December, of course, means Christmas, Christmas everywhere!  Santa is very busy making appearances in Harpenden and across Hertfordshire.  If you’re thinking of taking the children to see him, have a look at our guide to places that he will be visiting.

Panto season will soon be in full swing.  This year, at Harpenden Public Halls, Polka Dot Pantomimes brings us Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring TV’s Jeremy Edwards and featuring a cast of local children.  It runs from 8th – 30th December with a special relaxed/signed performance on Sunday 23rd December at 10.30am.

There’s also a panto at Batford Memorial Hall on Sunday 16th December.  Odd Socks Entertainment will be presenting their version of Sleeping Beauty, especially aimed at children aged 4-11.

And the Alban Arena is presenting Cinderella from 6th December to 6th January starring Rachel Stevens (S Club 7) and Ben Faulks (better known as Mr Bloom).

Other pantos in the area include: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Grove Theatre Dunstable and Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage; Jack and the Beanstalk at Watford Palace Theatre, Luton Library Theatre and King's Langley; Aladdin at CW Entertainment in Welwyn and the Radlett Centre.

Of course, there is other non-panto Christmassy theatre on offer too including:  Hansel & Gretal at the Sandpit Theatre; A Christmas Carol at Abbey Theatre in St Albans and also at Wardown House Museum; The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio at Hertford Theatre; Santa’s New Sleigh at Broadway Theatre in Letchworth. Definitely something for everyone at the theatre this Christmas!

The film "The Snowman" is a regular Christmas feature in many households and this year the book on which it was based is 40 years old.  To celebrate, there are two opportunities to watch the film accompanied by live music here in Harpenden!  On 9th December you can join Hitchin Brass band at Harpenden Public Halls, and on 16th December Harpenden Concert Band will be presenting it at Aldwickbury School.

If Christmas shopping is on your mind then you might want to take advantage of the Christmas Markets popping up around the area.  Brand new to the local Christmas calendar this year is Harpenden Christmas Market taking place on Bowers Parade, 7th – 9th December.  This is separate to the regular Farmers Market and will feature stalls selling arts & crafts, gifts, clothing and jewellery. On 1st December a Christmas Market in aid of St Francis Hospice is being held in Aubrey Park Hotel in Redbourn and then the following day on 2nd December Redbourn village holds its own Christmas Market.   This is the 7th year of the event and there will be over 90 stalls!

St Albans Christmas Market this year will be part of the brand-new Meraki Christmas Festival which will include other activities such as ice skating and Santa’s Grotto.  The festival runs from 30th November to 6th December at the Herts County Showground before transferring to Verulamium Park from 8th – 22nd December.

If you fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle of it all and taking some quiet time out to reflect on the season then you can join one of the many Christmas services aimed at families and taking place in our local churches over the next few weeks.  Christingle Services are taking place at St Nicholas Church on 2nd December (in aid of the Children’s Society), St Mary’s Kinsbourne Green and St Albans Cathedral on 9th December.  Nativity plays and services are happening at URC Church on 9th December, St John’s Church Southdown and St Mary’s Kinsbourne Green on 16th December, and Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Christmas Eve. Also on Christmas Eve you can find Crib Services at All Saints Church, St Nicholas Church, St Mary’s Kinsbourne Green and St Albans Cathedral; and a special promenade telling of the Christmas Story "Walking to Bethlehem", through Southdown to St John’s Church.

You can find lots more going on this Christmas on our What’s On page.

Wishing you and your families a very happy and peaceful Christmas from everyone at Mum's guide to Harpenden.