Screaming Blue Murder – Christmas Edition

The probability of snow is high, sightings of reindeer are on the increase and the chance of getting the present you always wanted instead of socks/bath salts are stacked in your favour. OK, maybe not. But you’ll definitely have a laugh at SMB.

The Old Town Hall, High Street, Old Town, Hemel Hempstead, Monday, December 12, 9pm. Details: 01442 228091

Watford Observer:

Watford Schools Carol Concert

Each December, for over 50 years, more than 400 children from primary schools in SW Hertfordshire have come together to sing carols at the Colosseum. Parents, teachers and friends have all shared in this happy occasion and welcome anyone who would like to join the celebration.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Monday, December 12, 7.15pm. Details: 02036 598914

Belshazzar’s Feast

Start with traditional English music, add a touch of classical and jazz, throw in a bit of pop and music hall, and top it off with wry humour for a unique live experience that has made Belshazzar’s Feast one of the most popular duos in folk music.

The Old Town Hall, High Street, Old Town, Hemel Hempstead, Tuesday, December 13. Details: 01442 228091

Watford Observer:

Christmas with Andrew Gant

Christmas carols have the power to summon up a special kind of midwinter mood, like the aroma of mince pies and mulled wine and the twinkle of lights on a tree. It’s a kind of magic. But how did they get that magic? In Christmas Carols Andrew Gant tells the story of some 20 carols, each accompanied by lyrics and music, unravelling a captivating – and often surprising – tale of great musicians and thinkers, saints and pagans, shepherd boys, choirboys, monks and drunks. Join Chorleywood Bookshop for a night of carols, mulled wine, good company and the Christmas spirit, in the beautiful setting of Christ Church.

The Junction Christ Church, Chorleywood, Wednesday, December 14, 7.30pm. Details: 01923 283566

A Celebration of Christmas

The choir and orchestra of Watford Philharmonic Society return with their traditional Christmas concert, bringing together well-known carols and festive songs with beautiful music from around the world. A great start to your Christmas celebrations.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Wednesday, December 14, 7pm. Details: 02036 598914

Watford Observer:

No Man’s Land

National Theatre Live. Following their hit run on Broadway, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart return to the West End stage in Harold Pinter’s No Man’s Land. One summer’s evening, two ageing writers, Hirst and Spooner, meet in a Hampstead pub and continue their drinking into the night at Hirst’s stately house nearby.  As the pair become increasingly inebriated, and their stories increasingly unbelievable, the lively conversation soon turns into a revealing power game, further complicated by the return of two sinister younger men.

Watford Palace Theatre, 20 Clarendon Road, Watford, Thursday, December 15, 7pm. Details: 01923 225671

Salmon on the Mount

Watford’s only Alternative Comedy night returns for a very special Christmas show. Part stand-up, part sitcom, part theatre, fans of The Young Ones, Reeves and Mortimer and The Mighty Boosh will feel right at home with this madcap evening of festive humbuggery courtesy of host Al Ronald and featuring top stand-up acts.

The LP Café, 173 The Parade, High Street, Watford, Thursday, December 15, 7pm. Details: info@thelpcafe.com

Northside Jazz Band

Hear the very best in traditional and Dixieland jazz from the Northside Jazz Band. The Northside Jazz Band formed in Watford in 1972. Over the years they’ve played at many festivals and have featured on radio and TV, with a number of recordings behind them. Expect a blend of jazz and blues, ranging from Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to Bix Beiderbecke and Fats Waller.

Pump House Theatre & Arts Centre, Local Board Road, Watford, Thursday, December 15, 8.15pm. Details: 01923 467269

Watford Observer:

Just the Tonic’s Christmas Comedy Special

Get your Christmas jumper on and grab your mates for a hilarious night of comedy, festive cheer and amazing food and drink. A side-splitting line-up of comedians including Geoff Boyz, Dana Alexander, Danny Ward and Steve Harris. Tickets include full festive Christmas meal with a drink and entrance into the post-show Christmas disco after-party.

The Comedy Loft Watford, 76 The Parade, High Street, Watford, Thursday, December 15, and Friday, December 16, 8.15pm. Details: 02037403700

A Flamin’ Cool Christmas Party

Watford Colosseum’s fire and ice themed Christmas party is sure to get you in the festive spirit. Gather a group of family, friends or work colleagues and get ready to dance the night away.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, Friday, December 16, and Saturday, December 17, 7.30pm. Details: 02036 598914 

Watford Observer:

Santa Claus and The Night Before Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve and whilst most children are hanging up their stockings, there are a few boys and girls in Watford who are not. They don’t believe in Santa and with Christmas morning fast approaching cheeky elves Charlie and Kara must help Santa prove that he is indeed real. With magic tricks, songs and stories, can they make them believe before it’s time to deliver the presents? A truly unforgettable experience which includes the magical moment when snowflakes fall over the audience, this interactive show is a must-see over the festive season. As an added Christmas treat, all of the good boys and girls in the audience will meet Santa after the show and receive a special present.

Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, until Saturday, December 24. Details: 02036 598914

Santa’s Grotto

Wander through the Discovery Lodge before meeting Santa himself, where your little ones can tell him what’s on their Christmas list and take home a gift.

intu Watford, Watford, until Saturday, December 24. Details: 01923 250292