TIS’ almost the season to be jolly, and towns across the county are preparing to launch the festive season.

This weekend, Chepstow and Caldicot will hold events featuring Christmas lights, entertainment, and even a certain smartly-dressed jolly chap on a sleigh.

On Friday (24th November) in Caldicot town centre, there will be stalls offering food and gifts from 1am, with musical acts including children’s choirs on stage from 4pm. The lights will be turned on at 6pm.

As well as this, special Christmas donkeys will be in attendance, offering rides to children at just £1.

The donkeys, dressed in Christmas attire, are part of Caldicot Town Team’s annual Christmas market, this year featuring more than 30 stalls.

Chepstow hosts its Christmas event the following day (25th November) with a road closure of the High Street from 9am.

There will be a produce and local craft market all day, as well as music and entertainment in Beaufort Square from 2.30pm.

Between 5.30pm and 6pm, Father Christmas will arrive on the High Street, and the town’s Christmas lights will be sparked into life.

A late-night shopping event will be held at Raglan Castle on Wednesday 29th November between 5pm and 8pm, an ideal event for those looking for an unique Welsh gift for their loved ones, with a choice between Welsh wool blankets, Pembrey Pottery, Penderyn Whiskey, Clogau Gold and much more. Admission is free.

On 2nd and 3rd December, Usk will hold its Christmas Festival, with a full programme of live music and entertainment on the Saturday. Twyn Square will be hosting a Christmas market with gift ideas and tasty treats.

On the Sunday, a Reindeer Parade starts at 5pm from Usk Fire Station. It will continued along Bridge Street to New Market Street, Old Market Street and Maryport Street before finishing at The Sessions House. Following the parade is free of charge.

Over the same weekend, Father Christmas will return to Raglan with his Christmas Grotto.

Children can visit him in his cosy grotto, while the elves bring festive fun to the rest of the castle. Hot and cold refreshments available too.

There is an extra £3 charge to see Father Christmas for each child, which will include a gift. The grotto times are 11am to 3.30pm, last entry 3.30pm.

Monmouth’s Christmas lantern parade will begin at 6pm on Friday 8th December.

Residents and visitors are invited to congregate around the Monnow Bridge where talented folk duo from Monmouth Comprehensive ‘Highly Strung’ will perform.

At 6.30pm Father Christmas will come across the bridge on his sleigh and lead the lantern procession up to the Shire Hall, where he will hand out gifts from his sleigh.

At the Shire Hall there will be carols accompanied by the Town Band from 7pm, followed by performances from Monmouth’s primary schools.