Christmas Gothic

Christmas: a time to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future; a time of feasts and festivities; of holly and mistletoe; a time of visits and visitations. A time of ghosts. Come in from the cold and enter into the Christmas spirit as a dark and spectral woman tells haunting tales of the festive season, lighting a candle to the frailties of human nature and illuminating the cold and chilling depths of the bleak, wintry dark. Following the international touring success that was Female Gothic, Dyad Productions resurrects a Victorian tradition by presenting three seasonal tales of terror to scintillate the gooseflesh for dark Christmas nights.

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Sunday, December 16, and Monday, December 17, 8pm. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

Santa in Love

Join Santa and his friends in this fun filled family musical complete with games, giggles and all your favourite Christmas songs. Santa will also be available after the show to meet your little ones and give them a present

Chelmsford City Theatres, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Thursday, December 13, to Saturday, December 15, various times. Details: 01245 606505 chelmsford.gov.uk

The Great Christmas Sleigh Ride

It's Christmas Eve. Jack and Lily are so excited and determined to deliver their letters to Father Christmas in person. It sounds like a perfect adventure, but they don't have a sleigh, and they don't actually know how to get to the North Pole - what could possibly go wrong? The Great Christmas Sleigh Ride is a brand new, fun-filled, sing-a-long, interactive festive show for 2-6 year olds. After the performance, children will get the chance to meet Santa and receive a special Christmas gift.

Harlow Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Harlow, CM20 1LS, Friday, December 14, to Monday, December 24, various times. Details: 01279 431945 playhouseharlow.com

Horrible Christmas

Horrible Histories proudly presents the terrific tale of Christmas. When Christmas comes under threat from a jolly man dressed in red, it’s up to one young boy to save the day. From Victorian villains to medieval monks, Puritan parties to Tudor treats, come along on a hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the company of Charles Dickens, Oliver Cromwell, King Henry VIII, St Nicholas and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer as they all join forces to save the festive season.

Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY, Thursday, December 13, to Sunday, December 30. Details: 020 8365 2121 alexandrapalace.com

Rumpelstiltskin

See the UK premiere of this retelling of a beloved family fairy tale, reimagined with lashings of magical mayhem, rocking music and supreme silliness. In this ground-breaking theatrical spectacle that is anything but traditional, wonder at the visually stunning costumes, hyper-modern set and larger-than-life characters and delve into a fantastical world. The exquisitely mercurial Australian singer and cabaret legend Paul Capsis stars as a shape-shifting imp whose thirst for vengeance may well undo him. This clever, contemporary and culturally engaging show has something for the whole family seeking something delightfully different this winter.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, SE1 8XX, Thursday, December 13, to Sunday, January 6. Details: 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk

A Christmas Slaying: Murder Mystery

It’s Christmas time and all through the house not a person was moving - not even Santa! Come along for a Yuletide murder mystery. Bring your notepad, your best Sherlock Holmes impression and see if you can solve this puzzle before Christmas is cancelled.

Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB, Saturday, December 15, 8pm. Details: 020 8708 8800 redbridgedramacentre.co.uk

Sparky the Elf and the Secret Toyshop

Sparky Tinselbottom, a dedicated but somewhat naughty Elf, is frantically working away in the build-up to Christmas making toys. She’s terribly lonely so join in as one of her friends and discover fantastical tales of elves and lost toys from around the world. The venue is a secret! You will need to arrive 15 minutes before the start time and meet by the Help Desk on Level 2 at Romford’s The Mercury Shopping Centre. You will then be taken to Sparky’s Secret Toyshop.

Secret venue, Saturday, December 15, to Sunday, December 30. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk

Christmas at the Movies

Come along for a magical afternoon of Christmas treats at this concert of timeless classics, stuffed full of great music from your favourite festive films, including The Snowman, The Polar Express, Love Actually and Harry Potter.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, SE1 8XX, Sunday, December 16, 3pm. Details: 020 7960 4200 southbankcentre.co.uk

Christmas Fayre

Help decorate the Christmas tree and add your own personal message. Enjoy a variety of festive stalls. Take part in Christmas crafts including icing your own gingerbread folk, making a special Christmas cracker and designing Christmas cupcakes. There will also be music from local choirs including Havering Singers and Fairlytes Choir.

Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch, RM11 1QT, Saturday, December 15, 10.30am to 8pm. Details: 01708 443333 queens-theatre.co.uk