Families around Hampstead and Highgate were treated to some Christmas magic over the weekend.

At St Michael’s Church children and parents enjoyed nativity-themed crafts including Christingle oranges, cards, baubles, biscuits and cups.

%image(15148635, type="article-full", alt=""Messy Christingle" at St Michael's Church in Highgate on December 12")

At Lauderdale House Father Christmas paid a special visit to see children for the annual Santa’s Grotto.

%image(15148638, type="article-full", alt="From left: Father Christmas, Lauderdale House volunteer Liz, Ken the elf and Lauderdale House director Katherine Ives")

At Hampstead Community Centre those in need of buying some festive presents were treated to a special Christmas-themed market.

The event involving vintage and “pre-loved” clothes, run by Amanda Wright, is hosted on the second Sunday of every month.

%image(15148640, type="article-full", alt="Stall holders from left: Daisy Hardy, Catherine MacGregor, Carolyn Williams, Boo, organiser Amanda Wright, Fatima Valdes and Kirsten Goode")

And at Muswell Hillbilly the brewery hosted the Avenue Mews Christmas carols, featuring the London Metropolitan Brass Band.

Rev Matt Lunn from Muswell Hill Methodist Church said it was good to “raise a glass to the true meaning of Christmas”.

%image(15148645, type="article-full", alt="Christmas carols at Muswell Hillbilly")

%image(15148648, type="article-full", alt="The Cantillon family meeting Santa. From left: mum Andrea, Tadhg (10), dad Tim, and front Niamh (8)")

%image(15148651, type="article-full", alt="Vintage clothes market at Hampstead Community Centre on December 12. Stall holder Kirsten Goode")

%image(15148653, type="article-full", alt=""Messy Christingle" at St Michael's Church in Highgate on December 12")

%image(15148657, type="article-full", alt="Christmas carols at Muswell Hillbilly")

%image(15148660, type="article-full", alt="Chilean bakery Lady Manjar founder Fatima Valdes and assistant Jamie Burgaz with cakes and coffee")