1 Many festive occasions associated with Avebury were already ancient by the time we began to celebrate Christmas, but the manor house - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury - can usually be relied on to host something traditional. This year is no exception, with the imposing property decorated with some 2,000 ornaments. Each room is carefully set out to give an impression of Christmas at a different point in history. Full details can be found on the website.

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2 Tickets are still available for this year’s pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre, but they are selling at least as rapidly as in previous years. Former EastEnder Michelle Collins delivers a gleefully villainous star turn as wicked fairy stepmother Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty. The Wyvern’s version is written and directed by CBeebies’ Chris Jarvis, who plays the lovable Muddles. The box office can be contacted on 01793 524481 and via swindontheatres.co.uk

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3 For anybody with a fondness for history, art and fine furnishings, there are few things more enjoyable than a guided tour of Lydiard Park. One of those things is a guided tour of Lydiard Park which comes with a festive afternoon tea. The website - www.lydiardpark.org.uk - has details of the special tours which run daily throughout the month. Spaces are limited and advance booking is essential.

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4 Father Christmas is known for being kind, cheery, fond of mince pies and so magical that he can be in many places at once during the run-up to Christmas - but he can only see a certain number of children in any one place as the days to the 25th tick by. His grotto at the Brunel Centre in Swindon is always especially popular, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and make sure to book a place. Visit www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/brunel

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5 Santa’s Grotto is just part of the ambitious Swindon Festival of Christmas, which was launched last month when the lights were switched on by JLS star Aston Merrygold. The ongoing programme of events, set to run throughout the month, includes music, charity events, and stalls selling an international selection of foods, crafts and other items. On Saturday, December 14 from 11am until 7pm, Wharf Green will host a funfair.

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6 Visiting Swindon Museum and Art Gallery’s annual open exhibition is a great way of keeping up with the sheer breadth of artistic talent in and around the town. Thanks to the timing of the exhibition, which runs at the Bath Road venue this month, it is also ideal for anybody in search of a unique Christmas gift for that tricky-to-buy-for person. Information about the exhibition and other events at the museum and art gallery can be found at http://swindonmuseumandartgallery.org.uk/events

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7 Jolly Roger Adventure in Greenbridge Road is a popular children’s party venue at any time of year, and Christmas is no exception. Tickets are still available for the Christmas Eve party, which will run from noon until 2pm and feature appearances by Elsa, Princess Anna and, of course, the jolly man himself. Visit jollyrogerplay.com

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8 Westonbirt Arboretum’s Enchanted Christmas - www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/enchanted-christmas - appeals not just to children but to the child in all of us. This year’s display, open until three days before the big day, sees the woodland transformed once again into an enchanted wonderland of light, magical creatures and happy surprises. There is a Christmas village with food, drink and a chance to try some crafts.

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9 Swindon and Cricklade Railway - swindon-cricklade-railway.org - is once again operating its Santa Special services, which are among the most anticipated and loved of the area’s Christmas visitor attractions. Advance booking for the trains, on which Father Christmas hitches a ride is recommended.

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10 Roves Farm at Shrivenham - rovesfarm.co.uk - still has places available for its special Christmas events, which include a visit to Santa in his grotto, crafts and other fun activities.

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