Street decorations are lit, town trees are up and we’re well into the run-up for Christmas. There are hundreds of events, markets and shows happening all over Devon during December, and plenty of opportunities to pick up unique gifts or just soak up some atmosphere.

Tomorrow sees Dawlish Christmas Market in the Strand from 10am until 4pm, for a day out and some interesting shopping.

For festive music, try the ‘Festive Flutes’ Christmas Cracker in Salcombe on Tuesday 14th December in the evening, with a range of Christmas tunes expertly played on many varieties of flute. They are also putting on a free session at Exeter Cathedral on Wednesday the 15th of December. You can check their website for more information: http://www.festiveflutes.co.uk

For a more modern range of music, try the Exeter Phoenix Phonic.fm Christmas party on the 17th of December, from 8pm until 2am in the Lounge. A truly eclectic range of music plus food and drinks at the bar. More information here: http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/live/q4-2010/phonic-fm-the-christmas-party!.html

And finally, if you fancy something a bit more active, Plymouth’s outdoor ice rink returns after a six year absence! The rink is open all the way through December, see details and location here: http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/christmasicerink.html