Getting Merry in N16: Christmas events in Stoke Newington for 2011

We hate to be the first to mention Christmas, but with December on the horizon we figured it's time to think about embracing the festive season and unveiling some of the fantastic events that will be taking place next month in Stoke Newington. For anyone who doesn't go in for the yuletide mayhem, don't fear: we will be doing a rundown of the best unChristmassy events in December soon too. But for now, here are our top activities in N16 to make your mince pies light up.

Tomorrow evening we're all invited to watch Newington Green glow, as North London's very own turning-on of the Christmas lights takes place at the other end of Albion Road. Leader of Islington Council, Catherine West, will be joining local residents and the likes to flick the switch. So if you can't wait until December for that yuletide feeling then make sure you're there for 6.30pm and get the season properly started. Stick with us to find out more about how Newington Green will be celebrating Christmas this year.

An institution in Hackney, and hailed by many as the best in London, Hackney Empire's annual pantomime is a true must-see. For those of you that think you're too old for Dames and dancing in the aisles, think again: we've been to see their panto with sceptics from 6 to 60 and there have always been big smiles all round. This year the Empire is staging the festive fairy-tale Cinderella, although sadly our regular Hackney dame, Clive Rowe, is taking a year out after nine seasons on the borough's stage. The line-up is still great though and, as its run began yesterday, tickets won't be easy to come by for much longer; get yours asap and have a traditional taste of Christmas entertainment in Hackney.

Some of you may have seen the signs spreading the word of Santa's arrival in N16. The Tea Rooms are hosting Mr Claus himself on December 15th, and kids are invited to post letters into the tea shop before the big day, so that the dude in red knows exactly what they want when they visit, and can write a reply especially for them. And while they're having some time with Father Christmas, you can be enjoying some of the gorgeous treats that the Tea Room has to offer to combat the winter weather.

Another one just for the kids, Stoke Newington Bookshop's lively staff will be story telling on Sunday 18th at the main shop. They will read festive tales to the little ones and there are even rumours of a special visitor too, if they all behave well. Storytelling begins at 3.30pm and is free, so you can have a little time to Christmas shop in the area minus the entourage.

On the 15th (I hope no one was expecting this to be chronological…) there will be a sight to behold at William Patten Primary School on Church Street, as we're told they have plans for a real ice rink in the playground, open to the public. From 10.30am until 4.30pm on the Sunday there will be skating and hot drinks to keep you toastie, with more activities inside the school between noon and 3pm, including food, cakes, jumble, raffle, Santa's grotto, family photos, face painting, crafts, music and tonnes more. It will definitely be a proper Stokey celebration of the Christmas season, with all ages welcome and entry into the grounds costing £1 each.

So there's certainly plenty of family-friendly fun in N16 next month, but Stoke Newington hasn't forgotten the adults in all this merry-making. Baby Bath House is hoping to spread a bit more love and joy this season by holding a singles night for all those looking for somone to join them under the mistletoe as they go into 2012. All I Want for Christmas is You is a meet and mingle night with a twist: there's no excuse for awkward glances across the room, or stilted small talk as everything will be helped along with 'love potion', smutty cupcakes and a balloon popping performance to break the ice. There'll also be marshmallow toasting, life drawing and DJs to keep things swinging. So, get down there on Thursday 8th and who knows what might end up in your stockings this Christmas…

And there we have it: a proper Christmas rundown with something for everyone. Stokenewingtonpeople will be revealing plenty more festive findings over the next few weeks, so if there's anything you want to add or any questions you'd like answered then please put them in the comments box below, or list them in our What's On section above.