SANTA’S on his way… Father Christmas will be nipping through Newton Abbot tonight (Wednesday) to switch on the town's lights.

He won’t be stopping for long as he hits the town at 5.30pm, but just long enough to switch on the town’s Christmas lights as he travels through.This is in preparation for late night shopping events begins in the town next Wednesday (December 1).As an early festive treat Austin’s is open for their 10% off evening.

With the festive lights hung in the town waiting to be lit by Santa, there’s a festive buzz in the air in the countdown to next week's late night shopping.

From live music, virtual trails, incredible displays and even dog carolling, the town has plenty in store.

There won’t be a formal light switch on event with big crowds as the council is still keen to ensure social distancing is upheld.

However, Father Christmas will turn on the lights gradually by doing a tour of the town starting at the train station at 5.30pm and will end at the St Leonard’s Clock Tower.

Town Development Manager Sally Henley told the Mid-Devon Advertiser how excited she is for the residents to enjoy the festive season this year.<

Although she was happy with how the town safely continued to celebrate Christmas last year despite the pandemic, there are new additions being made for 2021.

She said: ‘I want people to get off their tablets, go out and enjoy being together again in the town.’

Newton Abbot will have its usual spectacular display of environmentally-friendly LED lights through all the main streets and in Market Walk shopping centre along with the illuminated ‘Tree on the Tower’.

For three Wednesdays in December (1, 8 and 15) there will be market stalls selling street food and festive goodies along with late night shopping in the town which will finish at 8pm.

In Courtenay Street, there will be live music and Father Christmas on each of the late night shopping evenings.

On these evenings there will be free parking from 4pm in the open air town centre car parks, courtesy of Teignbridge District Council.

The late night shopping will kick off on December 1 with the popular charity Victorian Evening.

Santa will be available to see free of charge on the Wednesdays that are for late night shopping and each child will get a bag of sweets.

Newton Abbot Town Council hopes the community will continue to support the local business in the town by coming out during the festive season and enjoying the atmosphere with friends and family.

There will be entertainment every Saturday in the town including a new event which is perfect for dog owners.

The council have partnered with local animal charity Animals in Distress to hold a dog-friendly carol service in Wolborough Street.

Sally said: ‘Dogs are very much part of the family and it’s a shame that they must be left at home when the family attends a church carol service.

‘The event is on Saturday, December 11, when I look forward to seeing lots of well-behaved dogs and their owners. Christmas jumpers and accessories for both are optional of course!’

Win a Nintendo Switch and Austins vouchers

New for this year is the augmented reality trail fun for all the family across town centre businesses.

Families are tasked with visiting 10 different locations across the town to collect digital stamps, you can also have funny photos at each one in AR.

After you’ve collected them all you have to then vote for your favourite and you’ll be rewarded with a free ebook.

This will run from November 24 until December 31 and there’s a chance for a Nintendo switch and Austins vouchers to be won. Merry Christmas.