Children’s Events

Chiddlers’ hour: The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me
Come for songs, craft and play based on storytelling from The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. Cost: £3 per child. Accompanying adults do not need to pay. Book by calling 01494 892192.
8 December, 10:30am, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Discover Dahl’s archives
A unique behind-the-scenes peek into our archive store, which houses Roald Dahl’s original letters and manuscripts. The collections team will introduce you to the highlights of the archive. Cost: £1 per participant, adults and children. Price does not include Museum entry which you will also need to book to take part in the workshop. Age: recommended for 8 years to adult. Under 8s will need to be accompanied by an adult. Call 01494 892192 to book.
9 December, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, The Roald Dahl Museum, 81-83 High Street, Great Missenden.

Elf School with Santa
This year, as a special treat, Santa Claus will be taking time out of his busy schedule to meet and greet all the good boys and girls. Children can graduate from Elf School where they can choose their elf name, help make presents, and learn how to walk like an elf! The magical school will be welcoming students right up until Christmas Eve and Santa will look forward to meeting his new recruits. Elf School with Santa is located near Wenzel’s and is a free attraction open daily. View all details at www.edenshopping.co.uk/elf-school-santa.
10 to 24 December, Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe.

Santa Steam Train
Ride a steam train to see Santa. Seasonal refreshments and quality presents for fare-paying children. Everyone on-board can also enjoy a hot drink and a delicious mince pie served at their seat (alternative squashes and biscuits are also available for younger children). Santa's Steam Specials were enjoyed by thousands of happy families last year and some of his trains do fill up quickly nearer the departure date - all seats are reserved and you are never too early to secure yours online. Adult £12; child £10. Trains depart at 10:15, 11:30, 13:00, 14:15 and 15:30. Visit www.chinnorrailway.co.uk.
9, 10, 16 and 17 December, Chinnor Station, Station Road, Chinnor.

Fox & Cubs Forest School
A toddler group out in nature - come along with you baby/toddler/preschooler and join Fox and Cubs Forest School for lots of outdoor fun - including seasonal crafts, juice and biscuits.  They meet in any weather and enjoy exploring, playing, building, finding bugs, mixing mud, cooking on the campfire and much more. Wear warm clothes, wellies and waterproofs.
8 December, 10:15am, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.

Puppet Pantomimes
Watch a real puppet pantomime performed using the museum’s Victorian puppet theatre. If you enjoy the show, why not try your hand at making your own puppet? Two performances, the first from 12:30pn to 2:30pm, the second from 3pm to 5pm. Booking required visit amershammuseum.org. Cost is £10 per child.
9 December, 12:30pm to 5pm, Amersham Museum, High Street, Old Amersham.

Theatre

The Snow Queen
Join an adventure this Christmas with Dread Falls Theatre’s enchanting new version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy story; The Snow Queen. Best friends; Gerda and Kai are as close as brother and sister. The day that Kai goes missing is the day Gerda’s world is turned upside down. She must leave her small town and embark on a dangerous journey across the country to find her best friend. On her way she meets a jumble of enchanting characters, including; a wicked witch, talking crows, and a very royal couple. Can they help Gerda break The Snow Queen’s curse, or is Kai gone forever? Featuring original music, this exhilarating tale of friendship is suitable for families and children of all ages. Buy tickets: www.wegottickets.com/a4e1. Adult £10, Child £6, Family £25.
8 December until 9 December, 7pm, Wycombe Arts Centre (formally Arts4Every1), Desborough Road, High Wycombe.

Pinocchio at Queens Park Arts Centre
Roll up, roll up for a very special festive adventure as Queens Park Arts Centre’s traditional family pantomime takes a trip to Toyland. When Fairy Celestia grants old Geppetto’s wish for a son, his treasured puppet Pinocchio magically springs to life! But there’s danger afoot as the dastardly Mangiafuoco – ringmaster of the Traveling Toy Circus – plots to steal the little wooden boy away to become his new headline act. Soon Pinocchio finds himself lost in Toyland, whilst Geppetto embarks on a quest to bring his son home. The great wide waves divide them – and where there’s a sea, there are sea monsters. Featuring, catchy songs, side-splitting slapstick routines, a healthy dose of audience participation and stunning sets, costumes, puppets and props created by the artists and makers of Queens Park Arts Centre, this year’s panto is set to be the biggest and best yet. Check website for performance dates and times. Call 01296424332 or email info@qpc.org. Tickets £13 adults, £9 concessions, £7 for under 16s.
8 December, 7:30pm, Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury.

A Christmas Carol
A special one-man Christmas performance of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' by James Hornsby. Bringing Dickens alive in an unforgettable evening. James is a versatile professional actor of television, the West-End stage and many other theatres. Tickets £8 from Princes Risborough Baptist Church Office on 01844 274499 and at the Library, Princes Risborough.
9 December, 7:30pm, Princes Risborough Baptist Church, 42 Bell Street, Princes Risborough.

Jack and the Beanstalk
A mighty beanstalk will grow on St Mary Street as the giant pantomime adventure Jack and the Beanstalk comes to Wycombe Swan this festive season starring Blue star Simon Webbe, Britain’s Got Talent winner Ashleigh Butler, much loved CBeebies star Chris Jarvis and fabulous panto dame extraordinaire Nigel Ellacott. Follow Jack, his hapless brother, his mother Dame Trot and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in the spectacular family pantomime. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack as he fights to save the beautiful Princess, outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams, and the hand of the girl he loves. Tickets range from £25.50 to £36, available at www.wycombeswan.co.uk. 
9 to 31 December, various showings, Wycombe Swan, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to Aylesbury Waterside Theatre you go for this year's festive family pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Su Pollard as Wicked Queen. Not to be dwarfed by last year's panto, this year's extravaganza is set to be the fairest of them all with dynamic dance, sparkling costumes, sensational songs and barrels of audience participation. Together with the most Wicked Queen, most handsome Prince and most charming of dwarfs, this year's magical production will leave you feeling more than Happy. Mirror mirror on the wall, this is the must-see panto of them all. Tickets range from £11.75 - £35.50 available at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury.
8 December to 31 December, various showings, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury.

Grandma Claus
Sadly it’s been years since Santa has visited his Grandma. It’s Christmas Eve and all she really wants this year is to see him. She has tried tirelessly to get him home. She has baked his favourite cakes for years, she has searched high and low and this year might be the year she has to give up. With a plan up her sleeve, a bit of help from her silly friend Twinkle Toes and a touch of magic, you never know what might happen around Grandma’s house... Pop in to see Grandma this Christmas, she’ll give you a treat and you never know who you might meet. Kick-start your Christmas with a light hearted, magical and fun family show that will bring out the excitement in children and adults alike. There will be a meet and greet with the Claus’ after the show. For more information, visit www.grandmaclaus.com. Tickets £11.90 available at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury.
10 December, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury.

Music

The World in Christmas Trees and Nativities Festival 2017
This year’s programme features Ukolade band, Aston Rowant handbell ringers, Graham Smallbone, Mill Lane Community Primary School choir and more over various days and times. Visit chinnorunitedchurches.co.uk for more. Bring your friends and family and be inspired. Refreshments will be served throughout and fundraising will go towards the maintenance of St Andrew’s Church. Tickets £1 donation at the door.
9 December until 17 December, 2pm, St Andrew's Church, Church Road, Chinnor.

Marlow Choral Society Christmas Carol Concert
Marlow Choral Society presents an informal carol concert following the 'Come & Sing' Chilcott workshop in the afternoon. Featuring 'On Christmas Night' by Bob Chilcott and other carols, conducted by guest conductor Sean Bui, with organist Rhidian Jones. The concert includes seasonal readings and a chance to join in with some favourite carols. Tickets will be sold on the door from 5pm and include mulled wine/soft drink and mince pies after the concert. Proceeds go to Marlow Opportunity Playgroup. Call 01628 482520 or email alison@arr22.plus.com for more. Tickets £10.
9 December, 5:30pm, All Saints' Church, The Causeway, Marlow.

Classic Christmas with Blake
Join Brit-Award winning vocalists Blake for their celebrated Christmas show, featuring festive songs in beautiful trio harmony, video projections and the group's famous fast-paced comedy banter. During this 2-hour stage spectacular Blake perform an eclectic range of Yuletide songs, taken from their debut Christmas album available now. Since the group formed in 2007, Blake have become a regular fixture on the UK Christmas TV schedules, including festive song performances on BBC Breakfast, This Morning, The One Show, Alan Titchmarsh Show and Songs of Praise. Combining their spectacular album with this festive tour show, Blake hopes to fill theatres to the brim with Yuletide cheer. Tickets £19, call 01491 575698 to book.
9 December, 7:30pm, The Kenton Theatre, New Street, Henley.

RAF Halton Voluntary Band Christmas Concert
The RAF Halton Area Concert Band entertains us again this year with a fabulous programme of Christmas music from classical favourites, to big band sound movie themes and traditional carols. This 35 piece concert band is conducted by David Richards and is based at RAF Halton. The band travels the country playing at official RAF functions and has also toured abroad. You are promised a fantastic evening of superb brass band playing with a Christmas theme. Interval refreshments for sale. Tickets on sale from St Mary’s Parish Office at parishoffice@stmarysrisborough.org.uk or on the door. Tickets: adult £10, concessions £8, child £5.
9 December, 7:30pm, St Mary's Parish Church, Church Lane, Princes Risborough.

Fairs, Sales and Workshops

Pop-up Christmas Shop
Just in time for Christmas, the pop-up shop will be open throughout December selling beautiful handmade items crafted by the tutors, students and makers of Queens Park Arts Centre. The shop is open every day that the centre is open to the public.
5 December until 30 December, 10am, Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury.

Festive Foliage
Create your own festive wreath and tree decorations. All materials are provided. Dress warmly as some time will be spent outdoors. Tickets £22, book online at wycombemuseum.org.uk.
9 December, 10am, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.

Creative Writing Workshops
Big Myth Workshops with Claire Steele. One-day writing workshops, inspired by myths and legends. Bookings to be made in advance. Don't forget to bring a packed lunch. Call 01296424332 or email info@qpc.org for more information. Tickets £15 (£12 for members) per session.
10 December, 10am, Queens Park Arts Centre, Queens Park, Aylesbury.

Christmas Craft Market
Gear up for Christmas at the Missenden Abbey Christmas Craft Market in aid of the Missenden Walled Garden CIO. Open between 11am and 4pm, enjoy over 40 craft stalls, Santa's grotto, festive food and drink, biscuit decorating, a local school choir and a surprise animal attraction. Entry costs just £1 in support of the charity and they will also be doing a raffle and tombola for further fundraising. Call 01494 866811 or email events@missendenabbey.ltd.uk for more information.
10 December, 11am, Missenden Abbey, London Road, Great Missenden.

Book Fair
Book collectors love the fair - it’s friendly and varied, the dealers have time to talk, there are plenty of books but it’s not overwhelming. Over its life, the book fair has become a fixture in the calendar for book collectors and dealers from Bucks, Herts, Berks, London and beyond. Breakfast and lunch will be served and there will be a bar. Admission is £1 on the door.
9 December, 9:30am, Gerrards Cross Memorial Hall, East Common, Gerrards Cross.

Red Kite Christmas Craft Market
A bumper Christmas craft market with perfect presents, stunning stocking fillers, delightful decorations and gifts galore – all locally made and hand-crafted. There will also be a farmer’s market in the car park. Drinks and delicious home-made cakes will also be available in the hall from the WI. Free entry.
9 December, 9am to 1pm, Little Chalfont Village Hall, Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont.

Annual Christmas Market
Speen Helping Hospices (SHH) are inviting you to join them for the ninth annual Christmas market. Take the opportunity to choose unique gifts from the work of exciting local artists and designers. In addition there will be a silent auction and Father Christmas will be joining the celebration. To date SHH have raised an amazing £67,300 for the four local hospices they support. Browse for gifts, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat whilst helping to raise vitally needed hospice funds. Entry is £1.
9 December, 11am to 4pm, Lacey Green Village Hall, Main Road, Lacey Green.

Top five things to do this weekend

Winterland
The popular Winterland Festival, organised by Bucks New University, will return this weekend. The family event will run from 2pm until 7pm on the university concourse. Entry is free but for unlimited rides, you can pay £5. Santa’s grotto costs £2. There will be live music, fairground rides, choirs, food and drink, raffles and inflatables. 
9 December, 2pm to 7pm, Bucks New University, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe.

Ice Rink and Santa Dash
Get your skates on, dig out your Father Christmas outfit and get down to Epilepsy Society for their first-ever on-site ice rink and 2km Santa dash. The winter wonderland activities are part of the charity’s Festive Family Fun Day from noon to 7pm. As well as showing off your skills on the ice in the beautiful surroundings of their Chalfont Centre in Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter, you can ‘Run Run Rudolph’ in a sea of sprinting Santas. Join up with family and friends dressed as Father Christmas and help raise money for Epilepsy Society which supports people with epilepsy through information, their dedicated helpline and ground-breaking research. And there will be lots more to indulge in on the day including delicious hot and cold treats, Christmas craft stalls, and plenty of games and fun for all the family. To book ice skating, the 2km Santa Dash and for more information, visit epilepsysociety.org.uk/funday. 
10 December, 12pm, Epilepsy Society, Chesham Lane, Chalfont St Peter.

Winter Wonderland Ball
Celebrate Christmas in style with Wycombe Swan’s Winter Wonderland Ball. Includes a drinks reception, delicious festive three-course meal, fantastic live band and fabulous entertainment. Tickets: £47, email christmas@wycombeswan.co.uk. 
8 December, 7pm, Wycombe Swan Old Town Hall, St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

Cliveden - Christmas Trail
“Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings”... but getting your wings is no easy task. You are invited to Angel Academy, the place where angels train. Learn how to fly, perfect your magic and complete tasks in order to graduate. It promises to be a fun festive Christmas trail for families. Booking is not needed. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. Call the estate office on 01628 605069 for more information. The gates open at 10am and the event finishes at 2:30pm. Normal admission charges apply.
9 and 10 December, 10:30am, Cliveden, Taplow, Maidenhead.

Christmas Fayre
See a magic show, browse for gifts from local stallholders, join in with storytelling and crafts, meet Castle Hill House’s maid, and try the Christmas trail. Plus there will also be live music for visitors to enjoy. The fun event is free to enter. There will also be magic shows and get your children into costume and have them pose for a Victorian family portrait. 
10 December, 12pm to 5pm, Wycombe Museum, Priory Avenue, High Wycombe.