Malton Christmas lights switch-on and Santa fun run
Christmas comes early to Ryedale this weekend as dozens of Father Christmases descend on Malton on Sunday as part of the town’s second annual Santa Fun Run.

The runs will take place in Malton Market Place to coincide with the Christmas lights switch-on and there will also be a fun run for youngsters aged four to eight, one for the older children ages nine to 13 and a longer run for the adults. The runs start at 3pm, with the last one at 4pm followed by the lights switch on.

The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness at Helmsley Arts Centre
On Sunday, the Squashbox Theatre will present a celebration of everything Christmassy for all the family from fir trees, fairy lights, sleigh bells and snowflakes to crackers, carols, presents and puddings.

Guests can meet a snowman who lives in the fridge, spot some naughty elves, hunt the brussel sprout and see the world’s worst Christmas jumper.

There will also be puppets, songs, quizzes and comedy throughout the afternoon. The event will run from 2.30-5pm. Tickets are £7 and £5.50 for under 18s.

A fireside audience with Father Christmas at Castle Howard
What better way to capture the excitement of Christmas than to meet Father Christmas himself.

Join Santa and his wizard friend on Saturday and Sunday for festive stories, singing and magic tricks in front of the roaring fire in the Grecian Hall of Castle Howard. Tickets include admission, a personalised invitation, an age appropriate gift and the opportunity for photographs with Santa himself.
Tickets can be pre-booked online at castlehoward.co.uk

1920’s Christmas Experience at Nunnington Hall
Discover Nunnington Hall as it would have been on a Christmas Eve during the 1920’s. The house is dressed for Christmas, sherry is being served by the butler and guests can hear about the day through the eyes of the house occupants.

Father Christmas will also be at the hall in his grotto ready to give guests presents. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/nunnington-hall The event will run until December 14.

Kirkbymoorside Christmas Fair
The fair will be opened on Saturday at 11am by the Kirkbymoorside brass band. Father Christmas will be in his grotto along with some of his reindeer until 3pm and there will be a variety of stalls in the Memorial Hall.

The town’s first ever official Christmas lights switch-on will be held at 4.40pm, hosted by Vale Radio from 3-5pm.

There will be competitions for the best children’s fancy dress and best dressed Christmas shop window, plus a children’s reindeer treasure hunt. Free car parking will be available all day in the Town Farm car park and vouchers are available from the Post Office and library.