What with the unseasonable warmth we've been experiencing so far this November, the last thing on our minds right now is Christmas, with its suggestions of snow, mistletoe, holly, log fires and mulled wine.

But let's be very clear; Christmas is coming, and however mild the weather has been, we need to start planning for it, and decide how we are going to spend our Festive Season, irrespective of whether or not weâll be wearing our pullovers and scarves, or just t-shirts.

Luckily there's a lot going on both in and around Hertford and Ware this December, so there'll be no shortage of events and activities to put us in the right mood for Christmas. Here are nine ideas for starters.

Top of the list of course has to be the Hertford Christmas Gala on Friday 27th November. The fun will start at 4:30pm with the Simon Balle Big Band. Entertainment, markets, Santa's grotto and Christmas Light Switch on will ensure you have will have the perfect evening to put you in the Christmas mood. All details can be found here.

For the kids and young at heart is Hansel & Gretel, the Christmas Panto at Hertford Theatre (booking office 01992 531500). Join the Daring Duo as they journey to the heart of a frozen ice forest, munch on the mintiest of mints, and wrestle with wickedest of wicked witches! Performances run from Saturday 5th December to Friday 1st January. Even if pantomime is not your thing, spare a moment to visit the theatre foyer and check out the amazing Christmas decorations created by the staff and the theatre volunteers.

The 5th of December will be the perfect time to start your Christmas shopping and at the same time support local businesses. Think Christmas, Think Hertford Shopping Event will take place that day as well as the Vintage Affair Hertford (Christmas Special).

If you can't wait until December, check out the Hatfield House Frost Fair (daily from Thursday 26th until Sunday 29th November). With 200 stands of exciting, unusual and original gift ideas for all, a Fine Food Fair, Craft men & women showing off their skills, and entertainment from choirs, dancers and street entertainers not to forget the chance to meet with Father Christmas is bound to make you feel all Christmassy. Visit www.frostfair.co.uk for more details.

Ware is all set for a Dickensian Evening on Friday 4th December, which promises to be the biggest and best yet. Entertainment of all types will add to the fun, as well as six indoor venues and many of the town's shops open for the evening and serving goodies. The main celebrations will begin at 7pm when the Mayor will turn on the lights. Why not join in the fun, and come dressed in Dickensian garb, or even just the odd Victorian top hat or bonnet? For further information, contact: Jan Wing (wtp@warewings.net).

At Fanham's Hall, Ware, you can spend a few hours making your very own decorations at their Christmas Wreath Workshop which take place on Sunday 22nd and 29th November. Join them to learn how to make the most beautiful wreath to impress family and friends this festive season. The workshop start 2.00pm. Contact Fanham's Hall for more details - 01920 460511 or email enquiries@fanhamshall.co.uk

Fancy a bit of a sing along? Join the Mayor for Carols at the Castle. Mince pies and Mulled wine will be served at the performance.

Of course you can always decide to have a go at Ice Skating. You could travel all the way into London at the famous rink at Somerset House or at the Natural History Museum, but if you do not fancy travelling so far, how about the rink at Van Hage Garden Centre in Ware. Further details can be found on their website www.vanhage.co.uk/tickets/ice-skating

For something a little further afield, St Albans has one of the oldest regular markets in the country, dating back over a thousand years. So what better city to hold a European-style Christmas Market? Now in its third year, the 25-day event takes place in the Vintry Garden, a magical walled garden next to the magnificent 11th-century St Albans Cathedral. There will be over 50 decorated wooden chalets and a fantastic food court selling tasty treats, and a dedicated bar in the market where you can take a break from shopping with a glass of mulled wine. Further details can be found at www.enjoystalbans.com.