Chrismukkah shows all over London will keep your spirits up

Jewish creatives have responded to the ‘Chrismukkah’ zeitgeist. So, if you want to get in the festive spirit there’s plenty to entertain you.

JW3 is hosting its hugely popular and, now a Chrismukah tradition, panto written by award-winning theatre creative Nick Cassenbaum. This year everyone will be laughing in the aisles, Oh yes they will, in true panto spirit at the retelling of that well known fairytale favourite and Cinderella and …the Matzo Ball. Back for its third year the panto promises more sparkle, more schmaltz, and more matzo balls than ever before. Make sure to book because it always sells out. Until 4 January at JW3. jw3.org/panto

On 18 December there’s a Chanukah party and social in north west London. organised by Temple of London. The opening act is DJ Ari Houmous, followed by  cantor Pini Brown, rapper JBC and trumpeter Erran Baron Cohen. The event starts at 7.30pm and is at a secret location – details to be released after booking which you can do here.

Libra Theatre Cafe co-owned by Jewish theatre creative Jessica is staging Wishes – an original Christmas comedy-drama exploring fate, connection and the strange festive magic. On Christmas Eve, Adam finds himself in a quiet A&E waiting room. A lively, eccentric stranger appears — someone who seems to know far too much. Blending quirky humour with emotional depth, Wishes is a fresh, heartfelt, festive and quietly moving original play about self-reflection, regret and the unexpected clarity that arrives at the end of the year. 17 – 21 December, Libra Theatre Café. thelibratc.com

The South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue (SWESRS) is hosting a Jazz Shabbat with internationally acclaimed group the Sabra Swing. Featuring  violinist Miriam Kramer, and vocalist Sara Feldmann Brummer, the Jazz Shabbat will include a mixture of traditional Chassidic songs, jazz versions of well known Friday night melodies, and Hanukkah tunes. There will be music by American and Israeli composers including Debbie Friedman, Hanna Tiferet Siegel, Craig Taubman, Danny Maseng, Jeff Klepper and Flory Jagoda. Jazz Shabbat 19 December, Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue. swsers.org.uk

In Hampstead new theatre venue the Circle and Star has a Very Hampstead Hannu-Christmas evening with Lenny Beige and Jess Robinson on 20 December. circleandstar.com

And there’s even something for the teeny weenies with Happy Chanukah with Glaston Baby – an event for 0-5 year olds. Run by Musical theatre performers, husband-and-wife duo Sophie Delin and Ryan Heenan, it is a 40-minute event with live music, Jewish songs and nursery rhymes. There is a candle lighting with all the children having a  non-inflammable candle to light.  “It is a way to celebrate in a non-religious setting at a time when people need community,” says Sophie, who is Jewish. 21 December, Belsize Park. Click here to book.