Ian Shaw is at Crazy Coqs, Brasserie Zedel, December 22 [Lisa Wormsley]

CHRISTMAS is, of course, a time for tradition and playing seasonal favourites, even in the jazz world. In fact, the combination of the J-word and the X-word seems to be a sure-fire winner – many Xmas-themed shows at places like Ronnie Scott’s are already sold out. The Pizza Express venues (Soho, Holborn, Pheasantry King’s Road) have availability for some shows. I’m definitely drawn to Geoff Gascoyne’s Christmas Big Band at lunchtime on Saturday December 9, with a selection box of top flight musicians, including Sebastian de Krom on drums, Graeme Blevins on sax and the leader on bass. Between them they’ve played with everyone from Van Morrison to Kylie. It’s doors at 12pm, show 1pm at the Dean Street, Soho, branch and there’s time afterwards to nip up and admire the bright Christmas lights of the West End.

Talking of lights, Ian Shaw “shimmers” (his word) into Christmas with two shows on December 22 at the Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel, just off Piccadilly. It won’t be stuffed with over-familiar turkeys and its guaranteed to be a lot of fun. Book at: www.brasseriezedel.com/events/claire-martin-ian-shaws-early-christmas-stocking/?instance_id=722367

Collette Cooper, Rosslyn Hill Chapel, Dec 1 [Rankin]

Two very successful Christmas-at-church shows from last year return for second helpings. Collette Cooper turned in an amazing performance (she was actor, singer, writer and producer of the show) as Janis Joplin at the Old Red Lion Theatre earlier this year and you can sample some of the bluesy grit she brought to the part on her new album, The Darkside of Christmas Chapter 2 (which features a spoken word contribution from Maxine Peake, following in the footsteps of Ray Winstone, who collaborated with Collette on Chapter 1). Jazzy, sassy and witty, it’s a welcome antidote to the more saccharine interpretations of seasonal songs that has become the norm and features interesting choices such as Coventry Carol and When the Snow Falls. Buy the albums at: https://collettecooper.bandcamp.com. Collette plays songs from both Chapters and more at Rosslyn Hill Chapel (NW3) on Dec 1, in a show featuring a 14-piece jazz, rock and blues band, a string quartet (Show Strings) and the 20-piece SINGLondon gospel choir. All that and complimentary mulled wine plus the chance to win a Christmas hamper. Phew. Book at: www.eventbrite.com/e/darkside-of-christmas-chapters-one-and-two-tickets-728266674227?aff=erelexpmlt

Also happening on hallowed ground is the return of Hampstead Jazz Club’s Jazzy Christmas, featuring two HJC regulars who have really made an impact nationwide this year – vocalist Jo Harrop and the gifted pianist Paul Edis, with another first-rate band including Alan Barnes (alto sax and clarinet), Paul Booth (tenor and soprano) and the very in-demand flautist Gareth Lockrane. Again, it’ll be a deep and crisp spin on old favourites such as Winter Wonderland and O Holy Night. It’s on Dec 23 at the Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead in Church Row, NW3 6UU. Tickets: https://hampsteadjazzclub.com/whats-on/jazzy-christmas-23-dec-2023/

Another Christmas standard, The Nutcracker ballet, has been vividly reimagined for dancers and an onstage band performance by the fabulous sax player Cassie Kinoshi and is being performed at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club (formerly Spiritland, part of the Royal Festival Hall) till January 6. Selected performances are followed by late-night music session, Nutcracker Nights. Details: www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/performance-dance/nutcracker

The Royal Albert Hall really does go the whole hog at Christmas – you feel friskily festive just being in there. And, of course, they deck the hall perfectly. So, three highly recommended shows over in Kensington Gore: Gregory Porter, who has a fabulous new seasonal album (Christmas Wish, a definite choice cut), plays the hall on Dec 13. The always entertaining Jamie Cullum brings his The Pianoman at Christmas mix of classics and originals on Dec 8 and Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas extravaganza (Dec 20) explores deep into jazz’s Xmas canon. Now in its eighth year, Barker will be joined this time around by, among other guests, Flight Call, a new top-of-the-tree vocal trio featuring Georgia Cécile, LA Daniels and Pete Horsfall. Now that’s what I call a Christmas presence. Details: www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/

If you prefer the music not to come wrapped in tinsel and holly, then I will again point you to to Monday nights at the Parakeet in Kentish Town, which offers jazz gems on our doorstep. There’s altoist Sam Narris, whose music veers from tight, through-composed to freewheeling group improvisations, on Dec 4 and the hotly tipped young guitarist Tom Ollendorff on the 18th. Full programme and tickets: https://­jazzattheparakeet.com

The Jazz Café has the music of the late Dave Brubeck, as played by his son, Darius and his quartet (which features the commanding Dave O’Higgins on saxes), on Dec 13. And yes, he will play Take Five and Blue Rondo á la Turk but will also delve deeper into his father’s catalogue and play music inspired by his years living in Durban, South Africa. Details: https://thejazz­cafelondon.com/event/darius-brubeck-plays-dave-brubeck/