For starters, this phenomenal Christmas panto in Hackney is a must see. Taking place between Saturday November 26th and Sunday January 8th at Hackney Empire in Hackney, Time Out magazine describes this particular theatre as “one of the best out there,” with “heaps of zany energy, lurid costumes, a chortle-worthy dame and budget East End prices” They go on to say that this year, “panto-writing dream team Susie McKenna and Steve Edis are spinning the yarn of Princess Aurora, who pricks her finger on a spindle and sends everyone into an enchanted slumber. This year's cast includes the great Sharon D Clarke (a Hackney panto regular), plus West End regular Alexia Khadime as Princess Tahlia, and in the dame role Gavin Spokes, so brilliant in the recent West End revival of 'Guys and Dolls'.” Sign us up!

This Garage sale is an absolute dream, just look at the set up! Running from Thursday December 1st to Saturday December 3rd at ICA in St James, this event boasts loads of quirky independent designers from local areas. Time Out magazine says that “The people behind The Poundshop return to the ICA with a celebration of independent designers and makers who'll be selling new products and work in progress samples at lower prices. Visitors can pick up unique Christmas presents priced between £1-£100 from over 60 designers including Scout Editions, APFEL and One We Made Earlier.” If you are in the area, it’s worth going to this event as some real gems can be found.

Nothing screams Christmas like multi-coloured fluorescent strings of LED lights. If you enjoy beautiful visuals and art, then come along to the Dulwich Picture Gallery in Dulwich Village between Tuesday December 6th and Sunday December 18th to see beautiful light installations and lanterns.

This wonderful event features local designer makers selling their handmade products all under one roof! Located at the Mile End Arts Pavilion in Mile End between Saturday December 10th and Sunday December 11th, this market is great if you want to buy unique and locally produced gifts. Not to mention they have great stocking stuffers! If you want to know more, check out their site here.

What better way to brave the cold chill of December in London than by heading indoors to see some stand-up comedy in a fantastic show, starring the famous Brian Cox and Robn Ince from Radio 4's Infinite Monkey Cage (and numerous other programs). For one night only, you can catch this pair at the Eventim Apollo Hammersmith in Hammersmith on Friday December 16th. Eventim says to “prepare for a show where you never know what scientific or musical treat will be next on stage.” With all proceeds going to great charities like Médecins Sans Frontières UK and the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, you have no excuse to not buy a ticket!

Taking place on Sunday the 4th of December in Bankside, this festival is right in the heart of London. According to Time Out magazine, there are around “50 stalls on a section of Bankside between Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern which offer crafts, presents and seasonal drinks and nibbles. Attractions include husky sledding rides for under-12s (£5) and husky-hugging photo opportunities for everyone else (£4; Fri-Sun only).” If you are interested in exploring Bankside's theatrical heritage and connection with the river, sign up for a guided walk which departs from Mansion House tube on Saturday at 2.30pm!

Now this is truly an event you don’t want to miss. Located in the SE1 district of London, what better wat to welcome in the New Year than with a “spectacular fireworks display viewed from one of the six ticketed viewing areas, situated on the banks of the Thames and on Waterloo and Westminster bridges.” (London SE1.) “With music leading into a live DJ show that counts down to a spectacular pyrotechnic and lighting show that sets London’s skyline ablaze at midnight,” who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?

Join in Waterloo's first ever outdoor carols singalong on Lower Marsh on Tuesday the 20th of December. London SE1 says that “This festive celebration will involve local choirs, members of the community and people from all over London. We Are Waterloo is encouraging local residents, students and employees to get involved in what promises to be a memorable event.” Bring in Christmas the right way and sing to your hearts content.