Gigs of the week (08/12/12): Christmas at the Union Chapel, Union Chapel, London N1

One of London's loveliest venues flings open its doors to the seasonal spirit this week, with music, merriment, mince pies and a display of dodgy pullovers on offer over two nights at the Union Chapel.

First up is the Christmas Service from Bella Union, a label brimming with good will, which drops three new bands down the chimney: Money, Pale Seas and Greatwaves. For the next night, the busy elves at Save the Children have bundled up a fine Christmas Tree Sessions charity gig. Lauren Laverne hosts as Spiritualized, Guy Garvey (above) with Myleene Klass, Fyfe Dangerfield, Summer Camp and more go acoustic; Caitlin Moran, Stuart Maconie and Chris Addison read Yule-based words; and "massive legend" Lee Nelson takes on stand-up duties. Punters, meanwhile, are encouraged to get in the knitwear as well as in the spirit: it's Christmas Jumper Day, so wear that reindeer sweater with pride.

Bella Union (musicglue.com) Thur; Christmas Tree Sessions (0844 888 9991; ticketline.co.uk) Fri