The first windows on the Advent calendar are open and it's time to look forward to mince pies, mulled wine, and singing festive carols.

From church services to choirs, outdoor celebrations to indoor concerts, there's guaranteed to be an event near you so ring out the bells and get into the spirit of Oh Come All Ye Faithful.

Ham & High: The annual concert at Union Chapel Islington is free but popular so get there earlyThe annual concert at Union Chapel Islington is free but popular so get there early (Image: Emile Holba)

Hampstead Parish Church Christmas Lights

The community concert features The Hampstead Community Choir, The Junior Choir, and local am-drams The Hampstead Players whose latest production of My Fair Lady is currently gracing the Parish church. The concert is on December 8 at 7.30pm with a collection for The Royal Free Charity.

Church Row, NW3

Carols in Pond Square

The Highgate Society's annual singalong takes place on December 13 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm with the square decked out in festive lights, and musicians from Highgate School leading carollers in their favourite Christmas tunes. Song sheets are provided if you don't know the words, and there's mulled wine and mince pies on sale at the society's HQ at 10a South Grove. 

Pond Square N6.

Burgh House Christmas Concert

St Genesius Choir return to the Hampstead Museum on December 3 from 4pm to 5.30pm for their Christmas carol concert. It's billed as a musical Christmas stocking filled with carols old and new, festive songs to make you smile, and audience participation.

Burgh House, New End, NW3

Lauderdale House Christmas Singalong

The Highgate arts centre is full of festive cheer with a wreath making workshop, Santa's Grotto (December 8 and 9) and the Duckpond Artisan market the same weekend from 11am to 5pm. For those who want to raise their voices in an outdoor singalong on the Tea Lawn, there's a free event on December 19 at 6pm with resident pianist Stephen Hose, and professional singers singing seasonal favourites - not to mention the mulled wine and mince pies.

Waterlow Park, N6.

Nine Lessons and Carol Service St Michael's Highgate

On Sunday, December 17 at 6.30pm the church is holding an hour long service of carols and readings from the Christmas story. For those looking for a family friendly 'messy Christingle' service it's on December 10 at 4pm.

South Grove, N6.

King Edward VII's Hospital Carol Concert St Marylebone Church

On December 5 at 6.30pm independent charitable hospital King Edward VII is holding a fundraising concert at St Marylebone Parish Church with all proceeds going to their pain management programme and grants for medical care for service men and women. Christmas carols and music will be interspersed with readings by distinguished guests including actors Sir Derek Jacobi CBE and Victoria Smurfit, and veterans who have benefited from the hospital’s support.

Marylebone Road, NW1.

Christ Church Crouch End.

This Christmas there's a wealth of activities with a Family Nativity with carols on Sunday December 10 at 10.30am for all ages. (costumes welcome) Then on Sunday December 17 at 7.30pm there are carols by candlelight with traditional readings mulled wine and mince pies, and on Christmas eve at 4pm there is a Family Christingle with a Christingle to take home.

Crouch End Hill, N8.

St Jude-on-the-Hill

Hampstead Garden Suburb's beautiful church is hosting a wealth of festive events with award winning jazz vocalist Liane Carroll by Candlelight on December 7, Nine Lessons and Carols on December 17 at 5pm, and a Christingle family service on Christmas Eve at 4pm.

Central Square, NW11.

St James, Muswell Hill

All are welcome to traditional carols on December 17 at 4.30pm and 7pm, with the church choir and organ for a feast of carols old and new, or to the 'energetic' Christmas Eve crib service at 4.30pm.

 St James Lane, N10.

Carols by Candlelight, Union Chapel

The popular annual event is on December 17 this year at 7pm. Free to attend with no booking required, they will celebrate the birth of Jesus in Gothic surroundings evocatively lit by candles, through spoken word, prayer and music, assisted by actors, instrumentalists and the vocal quartet Union Chapel Voices. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.

19b Compton Terrace, N1.

Hackney Singers Carol Concert St Peter de Beauvoir

Formed in 1973 as The Hackney Choral Society, they grew from strength to strength to become a mixed-voice choir of over 100. Their Christmas concert takes place on December 17 at 6.30pm at St Peter de Beauvoir Town Church.

Northchurch Terrace, London N1

Queen's Park Carol Service Salusbury Primary School

On December 9 at 4pm Salusbury primary is playing host to the annual service presented by Redeemer Queen's Park, bringing all ages together for carols, mulled wine, and mince pies.

Salusbury Road NW6.