West Country Christmas light shows…

Don’t blink! The annual ritual of switching on the Christmas lights will be here before you know it as the countdown to Christmas gathers pace.

Exeter lays claim to one of the first great switch-ons – 24th November sees Heart FM radio host the entertainment with live music, pantomime favourites and a grand firework finale to kick off the festive season. Enjoy the bright lights from G31.

Truro City of Lights Festival

Truro will once again light up in spectacular fashion as the City of Lights festival delights the crowds on 16th November, with a dazzling procession of lanterns through the streets, carried by professional artists, Cornish school children and local community and youth groups. This year’s theme is ‘wildlife’. Be dazzled by S47.

For something slightly different, watch one of the largest processions of award-winning floats and walking groups in south Devon wend its way through South Brent on 26th November. The procession includes 100ft long floats from the Somerset circuit. Float off to A70.

Dunster by Candlelight

Dunster by Candlelight is holding its 25th anniversary on 1st and 2nd December, and the Lantern Lighting procession of stilt walkers and brightly costumed children starts at 5.30pm on the Friday at The Steep. Treat yourselves to a journey by steam train from Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway and there’s a courtesy bus transfer from Minehead Station to the village (or you can alight at Dunster Station and it’s a 20 minute walk). Wander by lantern light back to F45.

There are many other glittering events across the West Country, including Clovelly Christmas Lights on 4th December and Mousehole Harbour Lights on 17th December.

Browse through our holiday cottages to find a cosy place for a pre-Christmas break and use our ‘Explore the Area’ map to find festive events near your favourite holiday cottage.

Cottages and events for November...

There's a lot going on this November - we've picked out some of the best events across the South West, with a fantastic place to stay for each:

5th Nov: Tin Barrel Rolling, Ottery St Mary features countless Flaming Tar Barrels carried through the streets of Ottery St Mary to the delight of thousands of townsfolk and visitors (pictured right). A gigantic bonfire over 30 feet high and crowned with Guy Fawkes himself, forms an impressive background to the occasion together with a fairground and many other attractions. Place to stay: Cool off at Abbey Cross Barn (G20).

7th to 13th Nov: Dartmouth Drama Festival is a four day event consisting of two complete performances by eight participating Amateur Dramatic Societies (four plays per night). Highlights include Dartmouth Players with "Shop for Charity", and Salcombe Players with an extract from "Birthday Honours". Place to stay: Rehearse your lines at Primrose Cottage (L104) (pictured right).

11th Nov: Shepton Mallett Carnival sees processions of illuminated floats - part of an ancient tradition stretching back as far as the 1600's when many parts of Somerset commemorated the Gunpowder Plot. Grand firework displays and street entertainment adds to the sense of fiesta and fun. The floats can be huge, over 50 feet long and covered in hundreds of light bulbs. Place to stay: Wave your sparklers at Barton Cottage (E18).

15th Nov: Truro City of Lights takes its themes from the city’s rich history, unearthing fascinating stories from its mercantile, social and maritime past to artistically and creatively inspire the procession in which giant ship lanterns will carry the ‘cargo’ of the city’s past through its streets (pictured right). Place to stay: Follow the lights back to Nansavallan Farmhouse (S239).

19th to 21st Nov: Teignmouth Jazz Festival brings artists from the UK, USA, and Europe covering all forms of jazz from Traditional and Standards to Latin and Contemporary. Described as one of the best UK jazz events, it takes place in five main venues – The Carlton Theatre, Oystercatcher Cafe, United Reform Church, Rugby Club and Shaldon's Coast View Holiday Park. Place to stay: Hit the right note at Cherries (B8).