Cinema-goers are treated to a mix of spectacle and niche storytelling this December. James Cameron returns to Pandora with Avatar: Fire and Ash, a dazzling continuation of his record-breaking saga, while fans of holiday horror can witness Rohan Campbell step into the dark shoes of Billy Chapman in Silent Night, Deadly Night. Meanwhile, Jimmy Carr’s Fackham Hall delivers comedy and parody, and classic film enthusiasts can indulge in the restored Silent Sherlock: Three Classic Cases, featuring Eille Norwood’s legendary portrayal of the great detective. Across genres, there is something for both the blockbuster enthusiast and the cult fan seeking deeper cinematic experiences.
Music, theatre, and visual art offer equally compelling avenues for festive outings. Sunderland’s pop-punk band The Futureheads are bringing a seasonal twist to their live performances, while the vocal ensemble Solomon’s Knot delivers Handel with a refreshingly unseasonal flair at London’s Wigmore Hall. For those seeking visual inspiration, exhibitions like Selves and Stand-ins in Edinburgh and Sufi Life and Art at the British Museum explore identity, spirituality, and artistry across centuries. On stage, reinterpretations of classics like A Christmas Carol share space with experimental new works such as Sam Grabiner’s Christmas Day, offering audiences both nostalgia and novelty in equal measure.
Cinema Highlights
James Cameron returns to Pandora in this latest installment of his blockbuster franchise. The director brings his signature visual spectacle to life, combining cutting-edge motion capture with the series’ trademark reverence for the natural world. Amid epic battles and political intrigue, the film also carries a surprisingly reflective tone—Cameron’s Christmas blues, some might say—making this a festive, if immersive, cinematic adventure.
Silent Night, Deadly Night – Out Now
Rohan Campbell steps up as the new central antagonist, Billy Chapman, in the latest reboot of this long-running horror franchise (the second remake and seventh film overall). Per the series’ dark lore, Chapman’s traumatic childhood—witnessing his parents’ murder at the hands of a killer Santa—sets the stage for a grisly holiday tale that horror enthusiasts will appreciate for both its gore and franchise continuity.
Fackham Hall – Out Now
Jimmy Carr trades stand-up for screenwriting in this parody of Downton Abbey–style period dramas. While the original films already flirt with self-parody, Carr’s twist, aided by a strong cast including Thomasin McKenzie, Katherine Waterston, Damian Lewis, and Anna Maxwell Martin, promises to add extra comic flourish. Expect witty barbs, visual gags, and a healthy dose of absurdity.
Silent Sherlock: Three Classic Cases – Out Now
For cinephiles and trivia buffs alike, this restored collection revisits Eille Norwood’s 45 two-reeler portrayals of Sherlock Holmes. Highlighting A Scandal in Bohemia, The Golden Pince-Nez, and The Final Problem, these early 20th-century adaptations offer a fascinating glimpse into the detective’s cinematic history and the evolution of film storytelling.
Live Music Picks
Sunderland’s own pop-punk veterans bring festive cheer with their latest release, Christmas, a ten-track mix of originals and seasonal favourites, including an a cappella take on Wonderful Christmastime. Energetic and catchy, their shows promise to warm up audiences right in time for the holidays.
Solomon’s Knot – Wigmore Hall, London, 22 Dec
While most concert halls succumb to the seasonal spectacle, Wigmore Hall resists, offering a December performance that is refreshingly unseasonal. The resident ensemble Solomon’s Knot delivers Handel’s Israel in Egypt, a soaring and complex oratorio that defies festive clichés.
Nick Costley-White – Vortex Jazz Club, London, 21 Dec
This prize-winning guitarist hosts a spirited jam at the Vortex, blending jazz tradition with Latin-American influences. With drummer Jas Kayser and an array of young horn players, expect improvisation, virtuosity, and an engaging night of musical experimentation.
Miki Berenyi Trio – Glasgow 20 Dec; Newcastle upon Tyne 21 Dec
Former Lush frontwoman Miki Berenyi returns with her trio to close a year of touring. Dream-pop melodies, intricate guitar work, and a meditative atmosphere make these shows ideal for audiences seeking introspective yet captivating performances.
Art Exhibitions
Exploring identity and selfhood, this exhibition gathers works by artists including Gillian Wearing, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Andy Warhol. Provocative and occasionally strange, these portraits challenge the viewer to consider what constitutes the individual in an increasingly mediated world.
Showtime! – Charles Dickens Museum, London, to 18 Jan
Step into Dickens’ London with an exhibition tracing the theatrical history of his novels. From Victorian stage productions to Oliver! and The Muppets’ Christmas Carol, it’s a joyful celebration of how Dickens’ characters have captivated audiences for nearly two centuries.
Powder and Presence – Holburne Museum, Bath, to 4 May
This display of 18th-century pastel portraits captures the intimate yet flamboyant spirit of the Enlightenment. Works by Anna Tonelli, William Hoare, and others reveal the nuanced artistry behind pastel, balancing social decorum with romantic and sensual undertones.
Sufi Life and Art – British Museum, London, to 26 July
A survey of Sufi mysticism and its artistic expressions, featuring dervish portraits, saints, reed flutes, and modern abstract pieces. This exhibition offers an immersive exploration of spirituality, music, and visual culture across centuries of Islamic tradition.
Theatre and Stage
Amy Leach’s adaptation transports Dickens’ classic to the wool industry, with Reece Dinsdale as Scrooge. Featuring actor-musicians, young dancers, and tap-dancing baubles, the production combines community spirit with seasonal cheer.
Christmas Day – Almeida Theatre, London, to 8 Jan
Sam Grabiner’s latest play moves from public toilets to an abandoned building where a Jewish family gathers for Christmas. The cast, including Nigel Lindsay and Bel Powley, delivers darkly comic yet poignant storytelling with a festive edge.
A Night With the Stars – Moth Club, London, 20 Dec
Comedians Paddy Young and Ed Night bring their deadpan absurdity to the stage for a live Christmas edition, joined by stand-up Dan Tiernan and other guests. Expect a chaotic, laugh-filled evening.
The Nutcracker – Leeds Grand Theatre, to 4 Jan
Northern Ballet’s festive classic remains a holiday staple. Though artistic leadership has changed hands, this production retains David Nixon’s choreography and magical seasonal charm, perfect for families and ballet enthusiasts alike.
Streaming Highlights
Sterlin Harjo’s noir comedy, starring Ethan Hawke as a scrappy “truthstorian” journalist, has become a US hit. Its mix of dark humor, small-town corruption, and sharp performances makes it a must-watch for holiday downtime.
Amadeus – Sky Atlantic, 21 Dec, 9pm
Joe Barton’s retelling of Mozart vs. Salieri brings a fresh theatrical edge to the centuries-old story. Will Sharpe stars as the musical prodigy whose genius unsettles Salieri, played by Paul Bettany, offering historical drama with contemporary resonance.
Finding Father Christmas – Channel 4, Christmas Eve, 7.30pm
Featuring a star-studded cast including Stephen Fry, Greg Davies, and James Buckley, the film centers on Lenny Rush as a 16-year-old with unwavering belief in Santa—a heartwarming holiday tale with plenty of charm.
Stuffed – iPlayer & BBC One, Christmas Eve, 9pm
Guz Khan and Andy Milligan shift from the West Midlands to Lapland in this festive comedy, where a family’s winter getaway descends into hilarious chaos. Morgana Robinson and Sue Johnston co-star.
Gaming and Interactive Fun
This cooperative puzzle game, starring two disembodied hands, is ideal for couch co-op over the holidays. Colorful, clever, and chaotic in all the right ways.
Lego Voyagers – All Platforms; Out Now
A surprisingly touching two-player story about anthropomorphized Lego blocks, exploring themes of building—both literally and figuratively. A gentle, heartfelt game for families and friends.
Album Releases
Nate Amos revisits his solo work with a mix of re-recorded tracks and new material, balancing retrospection with reinvention.
Nas and DJ Premier – Light-Years – Out Now
A long-awaited collaboration finally arrives. Hip-hop fans can enjoy the final instalment of the Mass Appeal Legend Has It… series with two legends at the top of their game.
Jade – That’s Showbiz Baby! The Encore – Out Now
Jade’s debut solo album gets a refresh with seven new tracks and a bold cover of Madonna’s Frozen, evolving from subtle electronics into full-on 90s rave energy.
Kylie Minogue – Kylie Christmas (Fully Wrapped) – Out Now
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her festive album, Kylie trims and polishes the original while adding four new tracks, including the over-the-top single Xmas, for a sparkling holiday listen.