It was a very merry Christmas for the Standen family who stayed in 1 Roundham Heights in Paignton for their festive celebrations, as they were the lucky winners of our Christmas prize draw.

The family were picked at random in our prize draw and won £250 worth of Christmas gifts.

The surprise gifts included a remote controlled helicopter, some chocolates from Hotel Chocolat, a wallet, a Great British Bake Off cookbook, children’s games and Lego.

Thank you for all your support, and we hope to welcome you to one of our properties during 2013.

The team at Blue Chip Holidays.

Tune in to Holiday Home Sweet Home on ITV 1  to see an extra special Christmas episode which features Blue Chip Holidays!

The show, presented by Lisa Faulkner, follows holiday letting agents across the UK and takes a peek behind the scenes of a busy season.

The extended episode will showcase two of our luxurious properties – The Cwtch Barn near Paignton and At the Beach in Torcross.

There may not be much snow around so far this year, but the Winter Ice Rink in Plymouth will be making the perfect winter wonderland until 24 February.

The ice rink is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and it’s open of an evening too.

Come and enjoy the wintry fun in Plymouth’s Piazza, and as it’s right in the city centre you’ll be in the mood for some last minute shopping after a spin on the ice!

The Montol Festival will revive tradition in Penzance from 16 – 21 December, ending on Montol Eve.

We all love Cornwall for its many traditions, and this time of year brings a whole Christmassy world of themed ones that have been upheld for centuries. The Montol festival is based on the many Cornish traditions that have given it its unique identity, and it will culminate in the main event on Montol Eve (21 December).

The week’s events will include lantern and mask making workshops, carol concerts, bands, storytelling – and of course late night shopping in Penzance.

Hardy’s birthplace in Dorchester has announced Christmas opening between 12 – 23 December, so step back in time for a festive day out with the family.

The pretty cottage will be open to visitors between Wednesdays and Sundays from 11am so visitors can step back to the days when Dorset’s most famous writer penned his tales.

Come and enjoy a Musical Christmas Afternoon on 21 December, when the team will be leading carols in the festive setting of Under the Greenwood Tree.

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will be running Santa Specials from 8^th December and it’s a magical experience for children of all ages.

Meet Santa himself at Havenstreet Station before boarding a steam train and chugging through ten miles of scenic winter landscape. Take a wander through the magical woodlands outside the train station while you wait and explore the Christmas garden.

The journey will include entertainment, and there will be light refreshments onboard for every child and a festive drink and mince pie for each adult.

Celebrate Christmas in style at the Fowey Christmas market on 1 and 2 December.

Fowey may have been the inspiration behind the Wind in the Willows tales, but it comes into its own during the festive period too, and the market is the perfect chance to stock up on Christmas gifts.

Watch Father Christmas arrive by boat on Friday and follow his procession through the centre of the town.

Santa pops up in some pretty unlikely places in the run up to Christmas, and Paignton Zoo is one of the most unique attractions to visit him in!

Come and enjoy a traditional Christmas this year and you’ll be able to visit Santa in his grotto, ride a festive train around the attraction and watch a special show.

The Christmas train takes visitors around the wintry lake, so look out for tigers, lions and gorillas as you go!

The stage and television legend Christopher Biggins will be spreading some Christmas cheer in Plymouth on 22 November as he switches on the city’s lights.

Along with the much-loved Military Wives Choir, Christopher Biggins will launch the most exciting of seasons around 6.15pm in the city centre.

As well as performance from the now-famous military wives there will be family fun in the centre from 4pm, so don’t miss out!