It’s that twinkly time of year again, and Exmoor has plenty of fayres and events taking place this month which are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. Browse the shops to the accompaniment of a brass band, wander around lantern-lit streets with a steaming mug of mulled wine, and get festive in some of Exmoor’s loveliest towns and villages.
Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd December, 4-9pm: Dunster Watermill by Candlelight
Enjoy this rare opportunity to see this historic watermill in action after hours, beautifully lit up by candlelight – a fairytale setting to savour a complimentary mince pie. More tasty treats in the tearoom upstairs. No booking necessary, just turn up.
Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd December: Dunster by Candlelight
If this magical event – now in its 30th year – doesn’t get you feeling festive then I don’t know what will. This weekend, Dunster travels back to its medieval roots as electric light is expelled and the whole village is lit up by lanterns. Enjoy a hog roast, candle-lit processions, stilt walkers and lots of delicious food and drink. http://dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk
Saturday 3rd December: Light up Lynton
Avoid the shopping malls this Christmas; instead, buy locally made gifts and stocking fillers in lovely Lynton. There will be carol singers on the streets and mulled wine to warm chilly souls, and plenty of pubs to duck into for refreshments. Shops stay open until 9pm.
Saturday 3rd (10am-4pm) & Sunday 4th (10am-2pm) December: Allerford Christmas Fayre
Expect raffles, guess the weight of the cake (and win the cake) and lots of stalls at Allerford’s fayre this weekend. There will be lots to keep little ones amused, too, such as games and children’s entertainers.
Sunday 4th December, 2.15-7.30pm: Dulverton by Starlight
On Sunday, pretty Dulverton will be festooned with lights for its annual festive event. There’ll be a brass band, carols, storytelling in the library, donkey rides, evening fireworks, market stalls selling locally made gifts, and a Christmas tree trail, face painting, and Santa’s grotto for the kids. www.dulvertonbystarlight.co.uk
Sunday 4th December, 1-4pm: Woolhanger Christmas Fayre
Set in the wonderful Woolhanger Manor, this craft fayre has stalls galore, and roasted chestnuts and mince pies to nibble on; bring the children to meet Father Christmas in his grotto. Round the afternoon off with a walk around the manor’s lovely gardens. £1 entry (children under 12 go free).
Saturday 10th December: Porlock late night shopping
Have a nose around Porlock’s independent shops and pick up some interesting gifts next Saturday, when the village’s shops will be open until 9pm for a bit of late night shopping. Street entertainment and delicious food on offer all evening, too.
Sunday 11th December, 10am-4pm: Lynmouth Christmas Fayre
Held in the Lynmouth Pavilion on the seafront, this fayre sells all sorts of artisanal gifts and crafts, from pottery to jewellery, plus there will be free workshops and face painting for kids, and stalls along the esplanade outside selling food and drink, Christmas trees and wreaths.
(Photo: Gaynor Gough)
