If you have ever stayed in one of the lovely North Norfolk hotels or spent a weekend break in Norfolk, you will probably already know all about Holt.

Located between Wells and Cromer, this picturesque, Georgian place is a shoppers paradise – packed full of antique shops, craft emporiums and galleries that are perfect for a morning or afternoons browsing.

There are all sorts on offer here, from toy shops such as Starling’s on the High Street (the toys are upstairs) to both wooden toys and childrens clothes at Mini Milou in Appleyard. Meanwhile, you will find fashionable outdoor wear for adults in stores such as Joules and Fat Face, again on the High Street and in Appleyard respectively. Then there are the jewellery stores, far more than you would find in any other town this size. For modern jewellery, try YouNo on Shirehall Plain, or for something more substantial there is Webbs County Jeweller’s at the entrance to the town.

As the nights draw in and our thoughts turn to Christmas festivities Holt really comes into its own; the whole town gets involved in the annual Christmas lights switch-on and the result – twinkling white lights everywhere – it really is magical.

Indeed, Norfolk luxury hotels fill up with guests just for this occasion, with many visitors to North Norfolk making a special trip to Holt to see the lights, as well as visiting the nearby world-famous Thursford Christmas Spectacular, of course. The actual light switch-on night is a bit of fun, as the town is always full to capacity, but if you come back again a few days later, you will find that the whole place has taken on a truly festive feel.

The three shopping yards – Chapelyard, Lees Yard and Appleyard – are home to all sorts of interesting stores, from those selling photographs of the coast (Casa Andalus) to those selling things for our feathered friends (Bird Ventures). And if you are looking for hampers, all sorts of places sell them here, from Adnams Cellar & Kitchen Store in Lees Yard to the fabulous deli at Bakers & Larners on the High Street.

Indeed, come and stay in one of the hotels in North Norfolk and you will be able to wrap up all your Christmas shopping in one go!

Kerry Miller is a keen traveller who has stayed in many North Norfolk Hotels including Norfolk Luxury Hotels