* HO HO HO, and what not. This week is all about Christmas, and there are plenty of gigs for you to sink your teeth into… * THE whole shebang kicks off on Saturday with The Funky Monks Christmas party. The JRs, Boogie Woogie Bill Johnstone and Nico are

* HO HO HO, and what not. This week is all about Christmas, and there are plenty of gigs for you to sink your teeth into...

* THE whole shebang kicks off on Saturday with The Funky Monks' Christmas party. The JRs, Boogie Woogie Bill Johnstone and Nico are all at The Chells Family Pub in Stevenage.

On the same night is the Rhythms Christmas party at Club 85 in Hitchin, featuring the eight-piece New Groove Formation and the 40 strong samba drummers Toque Tambor.

* ON SUNDAY - Christmas Eve no less - The Fold in Stevenage is holding its very own Christmas shindig with Baker's Christmas party featuring The Donkeys performing live (£5 entry).

Alternative options for the night's festivities include Christmas Eve with Self Inflicted at The Red Lion in Stevenage, at Club 85 in Hitchin with Enter Shikari, Fell Silent and Scream! Shout! Say Nothing!, or a night out at The Old George in Ickleford with Len Crawley performing.

* AND if the kids are playing up at home between Christmas and New Year's, or indeed you are the kids that are playing up, then why not get out of the family home and make your way to either The Old George, Ickleford, to listen to Steve Curtis next Thursday, December 28, or pop over to the Sailor in Hitchin to catch a Blues Brothers tribute act next Friday.

Have a blinder!