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2012 January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Babbacombe Theatre's Christmas show and 'We're going on a bear hunt' at the Northcott in Exeter.
Plenty of festive fun. Click here for the theatres & cinemas page for local panto information click

Do e-mail me if you have any events on Dartmoor that you wish to have shown - no charge

From Saturday 12th November to Monday 2nd January MAKE - Contemporary Crafts for Christmas at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey. The Guild's Christmas exhibition is the perfect place to buy presents. Showcasing over 50 of the best regional and national contemporary makers the UK has to offer. FREE admission. Open daily, 10am to 5.30 pm, closed Xmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Telephone 01626 8322233 or see the Guild website.

From Saturday 12th November to Friday 30th December 2011 Exhibition of Stained Glass. The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Newton Abbot Devon TQ13 7TA A National Trust Event: Hand-crafted vibrant and colourful stained glass pieces, including mirrors, panels and lamps, created by local artist June Carnell. Contact The Church House 01364 621321. Times 10.30 to 04.30 Booking Not Needed.

Thursday 1st December Starting at 9am to 1pm Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre. Buy local vegetables, plants, flowers, meat and other produce from local Dartmoor suppliers. Refreshments available throughout the morning.

Thursday 1st December MED Theatre Opportunity. If you would like to be involved in Catchment, MED Theatre’s community play for 2012, please get in touch by MONDAY 5th DECEMBER 2011. Telephone us on 01647 441356 or Take a look at the theatre website for more information This is an opportunity for local adults and children aged 10+.

Friday 2nd December Colourful flea market at Chagford. Grand little market at Chagford up to 1 o'clock. Full of interesting 'stuff', home made cakes, second hand goods and local traders in the Jubilee Hall next to the car park. Refreshments available. More info on the Flea Market website

From Friday 2nd December to Friday 23rd December 11am - 4.30pm. (Saturday, 17th December only 6pm - 9pm)Christmas at Buckland Abbey. Festive fun in the Abbey decorated for Christmas. Fun for all the family in a relaxed festive atmosphere. The Abbey will be decorated with traditional festive displays including a Victorian Christmas Kitchen. On the weekends and daily from 16 December we will have FATHER CHRISTMAS, and pomander making, Tudor games and traditional decoration making. Last admission time: 4pm. Free event (normal admission charges apply). On special Christmas open evening all visitors will receive a free glass of mulled wine and a taster mince pie. Last admission time 8.30pm. Free event (normal admission charges apply) Click here to see Buckland Abbey's events page More Information telephone the Abbey on 01822 853607, e-mail the Abbey for information

Saturday 3rd December From 10am to 5.30pm. Join in the Christmas Celebration at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey for a jolly day of Christmas festivities, Carol singers, craft demonstrations, free mulled wine and mince pies plus food tastings in the café. Select from the huge range of Christmas decorations, cards and handmade gifts in the shop too. FREE admission.Telephone 01626 8322233 or see the Guild website.

From Saturday 3rd December to Sunday 4th December 11am-3pm Christmas Feasting in the café at Castle Drogo. Enjoy the festivities by choosing how much you want to eat from a selection of the Castle's Christmas festive food menu, all freshly made from the finest of all our local produce. Available in the café. From £8.95. Click onto the Castle website for further information.

From Saturday 3rd December to Sunday 4th December 3pm-4.30pm Father Christmas Teas in the Castle Drogo Café. Father Christmas inspired teas for all to enjoy at the Castle's café.Click onto the Castle website for further information.

Saturday 3rd December Chagford Christmas Fair at Endicott House next door to the Three Crowns. Time to be arranged.

Saturday 3rd December You are invited to an Indian Vegetarian Feast - Moretonhampstead Parish Hall, Moretonhampstead Devon TQ13 8LL.On this fragrant day you will prepare and learn how to cook a mouth-watering Indian vegetarian banquet with several courses. Following the class we will share the food and other members of the family are welcome to join for a small fee. All ingredients are provided. This will be a deliciously memorable day. Saturday 3rd December 12midday with meal at 6pm. Please call Katheryn on 01647 440855 for more information or go to the course page. Full fee £33.00/Concessions £24.00 inclusive of all food and the meal at the end. Starts 12midday and the meal is at 6pm. Family members may come to the meal only for £8.

Saturday 3rd December The Whiddon Down Methodist Church Christmas Fair is to be held at Whiddon Down Village Hall. Come and pick up some stocking fillers and Christmas bargains, meet friends and support our local Church. Free parking and admission.

From Saturday 3rd December to Sunday 4th December Santa will be paying a visit to the House of Marbles at Bovey Tracey today from 10am to 3pm with a sackful of goodies. Each child will receive a present, a drink, a discount voucher to use in the shop, a sticker and a balloon. The charge is £4.50 per child. Thousands of marbles for sale, an interesting museum and lots of free parking. Take a look at the website

Monday 5th December In Northlew. On the first Monday of each month - there's an opportunity to enjoy live music once a month at The Green Dragon in Northlew Square. The open accoustic music nights are open to all accoustic musicians, singers and anyone who would just like to come along and enjoy the music. The music nights will start at 8pm. For more information please call Laurie Light 01409 221173

From Tuesday 6th December to Thursday 8th December Paignton (Palace Avenue) Methodist Church will be hosting the 16thsuccessive year of “CAROLS DOWN THE LINE”on the South Devon Railway on Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th December. Come and join us for an evening of steam and carol nostalgia. Trains will depart from Buckfastleigh Station at 7.30pm and will be steam hauled. (PLEASE NOTE - no reservations can be accepted on the night.) “Carols Down the Line”costs £8.50per person to include Tea/Coffee and a hot Mince Pie kindly donated by Brakes Fresh Ideas, which will be served en-route to Totnes (Littlehempston). The majority of the proceeds will be donated to ‘Action for Children’ and ‘Worldvision’ Projects. A collection will be made each evening for ShelterBox (Disaster Relief) and The Railway Mission. (In 2010 ‘Carols Down the Line’ raised over £4800 for charities and good causes.) Seats must be reserved in advance. Please go to this link to download a reservation form

Tuesday 6th December Guided walk starting at 10am – 4pm a 6hr walk. Widecombe Skyline (Widecombe-in-the-Moor) Explore Hameldown ridge, Grimspound and Kings Barrow. Stretch your legs and blow away the winter cobwebs! Walkers need to be reasonably fit and suitably dressed and booted. Click here for further information.

From Thursday 8th December to Saturday 24th December Joliba Trust goods, traditional craftwork Jewellery, beads, hand-woven textiles, sculpture and household objects from Artists in the Sahel. Fairtrade goods from around the world. At 10 High Street, CHAGFORD (opposite the Church), Devon TQ13 8AJ Telephone 07745 755778 Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm up to Christmas Eve

Thursday 8th December Starting at 9am to 1pm Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre. Buy local vegetables, plants, flowers, meat and other produce from local Dartmoor suppliers. Refreshments available throughout the morning.

Friday 9th December Colourful flea market at Chagford. Grand little market at Chagford up to 1 o'clock. Full of interesting 'stuff', home made cakes, second hand goods and local traders in the Jubilee Hall next to the car park. Refreshments available. More info on the Flea Market website

Friday 9th December Whiddon Down Evening Village Market will be held from 7pm – 9pm, a perfect opportunity to buy Christmas gifts without having to drive to town. Come along for delicious refreshments and good company. Contact Barbara Cannon, 01647 231318 if you would like to book a table. Only £4

Saturday 10th December Running from 10 am to 12 noon, Hittisleigh Market held in Hittisleigh village hall, every 2nd Saturday. There will be seasonal produce, meat, cheese, plants, cakes, preserves etc. Contact Shirley for further information 01647 24453.

From Saturday 10th December to Sunday 11th December 11am-3pm Christmas Feasting in the café at Castle Drogo. Enjoy the festivities by choosing how much you want to eat from a selection of the Castle's Christmas festive food menu, all freshly made from the finest of all our local produce. Available in the café. From £8.95. Click onto the Castle website for further information.

From Saturday 10th December to Sunday 11th December 3pm-4.30pm Father Christmas Teas in the Castle Drogo Café. Father Christmas inspired teas for all to enjoy at the Castle's café.Click onto the Castle website for further information.

From Saturday 10th December to Sunday 11th December Santa will be paying a visit to the House of Marbles at Bovey Tracey today from 10am to 3pm with a sackful of goodies. Each child will receive a present, a drink, a discount voucher to use in the shop, a sticker and a balloon. The charge is £4.50 per child. Thousands of marbles for sale, an interesting museum and lots of free parking. Take a look at the website

Sunday 11th December The Methodist Church Carol Service will take place at Whiddon Down Village Hall. Everyone is welcome to come to this family events and join the festive service. Followed by mince pies and a cup of tea

Tuesday 13th December Chagford's annual late night Christmas shopping from 6.30pm. Buy your Christmas presents, be entertained and do it through a haze of mulled wine, hog roast and mince pies. Everybody is welcome to join in Chagford's annual festive evening. Each purchase entitles the customer to a free raffle ticket with quality prizes donated by local businesses. This is always a festive evening in this quaint little Dartmoor town.

Thursday 15th December Starting at 9am to 1pm Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre. Buy local vegetables, plants, flowers, meat and other produce from local Dartmoor suppliers. Refreshments available throughout the morning.

Friday 16th December Colourful flea market at Chagford. Grand little market at Chagford up to 1 o'clock. Full of interesting 'stuff', home made cakes, second hand goods and local traders in the Jubilee Hall next to the car park. Refreshments available. More info on the Flea Market website

Saturday 17th December Sheelanagig. Balkan folk mayhem at the Jubilee Hall in Chagford. £8 advance tickets from Sally's, Chagford - £10 on the door. Bar available. Profits to Farms for City Children. Starting at 8.30 p.m.

From Saturday 17th December to Friday 23rd December 11am-3pm Christmas Feasting in the café at Castle Drogo. Enjoy the festivities by choosing how much you want to eat from a selection of the Castle's Christmas festive food menu, all freshly made from the finest of all our local produce. Available in the café. From £8.95.Click onto the Castle website for further information.

From Saturday 17th December to Friday 23rd December 3pm-4.30pm Father Christmas Teas in the Castle Drogo Café. Father Christmas inspired teas for all to enjoy at the Castle's café.Click onto the Castle website for further information.

Saturday 17th December Okehampton Town market has over 20 busy stalls in the centre of town on the third Saturday of each month. When the weather is right, there is a fresh fish stall, and every week you can buy locally produced meat, free range eggs and chicken, venison, bread and local cider along with the very best in fresh vegetables, herbs and fresh yogurt.Open 9 until 1p.m. Contact Ruth Kelsey on telephone 01837 811762 for any more information. Here is the Okehampton Market website should you wish to see more information.e-mail address.

Saturday 17th December Today Father Christmas will be riding on his pony and trap down Widecombe hill and touring the village before distributing his FREE gifts to children aged 11 and under. This is to be part of a day when all the village come together to create a day of Christmas magic.From 9.30am to 3pm there will be a Village market. Putting the MAGIC BACK INTO CHRISTMAS The day will start at 10.00am with an hour long peal of our church bells. There will be special events all around the green, the square and in the Church House. There will be carol singing by our local community choir, Morris dancing & country craft demonstrations on the Green. There will llamas & alpacas in the Church House garden under a large Christmas tree. The shops and cafes will be putting on special events for children - card making, icing your own Christmas biscuit, fir cone decorating, to name but a few. The Old Inn will be serving mulled wine and mince pies in the square. In the Church House the Widecombe Produce Market will be packed with seasonal produce, where you can also buy your raffle ticket here to support the Widecombe History Group with lots of great prizes. The Widecombe pre-school will be providing tea, coffee and hot food. At 2pm Father Christmas arrives in the village, visiting shops and cafes on his journey, to arrive outside The National Trust shop where he will distribute his presents to the children. At 3.00 the raffle will be drawn by Tony Beard the Wag from Widecombe and the day will end with a traditional Carol Service in St Pancras Church starting at 3.30pm. With great support from the village traders and The National Trust in order to make this a very special day for all the family and to bring the Christmas Spirit to everyone. Widecombe looks forward to seeing you here on the day. Do bring the family along and support our Dartmoor village.

From Saturday 17th December to Sunday 18th December Santa will be paying a visit to the House of Marbles at Bovey Tracey today from 10am to 3pm with a sackful of goodies. Each child will receive a present, a drink, a discount voucher to use in the shop, a sticker and a balloon. The charge is £4.50 per child. IF YOU FANCY A FREE POT OF TEA WHEN YOU ARE THERE, THEN CLICK THIS LINK Thousands of marbles for sale, an interesting museum and lots of free parking. Take a look at the shop website

Sunday 18th December Starting at 8.30 p.m. on every third Sunday of the month, an Open Mike Night at the Sandy Park Inn, near to Chagford. All welcome to show off suspected talent. Free to enter. You never know which talent spotter will be in the audience ! Why not go along and strut your stuff ?

Monday 19th December Whiddon Down's own very popular Christmas Meat Bingo is taking place at the Village Hall tonight. Doors open at 7.30pm, eyes down at 8pm. Christmas Bingo, your last chance to shout 'house!' before Christmas. At Whiddon Down Village Hall where you will be made warm and welcome. Fresh poultry and meat from the local butcher as some of the excellent prizes.

Tuesday 20th December Manaton village market is held on each third Tuesday of the month where you can buy lots of local goods including cakes, puddings and pies, honey, fresh eggs, cheese, meat from local farms, pork, lamb, bacon, even locally made fudge. Get yourselves along to the Parish Hall to find all these goodies from Devon producers. Open from 10.30 to 12.30. Contact Mrs. Christina Everett on telephone 01647 221302 for further details.

From Wednesday 21st December to Friday 23rd December Santa will be paying a visit to the House of Marbles at Bovey Tracey today from 10am to 3pm with a sackful of goodies. Each child will receive a present, a drink, a discount voucher to use in the shop, a sticker and a balloon. The charge is £4.50 per child. Thousands of marbles for sale, an interesting museum and lots of free parking. Take a look at the website

Thursday 22nd December Starting at 9am to 1pm Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre. Buy local vegetables, plants, flowers, meat and other produce from local Dartmoor suppliers. Refreshments available throughout the morning.

Friday 23rd December In the run up to the special day... why not spend an evening at the Sandy Park Inn listening to some live music with Carl Allerfeldt on fiddle and Tony Bayliss, vocals and cittern. It's a free event and an opportunity to see two very accomplished musicians in the pub at Sandy Park between Drewsteignton and Chagford. Food is available at the bar. To find out more about these 2 guys take a look at the Jiggerypipery website

Friday 23rd December Colourful flea market at Chagford. Grand little market at Chagford up to 1 o'clock. Full of interesting 'stuff', home made cakes, second hand goods and local traders in the Jubilee Hall next to the car park. Refreshments available. More info on the Flea Market website

From Tuesday 27th December to Sunday 1st January 11am-4pm Wind down and warm up with Castle Drogo's winter warm up menu. Relax after Christmas with a walk in the fresh air of the Drogo gardens and Teign Valley. Recharge your batteries in our café by trying something from our winter warm up menu and indulge in some retail therapy with sale offers in abundance away from the crowds in our shop!Click onto the Castle website for further information.

Thursday 29th December Starting at 9am to 1pm Buckfastleigh Farmers Market at the Town Hall, every Thursday near the Globe Inn, in the town Centre. Buy local vegetables, plants, flowers, meat and other produce from local Dartmoor suppliers. Refreshments available throughout the morning.

Friday 30th December Colourful flea market at Chagford. Grand little market at Chagford up to 1 o'clock. Full of interesting 'stuff', home made cakes, second hand goods and local traders in the Jubilee Hall next to the car park. Refreshments available. More info on the Flea Market website

Saturday 31st December Honest John (vocals / guitar) and Pete Lowe (sax / clarinet / flute) will be playing at the Ring of Bells at North Bovey on New Years Eve. They are great musicians. We hired them for our elder daughter's wedding and they rocked. Here's the pub telephone number if you need it 01647 440375. Happy New Year everyone !

Saturday 31st December The Johnny Fuller Band will be entertaining one and all on New Year�s Eve in The Long Room, at The Drewe Arms in Drewsteignton. Tickets available at £5.00 in advance or £10.00 on the door. So come and say goodbye to the old year and make new friends.

Saturday 31st December Celebrate New Years Eve in style with dinner and music at the Edgemoor hotel near to Bovey Tracey. £39.50 per person or join in from 9pm onwards with the same music and bacon rolls £15.00 per person. The dinner is accompanied by a Jazz Trio playing during dinner, then Honey Sol - Southwest Music Award winners 2011 play from 10.30 onwards. Find more information on the hotel website