A Christmas Magic Show

Romany performs highly skilled classic magic and off-beat comedy. David Weeks performs close-up and cabaret magic. And ventriloquist Dave Andrews has been talking to himself successfully both here and abroad for many years.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB, Friday, December 9, 7pm. Details: 01937 546546

Open Studio and Work Sale

An opportunity to meet the artist Stephen Walter – discuss the work, come for a chat, and purchase a gift or work of art. Refreshments will be provided including tea, coffee, wine and cake.

Ground Floor, Studio 2, Britannia Works, 56 Dace Road, E3 2NG, Friday, December 9, to Sunday, December 11. Details: 07780 610804

Epping Forest Guardian: JUST PLAIN NASTY: Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Feeling a little bored, Dorothy picks up an old book and starts to read. Then something strange happens. She is suddenly whisked away to a land called Oz. In a desperate bid to return home she embarks on a magical journey and is joined by three extraordinary friends. A journey where brains, a little heart and a tremendous amount of courage will come in useful... if only they had some. After all, it’s not every day that you meet a powerful wizard, battle a wicked witch and return home in time for tea.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB, Thursday, December 8, Saturday, December 10, and Thursday, December 15, various times. Details: 020 8708 8800

Down the Rabbit Hole

To spice up your festivities, Sink the Pink and Selfridges present a brand new saucy naughty Panto mash-up. Come along for fictional festivities, just swap out your Santa for a sleigh full of... rabbits. It’ll be Christmassy, it’ll be campy, and it’ll be full of men in dresses lip-syncing badly.

The Selfridges Theatre, Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB, until Friday, December 9, 8pm. Details: dice.fm

Fairlytes Singers’ Christmas Cracker

This show is chock-full of popular hits and your favourite carols. Catch your reindeer, get out your sleigh, saddle up the donkey, or just hail the next 165 bus and come along for an afternoon of festive fun.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Friday, December 9, 2.30pm. Details: 01708 443333

Epping Forest Guardian:

Beauty and the Beast – Panto on Ice

The magical story of love, friendship and adventure – on ice! Watch your favourite Beauty and the Beast characters come alive and entertain all ages to an assortment of music, old and new.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY, Friday, December 9, to Monday, December 12, various times. Details: 020 8365 2121

1940s Candlelit Tours

A talented volunteer cast, formed of local Enfield residents, are to welcome visitors to the 1940s Candlelit Tours. The tours recreate a wartime Christmas backdrop, packed full with history and drama. Visitors can expect to meet a surprise guest or two on their atmospheric tour of the historic house and in true Christmas Carol style travel back to the Victorian era and then forward in time to the 2011 restoration of the Hall.

Forty Hall and Estate, Forty Hill, Enfield, EN2 9HA, Friday, December 9, to Sunday, December 11, and Thursday, December 15, to Sunday, December 18. Details: 020 8807 6680

Epping Forest Guardian:

Christmas Crisis: Save Santa!

A fun, immersive seasonal dining experience. Join forces with Santa’s top agent in a race against time to solve the puzzles – and save Santa and Christmas itself! Perfect for friends, families and work parties. The experience takes place over a delicious Christmas dinner and includes a dedicated ‘mince spy’.

Various locations, Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11, various times. Details: agentnovember.co.uk

Santa in Love

Join Santa and his friends in this fabulous musical complete with games, giggles and all your favourite Christmas songs.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Saturday, December 10, to Monday, December 12, various times. Details: 01245 606505

Illustrators’ Christmas Fair 2016

The Illustrators’ Christmas Fair returns with nearly 100 contemporary illustrators and collectives selling a wide range of beautiful work, housed in a festive grotto of illustrated treasures and treats to tempt you. Choose from an array of unique products including prints, posters, artist books, ceramics, badges and much more.

2 Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH, Saturday, December 10, 11am to 6pm. Details: houseofillustration.org.uk

Epping Forest Guardian:

Santacon London

At a set time before midday, Santas assemble at different meeting places in all over London – exactly where and when is emailed to Santas only the week before. The groups of Santas each set off on a different route through London, spreading glad tidings, visiting famous landmarks, and enjoying the odd snifter along the way. Santa flag-bearers lead the way and Santa herders keep Santas on track.

Various locations, Saturday, December 10, 12pm to 5pm. Details: santacon.co.uk

The Embers Collective: The Midwinter Tales

The Embers Collective is a storytelling and music collective based in East London. During their Midwinter Tales event their talented storytellers and musicians will take you on a magical journey through faraway lands where fires are lit to keep the darkness and cold of winter at bay. Around those fires, stories are told. Come gather around the metaphorical fire and warm your soul on these cold winter nights.

The Vaults, Leake Street, SE1 7NN, Sunday, December 11, 6pm. Details: 020 7401 9603