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Christmas is a time for charity - no doubt aided by the atmosphere of joyous celebration, the company of children and a moment of shared thoughts. You will find all of these in the Home-start Christmas Carol Concert, at the Guards Chapel, Birdcage Walk, London SW1, 6.30pm. The charity helps families with children under five, and the Queen will meet those helped by the charity. It will be hosted by news presenter, Alastair Stewart with guest readers that include Dame Diana Rigg, Timothy West, Peter Bowles, Joanna David and Toby Stephens.

If your soul needs a little elevation, a selection of 2,000 Old Master Drawings from Christ Church's permanent collection (including the works of Michaelangelo, Leonard, Titian and Rubens) is now on display at Christ Church Picture Gallery, Oxford (01865 276172).

The London Saxophonic Ensemble will perform the music of Michael Nyman - including his well known film soundtracks - at An Eye For A Difference at Purcell Room, South Bank. Tickets cost pounds 10. Box office on 0171-960 4201/ 4242.

For a less well co-ordinated musical ensemble, why not go down to the Coal Chamber. These West Coast noise mongers have been voted the Best International Newcomers at the '97 Kerrang Awards by the head banging population. Bring the noise, long hair and a mosh pit to LA2, Charing Cross Road, W1 (0171-434 0403).

A tale to give journalists a nervous tic is The Front Page, Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur's comedy set in the press room of the Chicago Criminal Court, about the conflict between marital bliss and a scoop. Directed by Donmar supremo Sam Mendes and starring Griff Rhys Jones and Alun Armstong. At the Donmar Warehouse, Earlham Street, WC2. Tickets pounds 12-pounds 16 (0171-369 1732).