking of buying us tickets this year to go the 5pm show on Christmas Eve. I wondered whether anyone had a tradition like this? Can't work out whether it will feel really special to do it on Christmas Eve or whether I'll just feel too busy.

Also not sure if my kids are now too old? 13 and 11.

We are going to panto on Christmas Eve this year. Usually do it a couple of weeks before. There will be me, DH, 3 DC, BIL, MIL and 2 nephews. MIL has bought us tickets for Christmas. We are going at 1.30, but I'm beginning to worry we'll have to peel the kids off the ceiling!! But I'm really looking forward to it!!

We're going on Christmas Eve with dc 13 and 10 plus grandparents - it's lovely

We go every year on Boxing Day afternoon. Works really well for us as Christmas Eve is busy and exciting with family arriving but Boxing Day can sometimes feel a bit flat after the big day...

We did as kids. So far since having my own I haven't managed it but we are this year and I am very excited!

We are going to see the 'Nutcracker' on Christmas Eve and then a Christmas Carol on Boxing day. We're being gurt posh this year.

I would've thought 13 and 11 would be a bit old for panto, but you know them best! I am also a bit biased as I cannot stand them!
If I had to go, I would prefer Boxing Day to Christmas Eve, as something to look forward to after the main event. That said, I have a friend who takes her children on Christmas Eve every year, as it is part of their family Christmas traditions, which I think is lovely. She does all the Christmas stuff beforehand, so they go to the show and come home and relax.

Mine are10 and 12, they'd still love it but as nice as Christmas Eve sounds think I'd prefer Boxing Day.