What is a form of drama generally performed at Christmas and based on fairy tales?

Pantomime is a theatrical form that is typically associated with the Christmas season and often draws upon fairy tales as its narrative source. This style of drama is characterized by its family-friendly content, comedic elements, and interactive performances that encourage audience participation. Pantomimes often include traditional stories, such as "Cinderella" or "Aladdin," and feature specific conventions like slapstick humor, cross-dressing actors, and the incorporation of popular music and dance.

The elements of pantomime make it distinct from other forms of drama. Farce, for example, is a type of comedy that relies on exaggerated situations and physical humor but is not specifically tied to seasonal themes or fairy tales. An operetta is a form of light opera that includes both singing and spoken dialogue, focusing more on romantic or comedic themes rather than the whimsical and fantastical qualities of pantomime. Similarly, musicals primarily emphasize storytelling through song and dance but do not necessarily have the same interactive or festive connections to Christmas traditions as pantomimes do. This focus on fairy tales and holiday performance is what firmly places pantomime as the correct answer.