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You have probably already begun your countdown to the big day, but you need to know when Santa is officially arriving in your area, and when those sparkling lights get switched on.

We have pulled together a comprehensive list of events taking place in the English Riviera and around South Devon.

If you know of further events not yet listed let us know, contact the email address below.

Happy festive fun!

Thursdays November 23, December 7,14,21 TORQUAY late night shopping

Thursday November 24 MARLDON Marldon Christmas Tree farm family events start. Christmas tree farm is free to enter. Santas train station, board The Artic express land train to take an exciting journey through a winter wonderland to visit cheeky reindeer and all of the Marldon family. £12.50 per child. No charge for family members to enter the grotto with your child. Christmas Village “Snowflake Square” and pop up Christmas markets in December. New café, “Musky & The Mouse” . Book in advance https://marldonchristmastrees.co.uk/santas-grotto/

Friday November 24: TEIGNMOUTH Christmas lights switch on 6pm by Luke Friend who plays a set at 5.40pm, Santa, entertainment including Titan the Robot, panto extract by Teignmouth players at 4.30pm, five carols with Teignmouth Singers at 5pm, lantern parade leaving the TAAG Centre at 5.15pm, South Devon Singers at 5.20pm, panto extract by Shaldon Theatre Company, and an afternoon and 6.30pm performance by Titan the Robot.

Friday November 24 and Saturday November 25 : Candlelit DARTMOUTH . Friday (from 4pm): Christmas market, entertainers and musicians, carol singing with the BRNC Volunteer Band and the Britannia Choral Society, official switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights, Santa arrives by boat, Christmas shopping. Saturday (from 10am): Christmas markets, entertainers and musicians, “Candlelit Kids” (seasonal craft workshops for kids and Santa’s grotto) in the Flavel , lantern procession, Christmas shopping.

Friday November 24 to Sunday November 26 WESTPOINT, EXETER Christmas Shopping Fayre This mega fayre has run annually at Westpoint since 1996. There are 300 stalls with the widest range of essential Christmas wares, festive gift lines and food & drink and attract never less than 25,000 local shoppers over the three days of the show. 9.30am – 5.30pm each day. Adults £3.50, Over 65’s £2.50, 16 and under FREE Dogs are not permitted inside the main exhibition hall. www.westpointarena.com

Saturday November 25 : BRIXHAM Lanterns, Lights and ‘luminations - Venue: The Quay, Middle Street, Fore Street, Strand, Kings Street. Christmas Street Market 11am to 7pm, Free Lantern making workshop (Scala Hall 10am to 1pm), Lantern Parade at 5pm (meet outside Rockfish 4:45pm), Grand Fireworks display & Lights Switch on at 6pm. Entertainment throughout the day.

Saturday November 25 : NEWTON ABBOT, Father Christmas Parade at 5pm, 5.30pm the lights will be switched on at St Leonards Clock Tower followed by a musical firework finale at 6pm.

Sunday November 26 PAIGNTON, Blatchcombe Christmas Event, free funfair rides, free donkey rides, free Christmas bouncy castle, free live entertainment and a welcome return to the Rodeo Reindeer which will also be free of charge. Local caterers, Paignton Hog Roast have sponsored the food and any food item on the day will be available for £2.50. 11am to 4pm outside the Foxhole shops on Foxhole Road, Paignton. All families are invited to come along, Santa will have his grotto on site and a visit is a must.

Friday December 1 Santa at TORQUAY MARINA

Friday December 1 : TORQUAY - BABBACOMBE Christmas Lights switch on; WELLSWOOD Christmas Lights switch on

Saturday December 2 KINGSBRIDGE - Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas. 9am - 3pm Farmers Market on the Town Square and carol singers. 9am - 1pm Christmas stories & crafts in the Kingsbridge Library, free. 9.30am – 3.30pm Market Hall – St Malo’s Pre-School Fair. 10am Father Christmas arrives in the Town Square, 10am to 11.30am Father Christmas tours the town, 11.30am – 1.30pm & 2 – 3.30pm Visit Father Christmas in his Grotto outside the Methodist Church. All day Recycled Christmas tree competition in the Anchor Centre. Presentation at 4pm, on display for a week. 10am – 4pm stalls on Fore Street – gifts galore, local food and drink suppliers. 10am – 4pm Craft Fair in the Kingsbridge Family Church where local people showcase their handiwork, find lamp shades, candles, jewellery and more. 10am – 4pm Methodist Church – Christmas Tree Festival with Christmas Fayre including cakes, cards, Tombola, refreshments & lunch. 10am – 4pm Catholic Church – ‘Cribs from Around the World’. 10am – 1.30pm Cookworthy Museum – FREE entry, browse the shop’s Christmas sale or join in the craft activities. 11am – 3pm St. Edmunds Church – Seasonal refreshments, mince pies, mulled wine and children’s games. 11.30am – 2.30pm Kingsbridge Community College – St. Nick’s Fair: live music, Christmas characters, crafts and cakes. The work of students and parents to raise money for the college. Free shuttle buses from Kingsbridge Town Square. 12pm – 2pm Make a Lantern Workshop. Kingsbridge Family Church (£1 per child). 1.15pm Dan Brazier Street Entertainment at the Shambles. 2.45pm Dan Brazier Street Entertainment outside The Quay pub. 4pm Lantern Procession from Methodist Church. 4.15pm – 5pm Christmas disco at the Town Square. 4.30pm Christmas Lights switch-on, lantern judging results and raffle announcement.

Sunday December 3 NEWTON ABBOT Sponsored Christmas Dog Walk Animals in Distress, festive, fancy-dress dog-walk around Decoy Country Park. Dig out your Christmas jumpers, Santa hats and reindeer antlers (doggie and human versions!) as there will also be a best-dressed dog competition! You choose how many laps of the park you want to walk, and they are asking for a minimum sponsorship of £10 per person. Places are limited so please register your interest by phone or email, and they will send you a sponsorship pack. Call 01803 812121, email supportus@animalsindistress.uk.com or visit the website www.animalsindistress.uk.com. 11am.

Tuesdays December 5, 12, 19 TOTNES late night Christmas Shopping."Totnes Night Market" run by market traders. Their vision is to host an event for and with the local community encouraging locally based traders, producers and entertainers with a touch of Totnes Christmas Magic!!

With performances from local schools, community choirs, local bands, drummers, lantern parades and a Santa's grotto, you will be charmed and entertained. Delicious food, local cider and mulled treats.

December 1-24: BUCKFASTLEIGH Christmas at Pennywell Farm, nativity plays in the barn with animals looking on. Father Christmas. Booking essential. https://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/

December 1 to 23: TORQUAY Victorian Christmas at Bygones, St Marychurch, celebrated Christmas 1897 with 12 foot tree and festive hut. https://bygones.co.uk/

December 1 to 31: KINGSWEAR Coleton Aglow, National Trust gardens between Brixham and Kingswear lit up for Christmas in spectacular fashion and house ready for a 1920s Christmas Party. Booking essential. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

Saturday December 2 BOVEY TRACEY Christmas Fayre, held along Fore Street with around 40 craft and gift stalls, street food, mulled wine and carol singing. Lights switch on 4pm Father Christmas on his carnival float. www.boveytracey.gov.uk/Bovey-Tracey/Events-in-Bovey

Devon Guild Craftsmen Christmas Celebration Day festivities, including free craft demonstrations, mulled wine, seasonal food and drink tastings - with music and storytelliing to get you in the spirit! Browse hand-made gifts and a range of cards, wrapping and Christmas decorations - all crafted locally, or fair trade goods. KIDS: Say 'bonjour' to storyteller Heidi and Tonton the Tortoise - who are here to tell you an interactive Christmas story... with a twist. 1.30pm to 4pm for 2 to 10yr olds. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(Image: Pyramid Torbay)

December weekends to December 18 : TORQUAY Christmas at Cockington Court. Enjoy a unique Christmas this year with Brixham Pirates who will be joining Santa, Grotto and pirate nutcracker trail £2 per child, to include the nutcracker trail and chocolate coins from the pirates' treasure chest! - no bookings required. This cost includes a charitable donation towards Brixham Pirate Festival 2018. www.cockingtoncourt.org/

December weekends and December 20 - 24: TORQUAY, Santa at Kents Cavern, joined by some very unexpected and magical friends. Ticket includes; an hour long show, a personal visit with Santa, fantastic Christmas presents, mulled wine and mince pies. Wednesday December 20, Thursday 21, Friday 22, Saturday 23, Sunday 24. from 10am to 3pm, prices Standard: Adults - £10 Children £12.50 Ages Children 2-12. Presents available for under 2's (£3.50). Includes an hour long promenade performance around the cave. http://www.kents-cavern.co.uk/events/detail/santa-in-the-caves

Saturday December 2 KINGSBRIDGE Kingsbridge Celebrates Christmas New Christmas Lantern Procession, Christmas Lantern Workshop, craft fair with Father Christmas and Grotto.

Saturday December 2 and Sunday December 3: TORQUAY Torre Abbey Winter Fest in the historic setting of the museum. Arts, crafts and food stalls will be selling unique Christmas gifts, live seasonal music, a children’s Christmas trail around the house and some indulgent nibbles and beverages on sale. The festival will run from 10am till 5pm on both days. Entry is just £2 per person, which includes entry to the Abbey. www.torre-abbey.org.uk/

Wednesday, December 6: NEWTON ABBOT Victorian Evening, carols, plus late night shopping and street food in Courtenay Street.

(Image: Glenn Chamberlain Photography)

Thursday December 7, IPPLEPEN Animals in Distress Christmas Giving Evening festive fun, with lights, carols, a tasty winter barbeque, mince pies and more. Everyone is welcome to come and join in the fun, and to meet the cats, rabbits and guinea pigs at the rescue centre. Please take some goodies for the animals. 5pm to 8pm.

Thursdays December 7 and Wednesday December 13 NEAR KINGSWEAR Christmas Carols, Cocktails and Canapes, Coleton Fishacre house, Kingswear 6.30pm to 9pm booking essential. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre.

December 8 to 31 TORQUAY Aladdin Pantomime with Luke Friend and Sam Callahan at Princess Theatre, Torquay. http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/princess-theatre-torquay/

Saturday December 8 and Sunday December 9 TORQUAY Festive Weekend at Living Coasts, Follow the signs to meet our happy elves, take an 'Eflie Selfie' and receive a prize* Meet Batman and Captain America plus Anna and Elsa from Frozen. (Saturday, 12pm-2pm - Anna and Elsa. Sunday, 12pm-2pm - Batman & Captain America). Watch Santa’s elves feed our penguins daily at 10.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. Get your face painted, watch special animal enrichment and more!.Listen to Carol singing and enjoy festive food and drink in our Terrace Café.*£2.50 per trail, available while stocks last. Standard Living Coasts admission applies. https://www.livingcoasts.org.uk/

Saturday December 8 and Sunday December 9 and every day between Saturday Decvember 16 and Sundayt December 24. Boxing Day. Mince Pie trains Wednesday December 27 to New Year's Day : BUCKFASTLEIGH/TOTNES: Santa by Steam, South Devon Railway, special grotto train, presents. Booking essential http://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/

Sunday December 10, TOTNES annual pet services St Mary's Church, 4.30pm.

Tuesday December 12 CHAGFORD: an extravaganza of festive food, stylish fashion, hand-made arts & crafts, a Christmas market and live entertainment. Hot chestnuts, a hog roast, Christmas carols, live music and a Santa’s grotto will create a magical festive atmosphere. Explore local arts and crafts emporia, art galleries, designer clothes and accessory boutiques, leatherworkers, delis, food stores, cafes and much more... they are all to be found within just a few minute’s stroll. Xmas market in the Jubilee Hall. 5pm to 8pm.

December 16 to January 1TORQUAY Christmas at Babbacombe Model V illage, Torquay. Closed Christmas Day. 10.30am to latest entry 4pm. December 16th to 24th only. Meet Santa and receive a present from him - 12 noon to 4pm (additional charge). Mini Panto - shows from 12 noon to 4pm. Admission charges apply. https://www.model-village.co.uk/events

Wednesday, December 13, NEWTON ABBOT there will be the Lantern Parade from 6.30pm, as well as the Christmas Street Fayre.

Wednesday, December 20, NEWTON ABBOT as well as the late night shopping event, there will also be a street fayre and the Mayor’s Carol Service in Golden Lion Square.

Wednesday December 23 TORQUAY Cockington Court, visit Buzzlewick's Elf Emporium and make magic glittery reindeer food ready for Santa to find your house to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve! (£2.50 per child )

Tuesday December 26PAIGNTON: 12noon Paignton Lions Club Walk in the sea, Paignton Beach to the left of the pier (Redcliffe Hotel side). Registration is from 11am Participants should arrive in plenty of time to register and, if they wear fancy dress allow time for judging of the best fancy dress at 11-45am

Tuesday December 26 SHALDON Boxing Day 3-legged Fancy Dress Race. Teignmouth Christmas lights switch 6pm by Luke Friend who plays a set at 5.40pm, Santa, entertainment including Titan the Robot, panto extract by Teignmouth players at 4.30pm, five carols with Teignmouth Singers at 5pm, lantern parade leaving the TAAG Centre at 5.15pm, South Devon Singers at 5.20pm, panto extract by Shaldon Theatre Company, and an afternoon and 6.30pm performance by Titan the Robot.

Tuesday December 26: TEIGNMOUTH The Walk-in-the-Sea will take place on Teignmouth beach next to the pier at 11 am. 10am Start of registration for participants. 10.45am Judging of Fancy Dress by the Mayor ( who intends to go in as well). 11am Walk in the Sea. Last year it is estimated more than 400 went in and there were about 2,300 spectators and it raised nearly £9,000. All entrants are urged to get sponsorship forms or make a suggested donation per adult £5 for the RNLI.

If you have an event which isn't featured here or more details please email tcrowson@devonlive.com.