The Raleigh Little Theatre near Cameron Village in Raleigh offers all kinds of shows and programs for kids - from camps and youth theater programs to a series of shows designed just for families.

And many of its other shows are family friendly including its very popular holiday show, "Cinderella," which I took my older daughter, then 6, to last year for the first time and can't recommend highly enough. The show absolutely captured my daughter's full attention with the acting and action on stage. Afterward, the show's stars linger in the lobby for autographs. Plus, it's absolutely hilarious. This is definitely going to become a holiday tradition for my family.

"Cinderella" runs Dec. 6 to Dec. 16 with evening and matinee shows. Tickets are $25 (and do go pretty quickly). Click here for details.

The Raleigh Little Theatre's youth series this year includes another holiday show, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," along with a version of Snow White and "The Brementown Musicians."

Here's the schedule:

• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Nov. 2 to Nov. 18. The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, cheat and love to give clonks on the head. Even worse, this year they are performing in the annual Christmas pageant. Everyone is convinced that it will be a disaster. At best, it will be unusual. But no one is prepared for it being the best one ever.
• Snow White, The Queen's Fair Daughter, March 1 to March 10. Based on the original oral story, this version of the well-loved classic contains many of the familiar elements, but differs from the Grimms' later versions. The Queen adores her daughter, but Snow White’s coming of age pushes the two apart. As punishment for Snow White’s curiosity, the Queen abandons her daughter in the woods. Here, Snow White meets seven industrious dwarfs and a young prince. A surprise ending to this tale reveals what happens after the disguised Queen tricks her daughter into eating the famous poisoned apple.
• The Brementown Musicians, May 3 to May 19. When the farmer and his wife decide that their donkey, Donny, is past his usefulness, Donny makes a decision to follow his dream of becoming a famous musician one day. During his journey to Brementown, the music Mecca, Donny meets many interesting characters - some who help him along his way, others who challenge his goal. When he finally gets to Brementown, Donny realizes something is wrong and he must battle to bring sweet music back to the famous town.

Series tickets are on sale now for $24 for kids 12 and under and $36 for teens and adults. You also get $5 off Cinderella tickets when you purchase them at the same time as your series tickets. Single tickets cost between about $9 for kids and $15 for adults depending on the show.

For details and to get tickets, click here.

This post is part of an ongoing series about family shows for the 2012-13 season. Click here for past posts and stay tuned for more!