Lantern parade will start South Molton Christmas and a weekend of festive fun

South Molton starts its Christmas on Friday, December 5 as the town centre hosts the much-loved Winter Wonderland and lantern parade followed by an evening and a weekend of festivities.

Broad Street will be glowing with hundreds of handmade lanterns, created by local primary schools and a group from Earth Action North Devon. The lantern parade sets off at 5.30pm, with everyone invited to join the community carol singing around the Christmas tree.

The celebrations continue inside the Pannier Market, which will be transformed into the now traditional and very popular bustling Winter Wonderland, with entertainment, festive food and drink and plenty to see and do.

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There will be live music from 6.30pm, featuring The Wren Choir performing a traditional Devon Christmas Carol, solstice songs and traditional Swedish songs, followed by the lively and popular Freedom Field Ceilidh Band.

With two bars, mulled wine and a wide range of hot food stalls, there will be something to suit every taste bud too.

As well as the chance to partake in some late-night shopping with the town’s many independent local traders, there will be lots for all ages to enjoy, including meet the reindeer, free face-painting and a bouncy snow globe from Exeter Bouncy Castles.

Above: Christmas fun awaits in South Molton. Credit: South Molton United Primary School

Mince pies will be on offer in the Assembly Rooms and at Blessed Be and Crafty Corner in the George Arcade.

People are invited to visit the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary Magdalene Church too, with decorated trees from a variety of local organisations and groups.

The festival runs until December 8 and will have 108 trees this year, making it possibly the largest in North Devon.

The lantern parade is a highlight of the town’s festive calendar and marks the start of a full weekend of Christmas events.

The weekend also sees the return of the South Molton Fatstock Show on Sunday, December 7, when the countryside comes to town with livestock competitions, family attractions and a bustling market atmosphere.

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