From shopping to evenings out, here’s a glimpse of what Islington and Hackney offer this Christmas.

The strange, spooky stylings of Tim Burton make him an unlikely favourite of auteurs come Christmas time, but there’s no doubting the magic and winter charm of his dark 1990 fantasy film Edward Scissorhands.

Now the sweet story of a lonely, razor-fingered boy in a strange town is running at Sadler’s Wells, re-imagined by renowned choreographer Matthew Bourne as a dance spectacular. After his globally-acclaimed work with inspired interpretations of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Nutcracker!, Bourne’s festive show is sure to dazzle dance fanatics and curious newcomers alike. It runs until January 11; visit sadlerswells.com.

Forget buying regular ‘smellies’ gift sets this Christmas - create your own high quality, natural versions for half the price at There She Glows this Saturday at the Book Club, where you can nod along to classic Christmas tunes, sip on mulled wine and make festive-scented perfume, body scrub, face moisturiser and herbal bath bags. Tickets are £30; visit wearetbc.com.

For the more musically creative, the Queen of Hoxton is hosting a special Christmas edition of their Hoxton Ukulele, which features special performances from The Fleas, Xmas songs for everyone to strum along to and mince pies galore. Hire one of their house Ukes for the night or bring your own. The free event takes place on Monday December 22; visit queenofhoxton.com.

Fashion Sunday – London’s premiere marketplace for showcasing the most exciting designers in the capital – will be returning to Oval Space this Saturday and Sunday for their biggest event to date. With all day DJs, cocktails, food by What the Dickens and comfy sofas all on offer, this is Christmas shopping made easy. Visit ovalspace.co.uk.

Stay on to the early hours at XOYO tomorrow, where Benji B returns with his cult night Deviation, which has fostered a devoted following over the years thanks to an uncompromising vision for choosing only the best selectors around. The Deviation Christmas party has become something of a legend in clubbing folklore, as Benji plays all night, allowing him to traverse all of the genres that he loves; from house and techno to hip-hop and grime. Visit xoyo.co.uk.

For an alternative way to while away the advent, why not venture down to Shoreditch Town Hall, which will be open on Friday and Saturday evenings for big kids (aged 18+) to enjoy Grotto Late Nights, with guest curators including Christopher Brett-Bailey and Rob Salmon offering up festive treats packed with live music, performance and interactive festive fun on December 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 8-2am. Tickets for the Late Night Grotto are £15.

After a naughtier night before Christmas? Grotto Outré will open its mysterious gateway until Sunday December 21 at the Red Gallery, Shoreditch, to deliver a very different seasonal surprise. Beginning your journey in a professor’s laboratory, you continue through an icy kingdom where the stairway to Outré awaits. This mystical pathway will lead intrepid explorers into the outlandish realm where the fun really begins. Visit redgallerylondon.com.

Acting as a soft comedown club for those who overindulged on Christmas Day, The Hangover Lounge at the Lexington is the place to eat Sunday lunch, drink hair of the dog, meet like-minded souls, read the papers and make idle chit chat to some soothing sounds. That might mean country rock or deep soul or psychedelia or soft pop or lovers rock, or anything else which sounds great and will make your head feel much the better. Entry is free; it runs on Sunday December 28. Visit thelexington.co.uk.