It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, especially in Newmarket where we’ve been busy planning festive fun for everyone. Here are some of our favourite events on the local seasonal calendar…

Ready, steady, go! Let the Christmas shopping begin at Presents Galore. East Anglia’s biggest festive market returns to the Rowley Mile racecourse in Newmarket from 24 to 26 November with 100 stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to homeware. The emphasis is on local, with regional businesses including the Heart of Suffolk Distillery and Cambridge Artisan Cheese.

Entrance from £6, click here for more information.

Still puzzling over the prezzies? You’ll find further inspiration at the Newmarket Christmas Makers Market on the Market Square car park on 9 December. Cards, candles, personalized wares and tasty treats are just some of the thoughtful ideas that could fill a stocking or solve the problem of that special gift.

Entrance free, click here for more information.

Tattersalls will welcome everyone to its famous parade ring on the evening of 13 December for the Racing Welfare Christmas Carol Concert. Choirs of local schoolchildren will raise their voices in song, accompanied by the Newmarket Town Band. Father Christmas and his ponies will make a special appearance. Plus there will be fantastic prizes to win in the raffle.

Entrance £7 over-12s, under-12s free, click here for more information.

Never mind Santa’s sleigh, in Newmarket he prefers a horse and trap. In fact, he’ll be taking visitors on a spin in it at the National Horse Racing Museum on 16 December. There’ll also be a seasonal trail to follow around Palace House, creative activities to get stuck into, and the chance to meet celebrity Shetland pony Jack Brock.

General admission plus £5 adults, £3 over-5s, under-5s free, click here for more information.

Christmas will get an extra sprinkle of sparkle from Newmarket Racecourses this December with the Diamonds Are Forever Christmas Party. Tuxedos and ball gowns will be de rigueur at this glamourous 007-themed dinner-dance, which includes a three-course meal and tunes from the resident DJ.

Selected dates in December, from £65, click here for more information.

Throw your own party at Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, which will roll out the red carpet for your guests in its winter wonderland-themed marquee. All the arrangements will be taken care of, from welcome drinks to the DJ, and there’ll even be a fun photobooth for party snaps.

From £75 per person, click here for more information.