Christmas stalls and markets

Charity Christmas Card Shop
Come to the Beaconsfield Cards For Good Causes shop in the car park behind Waitrose and choose from more than 300 different Christmas cards from 40 different charities. They also sell advent calendars and candles, wrapping paper and tags, small gifts and decorations. Open seven days a week (pm only on Sunday).
Until 18 December, 9:30am, St Teresa's Church Car Park (behind Waitrose), Penn Road, Beaconsfield.

Christmas Fair and Carolfest
The seasonal celebrations with the Christmas Fair at 11am. The captivating Mr Alexander rolls into town with his traditional travelling variety show in tow. His madcap performance of magic, juggling, unicycling, balance and illusion is sure to delight young and old. And for the first time they welcome the loveable Trundlehonk. Complete with trolley, wilful horn and a magnificent stand-alone bandstand, Trundlehonk at Christmas is packed full of rousing Christmas music, physical comedy and slapstick. A wonderful medley of mayhem that you won’t want to miss. The Haddenham Mummers will be performing a Christmas Mummers Play. This traditional short play is one of the oldest surviving features of the traditional English Christmas, a tradition that goes back thousands of years. The LuLaLas will be joining in the festivities and performing wonderful seasonal songs which are sure to get you feeling Chrismassy. There will be plenty of hands-on arts and craft fun for the children, and Billy Bubbles will be creating some fantastic balloon models. Real life reindeer will be there from 12 to 3pm. And at 6pm there is the annual Carolfest.
15 December, 11am, Market Square, Aylesbury.

Music

Christmas Carol Service
An evening of music and singing from your local community church. Enjoy this traditional Christmas Carol Service. Refreshments provided. Call 07855 432750 for more details.
13 December, 7pm, Micklefield Community Seventh-day Adventist church, Centre approach (off Micklefield Road opposite Community Centre), High Wycombe.

Wycombe Concert Band Charity Christmas Concert.
Christmas Concert Band and Accidental Harmonies Choir are holding a Christmas concert at Naphill Village Hall in aid of the South Bucks Hospice. Music to delight everyone, plus some carol singing! call 01494 522992. Tickets: £4 including a drink.
13 December, 7.45pm, Naphill Village Hall, Main Road, Naphill, High Wycombe.

Greggi G & his Crazy Gang Rock n Roll band plus DJ Jivin' George
Rock 'n' Roll band playing live. Tickets plus DJ Jivin' George. Great dance floor and licensed bar. Large free carpark. Open from 8pm till late. Tickets are £9. Call 07721842142.
13 December, 8pm, Hedsor Social Club, Hedsor Road, Bourne End.

‘Christmas Crackers’ concert with the Bucks Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Join the Bucks Symphonic Wind Ensemble for an evening of wonderful music to kick of the Christmas festivities. Under the baton of Rob Wiffin OBE, the Christmas Crackers concert will feature a varied programme of wind band music including seasonal favourites to get us in the Christmas mood. They will be joined by High Wycombe Music Centre Stage Choir with their director, Patrick Gazard. Tickets can be bought in advance from Marlow Tourist Information Centre (55a High St - entrance Institute Rd) or ordered by phone (Tel: 01628 483597) and picked up on the door. Alternatively you can buy tickets on the night if still available. Tickets: Adults £12, Concessions £10, Under 12s £5.
14 December, 7pm, All Saints Church, The Causeway, Marlow.

Christmas Carol Concert
Marlow Choral Society presents its charity Christmas Carol Concert, conducted by Jackie Duxbury. The compère this year is Mary Nightingale, the ITV newsreader. Charities being supported are Marlow Age Concern and Peach, a charity for children with autism. Tickets from WPS Stationers in Spittal Street, Marlow, until sold out. Tickets: Tickets £10 (Children £5).
14 December, 7.30pm, Shelley Theatre, Court Gardens, Pound Lane.Marlow.

Wooburn Singers' Christmas Concert
Music by Britten and Rutter with traditional carols; harp accompaniment. Audience invited to sing some of the carols. Call 01628672457. Tickets: £14 (£5 students).
14 December, 7.30pm, St Mary's Church, Windsor End, Beaconsfield.

Damon Singers' Christmas concert
Mince pies and mulled wine available. all proceeds will be going to Chiltern Music Therapy. Tickets (£8 in advance, £12 on the door) are available from Perfect Pitch music shop in Chesham or by calling 01494 712583 or 07768 566588.
15 December, 7.30pm, White Hill Centre, White Hill, Chesham.

Lane End Methodist Church Annual Carol Service.
To raise money for Action for Children, formerly the NCH. Please note the change of time. It will be led by Reverend Singa Vunipola. Mince pies and tea will follow.
15 December, 4pm, Lane End Holy Trinity Church, Lane End.

The Dacorum Symphony Orchestra
Will be performing The Snowman narrated by Michael Bernstein with soloist William Hargreaves at the Christmas concert. There will also be choral performances from students from Hemel Hempstead School. Tickets cost £12 (Concessions £10) for Adults and are free to anyone aged 18 years and under.Tickets for this or any other DSO concert are available from the Orchestra ticket secretary on 01442 260155 or Claire Lloyd Properties, 173 High Street, Berkhamsted on 01442 879996.
15 December, 3.30pm, The Centenary Theatre, Berkhamsted School, Kings Road, Berkhamsted.

Karen Sharp and Art Themen
A special Christmas gig at Marlow Jazz Club, and last date in 2013. It's an intriguing encounter between two top saxophonists: the brilliant Karen Sharp on tenor and baritone, and 'Doctor Jazz' Art Themen (pictured) playing tenor and soprano. Fine support from the Frank Toms Trio. Call 01628 486571. Tickets: £8.
17 December, 8.30pm, Marlow Jazz Club, The Royal British Legion Hall, Station Approach, Marlow.

Wagner’s Parsifal LIVE from The Royal Opera House.
Wagner’s production of Parsifal is always a remarkable event with profound meditation on guilt, death and possible redemption, but this production includes a new twist as it is conducted by creative extraordinaire Antonio Pappano. Parsifal is the latest instalment in a long line of recent live screenings as Empire Cinemas expands its offering beyond film releases. Visit www.EmpireCinemas.co.uk or call 08714 714714.
18 December, High Wycombe Empire, Cressex.

Christmas at the pub

Towersey Morris Dancers on Wednesday, December 18 at 8:45pm and Carol Singers on Thursday, December 19 at 7.30pm.

The Gate Inn, Bryants Bottom

Carols on the Causeway
Organised by Marlow Town Council. Residents can gather around the Christmas Tree from 5.45pm. The winners of the lantern competition will be announced at then at 7pm there will be carol singing. Mulled wine and mince pies will be available and Marlow Rotary Club will be providing hot roast chestnuts free of charge.
19 December, 5.45pm, Marlow Town Centre.

Children's activities

Santa’s Grotto at Notcutts Booker.
Marlow.Santa’s enchanted grotto is back at Notcutts in Booker this year, and the centre is opening its doors to local boys and girls who want to visit Father Christmas’ snowy winter wonderland and tell him what they would like to receive in their stockings this year. Visitors will need to book their place in advance and can visit the store directly to make a booking. Call 01494 532532. Tickets: £6.50.
Until 22 December, 11am, Notcutts Garden Centre Booker, Clay Lane, Booker, Near Marlow.

Crackling Christmas Crafts
For 6+ years: get ready for Christmas by making your own Scandinavian-inspired Christmas decorations including poppyrotting pop-up cards, tantalising treat cones and crackling Christmas gnomes.
£2 per participant in addition to Museum entry. Call 01494 892192 to book.
14 December, 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm, The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, 81-83 High Street.Great Missenden.

Children's Christmas Party
Every child will be served a hot cooked lunch, a pudding, and a drink, there will be party games, a mini disco, an arts and crafts table, plus a visit from Santa and every child will receive a gift. Buy your ticket (£10) from 01494 883878.
14 December, 12pm, Lane End Youth and Community Centre, Edmonds Road.Lane End.

Children’s Edible Christmas Gifts
Join in this workshop at Beverley Glock's Cookery School- children will make edible gifts while you can get on with your shopping. It runs from 10am to 1pm- suitable for aged six upwards. It is £37.50 on December 14. There is also an adults' homemade edible gifts workshop on December 17 from 10am to 2pm, which is £50, and Beverley will show you how to make beautiful gifts to give at Christmas. To book go to
http://www.beverleyglock.com or call 0870 7668290.
14 and 17 December, Princes Risborough.

Christmas Crafts for children
Free entry. Come and make some exciting things for Christmas. All children are welcome plus mum and dad can have a cup of tea and a mince pie while they wait.
14 December, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Flackwell Heath Community Library in Chapel Road.

Nature Club for Children
Go Wild about Nature Club. For children aged six and upwards. Contact Wycombe Museum for more information on 01494 421895. Tickets: £4 per session.
15 December, 2 to 4pm, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.

Active Gaming World Championships
Twenty one schools from the Buckinghamshire and Berkshire areas compete to see who can become the Active Gamerz World Champions. This competition is the only event of its kind in the world which will also see guest performances from former pop superstar and Voice UK star Cleo Higgins and award winning Dance Crew and Sky 1 got to dance finalists IMD (Intelligent Minds Dance). The evening will also be hosted by professional stand up comedian Aurie Styla. Can Juniper Hill Primary hold onto that iconic world championship trophy? Book your tickets at www.activegamerz.co.uk. Call 07531965628. Tickets: £9 adults, £6 junior.
15 December, 4pm, The Kite Theatre, Holmer Lane, High Wycombe.

Winter Dance and Cheerleading workshops
Kobika Dance are running an evening of intensive dance workshops suitable for ages 8+. Jazz, Contemporary, Kicks turns and Leaps, Contact and floor work, Stretch and flex. All for only £15. Email info@kobikadance.co.uk or call 07825 336827.
16 to 17 December, 5 to 8.30pm, Redgrave Sports Centre, Wycombe Lane, Marlow.

Book signing

Jane Waller
Jane, who lives in the Chilterns, will be signing copies of her books. She produces ceramics and is also a writer- with 17 published book on a range of subjects. Her first book, A Stitch in Time, volume one, helped to launch a revival of interest in hand knitting.
14 December, 9.30am to 12pm, Sally's Sewing Box, High Street, Princes Risborough

Theatre

Jack of Atlantis (Panto)
Jack of Atlantis is a new and original pantomime. It follows the story of Jack and his voyage to find Atlantis. Jack’s best friends and his trusty dog, Patch, all agree to go with Jack on his adventure. On their way, they encounter sharks, a giant octopus and worst of all ... Baron Lowtide. Can Jack and his crew survive the cruel seas and the evil Baron to find Atlantis? Tickets can be purchased from http://www.themavericks.org.uk/Reservations.html. Tickets are £5, apart from OAPs who are free. reservations@themavericks.org.uk.
14 to 21 December, 2.30pm, Flackwell Heath Community Centre, Straight Bit.Flackwell Heath.

The Austerity Show Christmas special
Cabaret duo Hubert and Eunace Mountjoy are back to tackle life in the new age of austerity, armed with a ukulele, a tambourine, and the power of their minds. At one of the most expensive times of year, the twosome will be offering some money-saving tips on how to have thrifty Christmas, turkey included. Songs, dances and jokes combine in this hilariously absurd show that leaves heads spinning and sides aching. Tickets are £13, £10 Friends of Norden Farm (£11 conc). To book call 01628 788997 or go to www.nordenfarm.org.
14 December, 8pm, Norden Farm, Maidenhead.

Meetings and clubs

Story time.
Story time - come and join other families listening to stories at the library. Call 08452303232. Tickets: free.
13 to 18 December, 2.15pm, Beaconsfield Library, Reynolds Road, Beaconsfield.

Annual General Meeting - RBL Marlow Club
All members are to bring their card to show on entry. Call 01628486659 for more details.
15 December, 1.30pm, Royal British Legion Marlow Club, Station Approach, Marlow.

Beaconsfield Spanish Language Meetup.
The High Wycombe Spanish Speakers meetup group has now expanded into Beaconsfield, so if you speak Spanish (native or learner) and live in or near Beaconsfield this event, which we aim to repeat every fortnight might be of interest to you. Please register with the group at http://www.meetup.com/High-Wycombe-Spanish-Speakers to find out more.
16 December, 8pm, The White Hart, Aylesbury End, Beaconsfield.

Sri Lankan Serendipity
Forget about the dark nights and cold weather for an evening! In the company of Barry Oxley, visit the fascinating landscape and wildlife of Sri Lanka, the 'Teardrop' of India. This talk is for the Chilterns Group of the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust. Call 01494 447763 for more details. Tickets: £3.
17 December, 7:45pm, Great Missenden Memorial Hall, Link Road, Great Missenden.

On The Radar

Grimethorpe Colliery Band.
The real stars of the hit movie Brassed Off, the Grimethorpe Colliery Band are celebrating the 15th anniversary of this classic film and the concerts will reflect this with popular tracks from the movie.  Having won almost every brass band accolade, these musicians have a highly acclaimed international reputation with numerous recordings to their credit.  Enjoy the fabulous sound of this world famous brass band, performing hits from Brassed Off plus favourite classics in spectacular style. Tickets are £22.40 to £39.40 from 0844 8717607 or go to www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury.
12 January, 3pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury. 

Murder Mystery at Missenden Abbey.
Join Missenden Abbey and Little Chico Productions for a sparkling wine upon arrival and a three course dinner to enjoy while the secrets of the murder mystery unfold. Dress code: smart casual Murder Mystery theme: Lord Goodbottom's birthday party. Reception drinks at 7pm. £40 per person. Contact telephone: 01494 866 811. www.missendenabbey.co.uk/events/murder-at-missenden/
17 January, 7pm, Missenden Abbey Buckinghamshire HP16 0BD

Finding the People in the Pottery.
A talk by Lisa Brown, a bronze and iron age ceramics expert from Oxford Archaeology. Organised by AIM (Archaeology in Marlow). Free parking in the adjacent car park after 7pm. Cost to non AIM members is £3.50, including refreshments and £2.50 for AIM members. Go to www.archaeologyinmarlow.org.uk or call 01628 481792 for more details.
23 January, 8pm,  The Garden Room, Liston Hall, Chapel Street, Marlow, SL7 1DD

Film Screening - Saving Mr Banks.
Private screening of Saving Mr Banks starring Academy Award winners Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson in the spacious National Film and Television School's luxurious cinema. The film tells the story of Walt Disney's twenty year pursuit of the film rights to P.L Travers' popular novel, Mary Poppins, and the testy partnership the upbeat filmmaker develops with the uptight author during the project's pre-production in 1961. Tickets: £12.50 each or two for £20. Bar available. Go to www.scannappeal.org.uk/activities/events-diary/
23 January, 8pm, National Film and Television School, Beaconsfield Studios, Station Road, Beaconsfield HP9 1LG

Seasonal Game Dinner.
The Five Arrows stand at the gates of the Waddesdon Manor, a National Trust property. Aperitif and canapés on arrival, three course dinner with wine. The cost is £59 per person. Call 01296 651727 or email five.arrows@nationaltrust.org.uk for reservations and for more information.
24 January, 7.30 for 8pm, The Five Arrows, Waddesdon Manor, Near Aylesbury.

Mozart Birthday Concert
The annual Mozart Birthday concert features two sparkling concertos. The Flute and Harp Concerto is particularly famous for its warm-hearted slow movement, while the witty Piano Concerto, K.450 has a particularly delicious hunting-style finale. St John’s Chamber Orchestra. Tickets are £15 (£13 conc) (£5 under 16s) from 01628 788997 or go to www.nordenfarm.org.
26 January, 11.45am, Norden Farm, Maidenhead.