CHRISTMAS comes to Ryedale this weekend with tree festivals, lights switch-ons – and plenty of Santas.

The seasonal celebrations get underway in Norton on Friday at the Derwent Arms in Church Street. Father Christmas and his sleigh will be arriving at 5pm with the switch- on at 6pm.

This year’s festivities include a balloon man, children’s rides and entertainment from Minster FM. Music will be provided by school choirs from the town, along with the White Star Band.

Norton mayor, Councillor Ray King said the festivities were growing year by year. “The Christmas lights switch-on in Norton is something we are building on with more entertainment this year for all the family,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone and getting the festive season underway in Norton.”

The Christmas lights switch-on takes place in Pickering on Saturday with entertainment throughout the day.

Stalls will fill the town centre, alongside entertainment from the Stape Silver Band, Morris Men and well-known singer and musician David Swann, who will be performing in the Market Place.

Throughout the day, Beck Isle Museum will be hosting its annual Christmas craft fair and tree festival, with free entry.

From 5.30pm, Father Christmas will make his way into the town, courtesy of Ryedale Lions, for the lights switch-on at 6pm by the mayor of Pickering, Councillor Joy Andrews.

Matthew Wilkinson, from the Christmas lights committee, said it was going to be a wonderful start to the festive season.

“We have a number of new lights this year, including new motifs for the lamp-posts The display is something we aim to build on each year,” he said. “This year is going to be a fantastic event and what better way to start the festive season.”

Kirkbymoorside also starts its festive season on Saturday with a Christmas market leading up to the lights switch-on at 4pm.

Children’s crafts will be held in the Moorside Room, in Church Street, from 3pm to 4pm and then the prize-giving for the fancy dress, treasure hunt and best-dressed Christmas window will be at 4.30pm around the tree. There will also be free car parking all day in Town Farm car park with vouchers available from the Post Office and library.

Dozens of Father Christmases will be coming to Malton on Sunday, courtesy of the town’s second annual Santa Fun Run.

A series of fun runs will be held in Malton Market Place, in conjunction with the Christmas lights switch-on. There will be a fun run for youngsters aged four to eight, one for older children aged nine to 13 and a longer run for adults.

This year the timing of the runs has been moved to mid-afternoon so that families can stay to enjoy the Christmas lights switch-on. The runs will be held at 3pm, 3.30pm and 4pm with festivities for the lights event following on immediately afterwards, including The Voice star Beth McCarthy, Kirkham Henry Choir, Ryedale’s Got Talent winners Zac and George and Moorside Alpacas.

There will also be a visit from Father Christmas and his sleigh and a festive fair.

Entry for the Santa Fun Run costs £6 for children and £12 for adults, which includes a Santa costume, as well as a certificate and medal for everyone who takes part.

Entry forms are available from the Malton and Pickering branches of Yorkshire Building Society, the Smilerooms in Malton, or by emailing robdavies@ryedalespecialfamilies.org.uk