THE countdown to Christmas has begun in Newton Abbot where this year’s festive lights will brighten the dark winter skies from Saturday November 22.

The big day will start at 12 noon with live music and street entertainment, then at 5.30pm Santa is set to arrive at St Leonard’s Clock Tower and throw the switch.

The next family-friendly event in the Christmas calendar will be the ever-popular Victorian Evening on Wednesday December 3 at which stalls will line the streets, many raising funds for good causes.

Santa will again be present to meet young fans while his grotto in the Tower will be open for fireside selfies.

Street food and live music will add to the atmosphere as will late-night shopping in many stores.

A relatively new tradition in Newton Abbot is the dog-friendly carol service which this year will take place on Saturday December 6 in Wolborough Street.

Owners and their pooches are invited to arrive at 12 noon for an event that is rapidly gaining in popularity since being introduced a few years ago.

Huge crowds are then expected for the lantern parade and more late-night shopping on Wednesday December 10, starting at 5pm with a procession from Bearnes Primary School in Queen Street to the Tower.

Street food stalls will do away with the need to cook at home with live music once more adding to the party atmosphere.

The last official festive event of the season to be arranged by Newton Abbot Town Council is the Mayor’s carol service with more late-night shopping, free Santa meet and greets, fireside selfies in the Tower, street food and live music from The Rock Choir between 5pm to 8pm on Wednesday December 17.

‘We know that families love coming into town for our traditional Christmas events programme and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone,’ said Events Coordinator Natalie Hicks.

‘All the entertainments and meetings with Santa are again offered completely free of charge so an evening in town doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

‘It’s a real pleasure to arrange these activities which help cement the Newton Abbot community and keep our town centre buzzing.’

For more family entertainment after Christmas, the Newton Abbot and District Musical Comedy Society will be staging its panto, Dick Whittington, from January 13 to 18 at The Alexandra Theatre.

‘We’re told it will be a panto paved with gold,’ said Natalie