It’s all go go go – with a bit of ho ho ho – this Christmas in Watford, with a Santa’s sack-ful of pantos, shows and carol concerts taking place all month.

It’s very Christmassy at The Colosseum with three sumptuous ballets from the Russian National Ballet: The Nutcracker (December 15 at 2.30pm and 5.30pm), Sleeping Beauty (December 16 at 7.30pm) and Swan Lake (December 17 at 7.30pm).

On December 18 at 7pm, the choir and orchestra of Watford Philharmonic Society return with their traditional carol concert. This popular family event brings together well-known carols and festive songs for choir and audience with beautiful music from around the world.

And on Christmas Eve, there is a very special performance of A Christmas Carol, at 3pm, from Talkwood Productions, a group of creative young people who met at St Clement Dane’s School in Chorleywood.

Over at the Watford Palace Theatre, it’s not just about their fabulous pantomime (Robin Hood, running until December 28), there’s a whole host of festive films showing, to get you in the mood.

Sleeping Beauty – Live from the Bolshoi Ballet, on December 22 at 2pm, is a world-famous love story and the pinnacle of classical ballet. With its huge cast, fairytale setting, gorgeous choreography and a glorious Tchaikovsky score, it remains the very essence of theatrical grandeur.

There’s a series of family film classics: The Muppet Christmas Carol (U) on December 21 at 10am; It’s A Wonderful Life (U) on December 22 at 11am; and White Christmas (U) on December 22 at 7.30pm.