How do you spend your Christmas Eve?

We can't quite believe it's here already! The advent calendars are very nearly empty, Santa's on his way and we're looking forward to Christmas Eve tomorrow! While the big day is obviously Christmas day, Christmas Eve has a lot of excitement of it's own, with the anticipation of what the next day will bring and hanging up the stockings over the fireplace and little kids (and big ones!) not being able to sleep for excitement.

Thinking about Christmas Eve, we're wondering- do you have a Christmas Eve tradition? Some people do, others don't, so we thought we'd take a look at some ideas of what you could be up to this Christmas Eve...

Midnight Mass- A tradition which has been around for donkeys years, attending a Christmas Eve church service is something many people do, whether religious or not, to see in Christmas day. There are a number of services being held across the local area, and a few have been listed below for your information:

• St Bedes Newport Pagnell: 8pm for "Midnight Mass" but at an earlier time!
• St Peter and St Paul Parish Church Newport Pagnell: 11.30pm for Midnight Eucharist
• Newport Pagnell Methodist Church: 11.30pm for a Christmas Eve communion shared with the URC.
• St Peter and St Paul Olney: 5pm Crib service and 11.30pm Midnight Christmas service

If a Christmas service isn't your thing, then how about the Christmas Carol Evening with Sutcliff Baptist Church at Olney Infant Academy, for some carol singing followed by a warm drink and mince pie at 6.30-7pm.

Twas the last weekend before Christmas...

Christmas is looming, and with the last weekend before the big day what are you going to do with it?!

Hopefully you've managed to get most of the Christmas shopping done already, if not, this weekend may be your chance. Prepare yourself for the crowds in advance and get your trainers on. Not one for the faint hearted, but if there are gifts to buy, it has to be done! Maybe the gifts are bought but you've left the turkey to the last minute, and a bit like the old TV show 'supermarket sweep' you'll likely be racing around the various supermarkets searching for that roastable bird. If you've seen the movie, 'Christmas with the Kranks' you'll understand!

If shopping is off limits this weekend, here are a few ideas for you to enjoy over the next few days...

Friday 19th:

'Just another star', the U3A Christmas Concert @ the URC Church, Newport Pagnell, from 7.30pm
Come and enjoy a Christmas concert and readings with the MKU3A choir. Seasonal refreshments will be served and there will also be a raffle. Tickets are available at £6 each by calling 07762178379 or from members of the choir. All proceeds will go to the children's A&E department and Milton Keynes hospital.

The Two Brewers presents their annual live music Christmas event from an Olney band, wear a Chritmas jumper for a free drink, and on Saturday there will be an open Mic night.

Saturday 20th:

Open air nativity @ Newport Pagnell High Street, 10.50am
This morning come and join in with the annual open-air nativity service with the local churches, starting outside the Parish church with Mary and Joseph and a real life donkey, followed by a drama and  finishing outside Boots at around 11am for some carols, where you can enjoy a hot drink at the Dolphin pub to finish it off.

Rock n Roll Christmas Hop with Tartan Ted @ Newport Pagnell Football Club, from 8pm
Entrance costs £5.  Bar and raffle. All proceeds to the Newport Pagnell Christmas lights.

Paraffinalia @ Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, from 7pm
You will have seen our blog earlier in the week about this great free event, with walking characters, illuminations, lanterns and fire, and hot food and drinks available. Starts at the open air theatre in Campbell Park.

Sunday 21st:

Perter Pan workshop for kids @ MK Theatre, 10-11am

For children aged 7-12, a chance to learn what it's like to play the part of Peter Pan in a pantomime. Join Peter Pan himself (George Ure) on a musical theatre journey where children will learn actual scenes from Peter Pan including some musical numbers. Costs £7 per child. Call 01908547651 to book

Carols in the Wood @ Howe Park Wood, 3.30pm

Join for an afternoon of carolling, bring a lantern, wrap up warm and wear suitable footwear as it may be wet underfoot. Singing will be accompanied by MK Youth Brass and Willen Hospice will be selling light refreshments. 

All-age Carol Service @ Newport Pagnell Baptist Church, Lovat Hall, Silver Street, 4-5pm

Come and enjoy an all-age, family friendly community carol service with an informal nativity. Come and really get in the Christmas spirit, and enjoy free mulled wine and mince pies afterwards. 

Christmas special featuring Katherine Ryan @ The Canon, Newport Pagnell, 7pm

Arrive at 7pm for the start of the show featuring Tom Webb, Adam Rushton, Paul Revill and more, followed by Katherine Ryan. Katherine has appeared as a guest on a number of shows, including Live at the Apollo and 8 out of 10 cats. A great night of entertainment, tickets £10 on the door.

Carol Services @ The United Reformed Church, Newport Pagnell, @ St Peter & St Paul Parish Church Newport Pagnell and @ Sutcliff Baptist Church Olney, all at 6pm

Come and join in with a traditional carol service, open to all.

A musical weekend!...

It's that time of the week where we give you another great list of what's on this weekend in the local area, it's all rather musical and Christmassy!

Saturday 13th December:

Newport Pagnell and Olney Club Christmas Fair @ The URC Hall, High Street, Newport Pagnell, 10am-3pm.

Free entry. A wonderful selection of local arts and crafts people with something special for those last-minute Christmas gifts.

Olney Village Fair @ The Church Hall, Church Street, Olney, 11am-3pm
'For lovers of original vintage'. Come along for some crafty bargains and items. Entry £1.

Tickford Abbey Christmas Craft Fair @ Tickford Abbey, 2-4.30pm.

A great selection on offer, including Christmas cards, handcrafted Christmas ornaments, hand decorated mugs, edible Christmas treats and more, created by Tickford Abbey's residents and staff members. 

Danesborough Chorus Christmas Concert @ St. Mary's Church, Woburn, 7.30pm.

Combining traditional favourites with a selection of new carols, our Christmas concert will be a feast for your ears and offers plenty of opportunity for audience participation. Tickets cost £10/£8 for adults and £3 for children, including refreshments.

Bozeat Windmill Singers: Unashamedly Christmas Concert @ Bozeat Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £7 and are available on the door.

Carols & Brass @ Parish Church Hall, Newport Pagnell, 7.30pm

The Newport Pagnell Singers and Olney Brass team up to present a traditional Christmas concert with audience participation. Tickets cost £10 and are available from Cambourne Travel, Newport Pagnell or Wilson's Olney.

Sunday 14th December: 

Carol Singing for all @ The R.C Church, West Street, Olney, 7.30pm

A warm welcome to everyone to join the church choir to sing some favourite carols and to enjoy mulled wine and mince pies in the Olney Centre to conclude the evening. Entrance is free, donations to Cafod will be greatly welcomed.

Angels at the Abbey Christmas Fair @ Alston Road, Bradwell Abbey, 11am-4pm.

Come along for some Christmas fun: Santa's grotto, seasonal music and singing, children's activities, mince pies and mulled wine, and numerous stalls offering some great gift choices. Free entry.