Christmas events around Colchester include:

There's a full calendar for music lovers over the festive period at the Colchester Arts Centre in Church Street.

December 21, Atreyu

December 23, Christmas poetry bash. John Cooper Clarke, Martin Newell, Luke Wright, Ross Sutherland.

December 24, Christmas Eve Party.

December 27, Short People, The Fabs and The Judith Chalmers.

December 31, New Year's Eve party. Jeff Scott.

Christmas services at St Peters church in Colchester town centre:

December 24, 4.30pm crib service

December 25, 10.30am Holy Communion

December 26, 10.15am joint service with St Botolphs

Colchester zoo, Maldon Road. Father Christmas can be found in his enchanted grotto in fantasy land between 9.30 and 4.00pm.

Various of Santas furry friends are helping out with special shows over Christmas, call 01206 331292 for details.

Keep the over indulgence at bay with a healthy walk. There are two Health Walks scheduled at High Woods Country Park in Turner Road over the holiday period both starting at 11.00am and ranging from a quarter of a mile to two miles.

The first is on December 31, the second on January 1. Call 01206 853588 for details.

There are a series of Christmas workshops from Monday December 20 to 22 at the minories art gallery from 10.00 -12.30. Call 01206 577067 for further details.

Pantomime at the Mercury Theatre. Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, Genie and friends are materializing at Colchester's Mercury theatre between December 9 and January 15. Call the box office 01206 573948.

More Christmas events are available in our what's on guide