While the big guy in red makes his list and checks it twice, check out a selection of the finest festive events coming your way.

Hackney Christmas Market

Fifty independent traders join together for the Hackney Christmas Market, which takes place across the next two weekends (December 8-9 and 15-16). Head down and get your Christmas shopping sorted in one fell swoop – there will be stalls selling trees, cards, decorations, vintage clothing, ceramics, craft beers and plenty more. Grab a glass of mulled wine, sing along with the choir and get to know some exciting east London brands: at least 25 per cent of the stalls will be taken by local traders.

Bohemia Place (opposite Hackney Central station), E8 1DU; December 8, 9, 15 and 16 between 11am and 6pm. More information here.

Luna Cinema

Snuggle up and catch your favourite Christmas movie as Luna Cinema bring a run of festive classics to EartH’s big screen. Settling in for a Hackney residency between December 17 and 22, they’re screening all the festive greats – we’re talking Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone and Love Actually – while you snack on mince pies and swig mulled wine. Definitely a strong shout for a date night.

EartH, 11-17 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BH, screenings at 3.45pm and 7pm between December 17 and 22. Tickets here.

The Postal Museum

In 1843, Henry Cole created the very first Christmas card – but you knew that, right? If not, you can learn all about the origins of this most cherished of traditions in a storytelling session at The Postal Museum. You can also take a special festive ride on their underground Mail Rail, explore 100-year-old tunnels usually closed to the public and take part in a variety of crafty workshops; including the chance to make your own wreaths and present-sacks ready for Santa’s visit.

The Postal Museum, Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DA; various dates in December. More details here.

Cut It Out

If you’d prefer to skip the heaving shopping centres and make your own presents instead, we suggest a seat at this creative workshop. Hosted by the charming Poppy Chancellor, you’ll learn how to create beautiful, intricate designs that are cut-out on a humble sheet of paper. The end result is a bespoke piece that you’ll almost definitely want to keep for yourself. The deal is sweetened further with a slice of cake and bottomless cups of tea included in the ticket price.

Drink, Shop & Do, 9 Caledonian Road, N1 9DX; December 15 from 10.30am; tickets £35. More info on Poppy here, or tickets here

Christmas Party

The goal of Old Queen’s Head’s festive bash is to send you “shaking your way in to annual leave bliss,” which sounds excellent to us. With Christmas jumpers and Regina George’s Jingle Bell Rock routine actively encouraged, stop in after work for turkey carved by Lucky Chip then make your way upstairs to find DJs playing party pop classics, R&B and total Christmas anthems. Tickets are free but it’s best to claim your ticket beforehand to guarantee entry.

The Old Queen’s Head, 44 Essex Road, N1 8LN; December 20; free entry. Full listing here.

The One with the Friends Christmas Pub Quiz

Quizmaster: What is Chandler Bing’s job? You: He’s a… Transponster! It’s time to put all those hours of binge-watching Friends to good use as you battle it out to take home the coveted Geller Cup. Ross – aka the Divorce Force – is making margaritas for the Christmassy edition of the Friends Pub Quiz, where you’ll more than likely end up singing Smelly Cat long in to the night. Kudos if you dress up as the Holiday Armadillo…

Concrete, Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JJ; December 16 from 2.30pm; tickets £20. Tickets here.