THE start of November signals the exciting countdown to Christmas and with that comes an abundance of great events to get you in the festive mood.

In the coming weeks, the social calendar in Warrington is packed full of fun events for all the family as we await the arrival of Christmas Day.

Here are a few festivities that you will not want to miss:

St Mary’s Church – Making Christmas Baubles Event – November 25

This Lymm Church on Church Lane will be enabling residents to unlock their creativity with an afternoon of bauble making.

The free event will run from 2 to 4pm and is a drop in event.

There will be a number of fun crafts and activities to participate in which will help attendees to ‘discover the Christmas story’.

The baubles will adorn a tree to be displayed at our Christmas Tree Festival on the first weekend in December.

St Ann’s Church Toy Swap – November 25

A Christmas wonderland toy swap will take place at St Ann’s Church in Orford for disadvantaged families.

The free event will include Christmas activities, a gift from Santa and a huge raffle.

Free food and beverages will be provided too, including mulled wine for the adults to enjoy.

It will run from 3pm to 6.30pm.

Any unwanted toys can be dropped off for the event the day before on November 24 at the church between 11am and 8pm.

Frozen’s Elsa and Warrington Wolves mascot Wolfie will be coming to greet the children who attend.

Winter Wonderland - November 25

As well as Christmas artisan markets, there will be a funfair, music, a light and sound show, a parade, and much more over one weekend in Warrington town centre.

It will be the perfect start to the festive season.

Warrington Weekend Wonderland will take place on Saturday, November 25, and Sunday, November 26.

Read more here

Woolston Christmas Fair - November 25

The Church of Ascension, Warren Lane in Woolston, will host a Christmas fair this month.

Doors will open at 1pm and admission will be £1.

A raffle will be held and there will be plenty of stalls to browse from.

There will even be an appearance from Santa.

Luminate Walton Gardens - From November 30 to December 24

The mesmerising mile-long trial is full of ‘wonder and awe’ and aims to surprise and delight visitors with enchanting light displays.

You can take your time along the trail to spot fairies, make a wish, and even make your own light display.

There is also an opportunity to get warm and cosy as you toast marshmallows over the firepits.

Do not miss out and go to their website, waltonhallgardens.co.uk, to book now.

Grappenhall Village Christmas Fair - Saturday December 2

HEAD to the cobbles of Grappenhall village on Saturday for the ever popular Christmas fair.

St Wilfrid's Church and School host the event in the beautiful surroundings of the village from 12.45pm.

That is when Father Christmas and his elves will make an appearance.

The tree lighting and carols will be from 5pm.

Visitors can also expect a Grotto, hog roast and mulled wine, refreshments.

While stalls include Christmas wreaths, free children's crafts and a raffle.

Adults are £2.50 and children go free.

Stockton Heath lights switch-on - December 3

THE traditional Christmas lights switch-on in Stockton Heath will take place next weekend.

The event will be held in Victoria Square on Sunday, December 3 from 4.30pm.

Children from St Thomas's Primary School and Stockton Heath Primary School will lead the carol singing before the countdown to the light switch-on by parish council chairman Helen Dutton.

The switch-on has been moved from the usual Friday tea time slot to a Sunday afternoon.

Christmas Markets on Winmarleigh Street - Sunday December 3

You’ll be able to visit indoor Christmas markets in the heart of the town centre next month.

Winmarleigh House, on Winmarleigh Street, is hosting the markets which will feature more than 35 local independent stallholders.

There will be a selection of crafts, food, wax melts, and perfumes on offer as well as much more.

A Christmas grotto will be there and even Santa will be making an appearance.

It is a free event for stallholders and it will be free for the public to enter.

The indoor Christmas markets will take place on Sunday, December 3, from 10am to 4pm.

Christingle at Christ Church Padgate - Sunday December 3

Join the Padgate Christingle which will be held at Christ Church at 4.30pm.

This will be followed by carol singing around the Christmas tree outside the church with a brass band accompaniment.

 A nativity and carols will also be performed by a local school and a collection will be made during the event to provide donations for the local food bank.

Christmas Tree Extravaganza - Tuesday December 5 to Friday December 8

This event will take place at Christ Church in Padgate and will be full of festive fun.

It is free entry and opening times are from 9.30am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4.30pm.

There will be crafts, a tombola, a raffle and refreshments served throughout the day.

Christmas Concert - Tuesday December 5

A Christmas concert will be held at Christ Church in Padgate for all residents to enjoy.

The concert will feature the Warrington Musical Society.

There will be folk songs in the first half and Christmas songs and carols in the second half.

Tickets cost £6 and proceeds from this concert will be split between Warrington Musical Society and Christ Church.

Dickensian Day in Lymm - Saturday December 9

THE date has been confirmed for a popular fixture on the festive calendar in Lymm.

Dickensian Day will take place on Saturday, December 9.

The day will include fairs, stalls and festive fun across the village.

And the highlight will be the parade at lunchtime.

It sees schoolchildren and groups walk through the closed roads of Lymm in Dickensian costume.

Mamars Merry Soiree - Saturday December 9

The event will take place at artisan bakery Mamars on Sankey Street, on December 9.

Poetry, Christmas carols, live music and comedy will be among the festivities to look forward to.

It will run from 2pm to 5pm and all proceeds will be donated to St Rocco’s Hospice, which provides end of life care to patients and bereavement support for families in Warrington.

Land of Lights Festival, Gulliver's World – November 11 to December 31

Visitors can discover gigantic lanterns across 12 magical dream worlds at the popular children’s theme park.

They will be inspired by animal kingdoms, mega monuments, and seasonal celebrations.

A special Jurassic zone will even feature ‘living dinosaurs’.

There will also be street food, a licensed bar, and stunning light installations.

If you have a Christmas event to share with readers, email jessica.barnes@newsquest.co.uk