FOLLOWING on from the last list of festive events on the lead up to December, the Free Press is now bringing readers all the need to know on the biggest events heading up to Christmas Day.

With a variety of Christmas markets, shopping days and Father Christmas visits, families across Monmouthshire can choose from a wide range of activities.

First up on to be marked on the diary is a late night shopping event taking place at Raglan Castle this Saturday (December 3) from 5pm to 8pm.

There will be Christmas gift ideas and stocking fillers for the whole family as visitors can choose from toys, books, tapestries, Welsh wool blankets, whiskey and other items.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a 10 per cent discount across all purchases and Cadw members will be able to get a further discount.

Also on the same weekend, Father Christmas will be making an appearance at the castle and guests can bring their children to meet him.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto as the castle from 11am to 3.30pm on Saturday and for the same amount of time on Sunday, with the last entry on both days being 3.30pm.

Normal admission applies to Raglan Castle and there will be an extra £3 charge to see Santa for each child which includes a gift.

Chepstow Racecourse will also be getting in the Christmas spirit on the lead up to Christmas with their party nights.

The nights include a range of performances from various tribute artists, and on December 2 guests can enjoy a performance from Freddie Mercury, a Beatles tribute act on December 10, a Rod Stewart tribute artist on December 16 and an Olly Murrs performer on December 17.

The Freddie Mercury tribute night tickets cost £39 and the rest of the evenings cost £42 per ticket.

For more information, call the racecourse events team on 01291 622260 or email events@chepstow-racecourse.co.uk.

For those who enjoy carols, a torchlight carol service will be taking place at Tintern Abbey at 6pm on December 3.

Those wanting to join in with the procession can meet at The Anchor Inn in Tintern at 5pm and are advised to bring suitable clothes and footwear for the event.

Programmes for the event are £5 per person and under 16s can go free.

All proceeds from the evening will go towards Chepstow Rotary and other rotary charities.

Programmes can now be purchased from the Tintern Abbey Shop, Miles Morgan Travel in Chepstow High Street and The Mill Shop at Abbey Mill in Tintern.

There will be another carol event at Caldicot Castle on Thursday, December 15 from 6pm to 8pm.

The evening will include music from the castle's brass quartet and entry is free but a donation is required for Caldicot Food Bank.

However, there are still more Christmas events to come so keep your eyes peeled for more festive fun.