Hackney Empire
Returning after an absence of 3 years, the Empire presents Aladdin a traditional pantomime starring 'Dame With Attitude' Clive Rowe. Mixing tradition with novelty they promise all the usual nonsense plus dancing camels and a flying carpet. Composer Steven Edis (RNT's His Dark Materials) and special effects expert Paul Kieve (the Harry Potter films) conjure up a world of delights from 3 December to 8 January. Tickets from £7.50.
If you are inspired by what you see there are weekly theatre workshops for 12-16 year olds linked to the Empire's own programme and including guest artists, trips to the theatre and performing arts activities (17 January to 27 March 2005).
The New Year kicks off with The Fabulous Magic of Doctor Bondini (30 January) and Opera & Ballet International's production of Verdi's La Traviata (31 January) Box Office: 0208 985 2424/ www.hackneyempire.co.uk.

Arcola Theatre
Another tremendous year culminated in Out of Joint's stunning African Macbeth and Jennifer Farmer's affecting examination of friendship between women prisoners
Compact Failure.  From 6 December-1 January Ranjit Bolt translates Molière's classic farce Tartuffe to a Turkish setting on the shores of the Bosphorus. There are more opportunities for 13-19 year olds to get involved in live theatre by joining one of the free courses between January and April.
Box Office: 0207 503 1646 / www.arcolatheatre.com 

Rio Cinema
This winter take refuge from both multiplex and art-house clichés in a comfortable seat with a good cup of coffee. The 12th Turkish Film Festival continues until 12 December. From 17 December enjoy the astonishing inventiveness of The Incredibles or if you prefer 9th-century China visit the House of Flying Daggers, opening on 27 December. The best French ?lm of 2004 Look at Me runs from 13-16 December. Along with the usual imaginatively programmed Wednesday and Sunday matinees and the special parent and baby screenings, Mike Leigh's award-winning Vera Drake opens on 8 January, offering a fascinating close up of a part of Britain's lost history.
Details: 0207 241 9410/ www.riocinema.co.uk 

Hackney Museum
Alongside the on-going exploration of Famous Women in Hackney, the humorous and colourful Raining Cats, Dogs and Fishing Rods, an exhibition exploring the international phrases and over 100 languages spoken in Hackney, continues until 29 January 2005. Highlights include a drop-in family event on 8 January (1-4 p.m.) exploring Turkish Tales and Michael Rosen visits on 27 January (prebooking is advised). The Museum will run numerous events and workshops for adults and children throughout 2005. Details: 020 8356 3500 hmuseum@hackney.gov.uk

Mists and mellow fruitfulness, woolly vests and the whiff of cinnamon and spice. Clissold Park is crisp and golden underfoot and the lights twinkling in Church Street signal the coming festivities. Take heart as you retire hurt after battling down Oxford Street or shiver at the bus stop whilst the 73 takes 10 minutes to negotiate a corner - N16 has much to offer over the next few months, whether you're seeking tap dancing animals or 17th-century feminists.