Ottery St Mary's streets will sparkle with life on Friday, November 26, when the market town will host its late-night shopping event combined with its lively light switch-on.
This year's festivities begin at 5pm and include a Christmas craft market in Silver Street, a church tree festival at St Mary's parish church and the local shops will stay open for late night shopping.
Music will be provided by the Silver Band at 5pm in Mill Street, by the Church Choir on the church steps at 6pm and there will be carol singing by the LaLa Choir in the town square from 6.45pm onwards.
Before the lights are switched on at 6.45pm, there will be a torch parade starting from the church at 6.30pm that will proceed through the town and finish at the town square, ready for the big countdown.
Adding a seasonal and novel touch to the revelries, a Gingerbread Hunt will also be taking place, where people are encouraged to look out for the gingerbread figure hidden in decorated shop windows. The gingerbread figures have been made and donated by the town's council with an aim to encourage people to visit the wonderful array of businesses in Ottery.

Ottery's Christmas Tree Festival
The Christmas Tree Festival at Ottery St Mary parish church started in 2010 and is now becoming a firm fixture in the town's festive calendar. This year's festival will run from Wednesday, November 24 to Saturday, November 27, having been thoughtfully aligned with the town's late night Christmas shopping event. It is expected that around 60 trees will be on display that have been sponsored and decorated by different local businesses and organisations.
The church will be open to the public each day of the festival from 11am to 5pm and on Friday, November 26, from 11am to 8pm. Subject to Covid restrictions the church choir might be performing in the church at certain times, an added treat for those visiting the festival.