Snow in Woodbridge will defy predictions of global warming, and a packed programme of seasonal events lasting into the New Year means visitors will be spoilt for choice.

There will be a flurry of snow when ladies' fashion shop Darcy B turns on its snow machine at a late-night shopping event on Market Hill on Friday 15 December (shops open to 8.30pm). Last year, the snow attracted the attention of a passing constable, who informed proprietor Denise Potter that a licence was necessary to operate her machine. This unwelcome news was greeted with consternation, before it was revealed to be a hoax. No hoaxes are expected this year, but there will be plenty of both shopping and entertainment opportunities to choose from.

The programme starts on Sunday 3 December, when more than a hundred stall holders will gather for the traditional Christmas Street Fair. Stax of Saxsaxophone group and a Punch and Judy show will enliven the scene for the crowds that always throng the Thoroughfare. Many of the shops will also be open, their windows dressed seasonally to compete for the Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce Shield and a prize(s) given by estate agency Gobbitt & Kirby.

On the same day, a Crafts for Christmas Fair will be staged at the town's Community Hall from 10.30am to 4.00pm, in aid of The Samaritans. A wide variety of crafts appropriate to the season (mostly hand-made) will be on offer, including toys and jewellery.

This will be followed on Friday 8 December from 4.00 to 6.00pm by the Children's Christmas Evening in the Thoroughfare. Santa with his sleigh will give out small presents to the children. A fancy dress competition will be followed by a parade with Chinese lanterns from the Red Lion at 4.15pm. This will end at Mackays store, where the Christmas tree will be switched on and prizes awarded to the children. Choirs and musicians from four of the town's schools and from local churches will perform carols, and there will be a roundabout and a Punch and Judy show. Refreshments, including pancakes and hot soup will be available.

On Thursday 21 December at 6.30, a large crowd will gather for the Market Hill Carol Concert organised by the Rotary Club of Woodbridge. The Club will present a giant Norwegian Spruce Christmas tree to the Mayor, and the Woodbridge Excelsior Brass Band will lead the carol singing. Santa will again be present to hand out gifts to children.

A rollicking start to the New Year is guaranteed by the polkas, gallops, waltzes and songs of the New Year's Day Viennese Concert, starting at 2.30pm on Monday 1 January 2007, in the town's Community Hall. More than 30 musicians will be under the baton of Roger Jones of the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook. In the interval, mince pies, a drink and a toast to the New Year. Combined ticket and programme, with free refreshments and entry to a draw is £9.50 (Concessions £8.00). Bookings 01394 383393.