Whether it's catching a show or taking the kids to see Santa, Havering has Christmas activities for the family.

Here are just a few in and around Romford:

 

Buddy’s back! 

December 9-23 

Santa’s favourite musical is back in Romford! From the creative team that brought you ‘Peter Pan’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ’A Christmas Carol’ and many more, the Brookside Theatre is proud to present this year’s Christmas spectacular, ELF THE MUSICAL.  

Based on the much-loved 2003 film, starring Will Ferrell, ELF THE MUSICAL is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. The perfect festive treat for all the family, not to be missed.  

Tickets cost £15 to £21  

Brooksidetheatre.com 

Romford Recorder:

Santa’s Grotto returns 

Until December 24 

Santa's Grotto makes a return to Romford Shopping Hall this Christmas. Families are invited to book a session with Santa.  

During your grotto visit your child can give Santa their letters, have a chat and adults may take unlimited photos and videos on their own mobile phones. Please make sure these are fully charged and ready for action! You will then be given a fabulous present from the big man himself to keep you going until the big day. Please choose your time and date for your five-minute visit (you will need to book a half-hour slot) to see magical Santa – he is a very busy man!   

Tickets eventbrite.com/e/santas-grotto-returns-tickets-412779884747 

Wake up! It’s Christmas! 

Until December 31 

This year’s pantomime at the Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch is the enchanting Sleeping Beauty 

This production by Andrew Pollard is set in a magical fairy kingdom, where happy plans are underway for Princess Raury’s christening. But a bad fairy has been missed off the invite list, and descends on the party casting a wicked curse. 

So, when 18-year-old Raury pricks her finger on a spinning wheel, and falls asleep for many years, it takes bravery and courage to wake up and face a very different world. But the bad fairy is up to more mischief, and Raury is soon setting off to the rescue, aided by her zany Nanny and family, to ensure true love can find its way… 

This timeless tale will be lovingly told in classic Hornchurch style with an outrageous dame, side splitting slapstick comedy and fantastic original music.  

Tickets £12.50 - £34  

queens-theatre.co.uk