Out and about

Thursday 18th December

Christmas Mystery Play in the streets of Tydd St Giles. Beginning in Nazareth (otherwise known as the Methodist Chapel on Hockland Road) at 6.30pm and, following encounters with Kings, Shepherds and Angels, ending at the local inn in Bethlehem (or The Crown & Mitre) approximately 1 hour later.

Friday 19th December

Hope for the World Carol Singing with Salvation Army Band, Christian Performing Arts choir, drama and dance. The band plays from 7pm with carols from 7.30pm in St Neots Market Square - free event.

Saturday 20th December

Christmas Concert, St Johns Church, Peterborough - joint event with St John's Church Peterborough. Christmas music in the final weekend before festivities begin.  Tickets £7.50 available from the Age Concern office in Lincoln Road, Peterborough or on 01733 564185.

Sunday 21st December

Carols by Candlelight at St Mary's Church, Eaton Socon from 6.30pm. A wonderful service full of delightful Christmas music. Some familiar, some new but all guaranteed to remind you of the traditional Christmas story. Come early to make sure of your seat, stay afterwards and enjoy a warm mince pie.

On-going throughout the holidays

Festive family trails, weekend arts and crafts events, swan feeding etc at Welney Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. For more details visit their website at www.wwt.org.uk/welney or call 01353 864024.

Anglesey Abbey's Winter Garden walks. The Winter Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday (closed 24-30 December) from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Admission: £4.75 adult, £2.40 child, NT members free (situated 6 miles NE of Cambridge on the B1102, sign posted from A14 J35). Telephone 01223 810080 for details or visit the website at: http://www.angleseyabbey.org/

Until Sunday 21st December

Continental Christmas Market on Parker's Piece, Cambridge. Over 20 festive stalls open daily - just like a German market, only closer to home!

Until Wednesday 24th December

Christmas Cornucopia at Haddenham Galleries, 20 High Street, Haddenham, Nr. Ely. Local art, ethnic art and crafts, Fair Trade items, cafe etc. Open every day 10am -5pm. Call 01353 749188 or www.haddenhamgallery.co.uk

Until Saturday 3rd January 2009

The Magic Lamp at The Junction, Cambridge - a family show for Christmas, ideal for children ages 5-11. Played out in a Bedouin tent with a set filled with billowing muslin drapes, this bewitching shadow play is told using light, paper and oil. Fantastical characters, shimmering transformations, souks, caves, palaces and deserts. Tickets £12 / £6 concession & restricted view / group of 4: £30. Box Office: 01223 511 511 or book online at www.junction.co.uk

Until Sunday 4th January 2009

Ice skating at Cambridge on Ice, Parker's Piece, (closed Christmas Day). The rink will be open every day from 9am - 9pm with an additional hour 9pm - 10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Skating sessions last around 45 minutes. For full details, prices, special sessions and booking details see the website: http://www.cambridgeonice.co.uk/

Unique exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge. From the Land of the Golden Fleece - Tomb Treasures of Ancient Georgia. See the museum's website for details and opening times over the festive period. http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/

PANTO - Beauty and the Beast at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. See the website for full details, performance times and ticket prices. www.cornex.co.uk or call the box office on 01223 357 851.

Until Sunday 18th January 2009

PANTO - Jack and the Beanstalk starring Julie Buckfield and Matt Crosby at the Cambridge Arts Theatre. Box Office: 01223 503333 or book online: www.cambridgeartstheatre.com