CHRISTMAS is coming to Malton this weekend with the last monthly food market of the year.

One of the special guests will be Santa Claus himself, who will be in his own Grotto in the Milton Rooms during the festive event, which runs from 9am to 3pm.

The market will include over 45 food and drink stalls, a Festive Treat Hunt for the children, and carols sung by the Kirkham Henry singers between 11.20am and 12.20pm.

As part of the seasonal celebrations, there will be Mincemeat Cookery Lessons, courtesy of The Woodhams-Stone Collection Trust at 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Sarah Maultby, project officer, said: “We are delighted to be able to demonstrate tasty yet historical mincemeat recipes at the Malton Monthly Food Market.

"It will be a great time to show how this traditional foodstuff became synonymous with Christmas."

"During our 20-minute talks, we will prepare different versions of mincemeat, including a recipe from the 16th Century, one from the late 18th Century and a version from the mid-Victorian era."

Sarah said they would also be explaining the ingredients and the history behind each recipe.

"It is very interesting to see how changes have occurred over the generations," she added.

“There will be a chance to taste some mince pies too and during our talks, we will have on show old cookery objects, so people can see how things have changed over the years.”

Sarah and the team will be continuing their talks at the Subscription Rooms during the day.

In addition, foodies will be tempted by the chef demonstrations including Ashley McCarthy from Ye Old Sun Inn, York at 11am and 12noon, followed by Ian Rae and David Spencer from the Cliffemount Hotel, Runswick Bay at 1pm and 2pm.

Santa’s Grotto will be open from 10.30am to 12 noon and from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Malton Monthly Food Market will be taking a break after December 13, and will return on Saturday, March 14, 2015.