The cobbled market town of Totnes in South Devon has a Christmas-card quality on winter evenings, and it makes the perfect place to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and browse the quirky shops!

Totnes’s main street rolls down to the River Dart, and its cobbles fill with excited shoppers on late night shopping dates, which are 6, 13 and 20 December.

The historic market town knows a thing or two about street entertainment, so expect festive snacks and food to sample, family entertainment and all kinds of gift idea in the region’s most creative town.

The advent calenders are officially unwrapped and the countdown's begun - Christmas is on the way!

One of the best things about the festive season here in the South West is all the unique and unforgettable places to meet Santa, it seems he can't get enough of our attractions throughout December. 

To make it easier to pick a place to visit him, we've compiled our ten favourite grottos, so all you have to do is find some little ones to take along and say hello.

Susy Atkins, Wine Writer for The Telegraph shares her tips on the best wines for enjoying the festive season...

Gourmets take note! Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the lovely wines made in the south-west are only for summer drinking - they’re not.

We can drive into a local winery and stock up with delicious bottles made right by where we are staying - and in my book, there’s nothing like drinking a wine that’s been produced up the road.

Our very own Ewan Davy took his daughters for the journey of a lifetime on the Santa Express last year, and he told us all about their day chugging through snowy Dartmoor.

The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat’s Santa Express will be running between Paignton and Kingswear from 10 – 24 December, so don’t forget to book your ticket to a winter wonderland!

The Santa Express service includes a pantomime, mince pies and festive drinks for the grown ups and sweets for the children. This year’s panto is Robin Hood.

Christmas is coming to Pennywell Farm on Dartmoor, and the attraction will soon be opening its gates for its annual nativity plays and chance to visit Father Christmas.

Bet you’ve never seen a nativity play with real animals, and what better place to re-enact the Christmas story and stable scene than on a peaceful Devon farm?

Booking is essential, and plays will run from 3 – 24 December. Children will be more than welcome to join in the performance, and costumes will be provided so parents don’t forget to take a camera!

As our town centres start to light up for the big Christmas countdown we had to share the ultimate in festive illuminations – the Mousehole lights in Penzance.

Every Christmas sees this little fishing village (pronounced ‘mowzel’ by the way) transform with a stunning display of lights based on the area’s tales and legends.

The boats in the harbour, cottages, pubs and shops are lit up with spectacular displays, which will be switched on on 17 December.  

Torquay is all about festive sparkle this Saturday (19th November), and there’s added excitement to its annual Christmas lights celebrations as some of the X Factor contestants are coming along.

We’re not sure exactly which of the bunch will be performing in the town centre yet, but they’ll be joining Palm FM, Father Christmas himself and a whole range of street entertainers from 11am-6pm.

There will be a live Palm FM broadcast on a Fleet Walk stage from 3pm, and the Christmas lights will be switched on at 5.30pm.

Ok so the evenings are closing in and it’s out with the winter clothes, but on the plus side we’re in one of the most romantic seasons. The South West is full of great festive dates to make this winter one to remember – and our ideas range from the traditional to the unique!

Watch Romeo and Juliet underground

Torquay’s prehistoric Kents Cavern may not seem the most romantic of places, but with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet being performed in the caves throughout much of November they make a unique place to enjoy the classic lovers’ play. Tickets are £16.

Although the snow's melting and the Santa Express has chugged off into the horizon, the children who enjoyed the festive journey and panto this year will remember the experience for years to come...

Click here to read more about the fun aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Blue Chip Holidays would like to wish all of our customers and readers a very happy 2011!

Thank you again for all your support during what turned out to be a hugely successful 2010 for Blue Chip, and we look forward to seeing and hearing from you all throughout the year.

We hope to expand even further throughout 2011, and our property portfolio will include new luxury holiday cottages in some exciting new locations, so keep an eye on our blog for all the latest news!