AS the nights draw in and the cold air starts to bite, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas and presents.

Plans are already in place for special shopping sessions for residents to pick up festive goodies and pick put their presents.

The events are also the time for Christmas light switch-ons and a chance to see Santa.

To help plan your shopping season, the Gazette has compiled a list of late-night shopping events for your calendar.

Frinton Christmas Late Night Shopping

Friday, December 7, from 6pm to 8.30pm

Connaught Avenue

Father Christmas, real reindeer, free rides, singers, bands, performances, Christmas stalls, dance groups and more.

The open mic stage is back this year, open to musicians, poets, writers, singers. Anyone is welcome, sign up on the night (outside post office).

Walton Christmas Late Night Shopping and Market

Saturday, December 1, from 4pm to 7pm

Enjoy the fabulous festive atmosphere with lots of live entertainment, Shetland ponies, face painting, covered bouncy castle, fair ground rides, church choirs and local school children singing carols and Christmas songs. We understand Santa is also visiting everyone and bringing lots of elves with him!

There will be 46 craft and selling stalls, 11 food vendors coming in and, five cafes offering food outside.

Live singing by Jonathan Green and Faith Garner.

With nearly all the shops open and an abundance of craft and Christmas stalls and fabulous food from all over the world, you are guaranteed a fabulous festive evening.

Clacton Shopping Village

Thursday, December 20 until 8pm

Shops and cafes at the factory village in Stephenson Road West will stay open until 8pm for a special night of extra season shopping.