After a Christmas show which is a bit out of the ordinary?

We have got you covered. Here is our pick of five shows to keep you entertained this festive season.

1. A Christmas Carol by Candlelight, Colchester Arts Centre, High Street, Colchester, Christmas Eve, doors open 6.30pm. £6. 01206 500900.

Arts centre director Anthony Roberts’ very own take on the classic Dickens festive tale has become a firm staple in the Christmas calender.

With performances all over the area in schools, community centres and of course in the former Victorian church itself, he has raised thousands of pounds for charity since starting it more than five years ago.

As always he’ll be more than ably supported by pianist and songwriter Jamie Cunliffe.

2. Packing Shed Theatre presents Terrifying Tales from the Tea Shop, Jacqueline’s Tea Room, Short Wyre Street, Colchester, today until Sunday, doors 6.30pm. £12, £10 concessions. 01206 500900.

Something a little seasonally spooky as the Colchester-based theatre company serves up two stories, the first about how Bram Stoker was inspired to write his most famous work, Dracula, and the second following an actor as he grapples, literally, with a panto’s Dame costume that is out of control.

3. Bel Canto, Congregational Church, High Street, Wivenhoe, Saturday, December 15, 5.30pm. £8, which include light refreshments. 07821 453029.

Classical crossover group, Bel Canto, otherwise known as sopranos Gemma Carter and Angie Diggens, will be performing a selection of Christmas songs, enchanting arias, musical theatre masterpieces and popular classics, all performed with a special classical twist.

4. Sing-a-long-a Muppet Christmas Carol, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, December 20 and 21, doors 7.30pm. £10, £5 concessions. 01206 500900.

Definitely NOT something to take the kids to and back by popular demand, there’s a chance to sing-a-long to the best Christmas film ever, as well as goody bags, special guests and free whiskey.

5. Happy Holidays, Headgate Theatre, Chapel Street North, Colchester, December 14 and 15, 7.45pm and 2.30pm (Saturday). £10, £8 concessions. 01206 366000.

A concert chocked full of reinvented seasonal favourites, such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Merry Christmas Everyone, from the young talented troupe.