There’s no getting away from it – whether you love it, or are less-enamoured – the Christmas season is in full, hectic swing. Of course, it’s great to be able to get family and friends together at parties and other events which are held for weeks leading up to (and often after) Christmas and New Year. But it causes a lot of stress too, let’s be honest. We’re here to help you take away some of that stress, by finding some ready-made events to make the whole period even a little bit more special!

One of the great British traditions, and fun for all the family, is the Christmas Panto. But if you can’t choose which one to go to this year, how about visiting Potted Panto – 8 Classic Pantos in 80 minutes. Enjoy a whistle-stop tour of seven of the best-ever pantomimes, with CBBC presenters Dan and Jeff. Roam the streets of Dick Whittington's London and search for Cinder's slipper -- but don't forget to rub Aladdin's lamp and wake Sleeping Beauty from her slumber before the giant climbs down the beanstalk to squash the seven dwarves! Well, it’s usually 7 pantos but they’ve added another by popular demand! Potted Panto, Olivier nominated, is running at the Vaudeville Theatre 18 Dec to 8 Jan 2012. Visit ww.pottedpanto.com. for tickets.

For those who want just one of the classic pantos, try Aladdin – a Traditional Panto where the Genie has granted three wishes to bring you a panto full of fun, laughter and lots of surprises. Running at the Lyric Hammersmith to 31 Dec 2011. £12.50-£30.00.

For the music lovers, one of British music's greatest artists, George Michael, returns to Earls Court for 16-19 Dec with all the greatest works with a twist in George Michael: Symphonica - The Orchestral.

For Christmas Carol concerts try: Christmas Carol Singalong: Celebrate Christmas in an authentically traditional way with time-honoured Christmas classics: Royal Albert Hall - 15, 17, 21 Dec 2011.

King's College Choir in London: Singing angels of Cambridge's King's College come to the Royal Albert Hall London to spellbind with their heavenly voices: 20 Dec 2011.

Carols by Candlelight in London: Have an enchanting 18th century Christmas experience with loads of festive carols to sing and listen to: 17, 18, 23, 24 Dec 2011.

For the ultra-brave, you could join another outdoor (potentially chilling) tradition on Christmas Day, the Peter Pan Cup Swimming Race - A plunge into ice-cold water of Hyde Park Lake is the perfect start to Christmas Day! 25 Dec 2011.

And don’t forget the New Year's Eve Fireworks: A jaw-dropping fireworks display along the River Thames welcoming the New Year 2012 in London in style. 31 Dec 2011.

Also into the New Year, various parks and buildings will still be featuring their skating rinks. Try the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (until 3 Jan 2012) or the Natural History Museum Ice Rink (until 8 Jan 2012).