The festive period is such a wonderful time and in Shrewsbury it’s even better. In the words of that ever popular Slade song....IT’S CHRISSSSSTMMAAASSSSS!

As it's December 1, advent calendars are at the ready. Whether yours is chocolate filled or harks back to historical origins, there is no escaping the fact that the Christmas countdown is here.

This year I have decided to fully embrace the festive period and take part in as many yuletide activities as possible. Which will cause a dent to my bank balance, but I live in Shrewsbury, in Shropshire, and there aren’t many more festive places to be in my opinion and such a lot is going on.

I have already purchased the office Christmas decorations (to rival Shrewsbury's new display which is now fully illuminated), dragging The Best of Shrewsbury team along with me and my Christmassy vibe. And I will be picking up my real Christmas tree from one of the many outlets dotted throughout the town in the next few weeks and watching Theatre Severn's Panto Aladdin this weekend.

There are a huge number of activities going on this month in the county town - from Christmas Carol walks – where participants can see the sights included in the famous film, to festive markets and shop offers.

You can’t eat or drink anywhere in the town now without being wowed by the Christmas displays both outside and in, and being tantalised by the yummy feasts on offer at this time of year. I think I am going on five Christmas meals and parties outside of the big day itself.

There are plenty of parties and nightclubs and bars opening their doors for people to wear their new spangly togs and special nights on offer to celebrate the night away.

This is the best time of year for friends, family and colleagues to get together and really over indulge in the shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, markets and nightclubs. And Shrewsbury really is a haven for all of the above, with new businesses opening all the time. So get opening those advent calendars and start walking in the winter wonderland that is Shrewsbury – when winter actually arrives of course.

For more information about things happening in the run up to Christmas and the New Year, keep checking our events page.