THE festive season gets underway in Ryedale this weekend with Christmas light switch-ons and celebrations across the area.

On Friday Malton's lights will be switched on a 6pm with Norton hosting a Christmas festival on Saturday with a full afternoon of entertainment from 12noon.

Organised by Norton Town Council activities include music, magic and games at the Derwent Arms in Church Street leading up to the switch on at 6pm.

There will also be children's rides, live reindeer, and a Christmas photo booth. Entertainment will be provided by the Bogus Beatles, Norton College jazz band and local brass bands.

Mayor of Norton Councillor Ray King, said: "Following on from the success of the Tour de Yorkshire in Norton last May we wanted to build on that by provided an afternoon for all the family rather than the two-hour event we have done in the past.

"There will be something for everyone with entertainment on stage throughout the afternoon building up to the light switch on at 6pm."

He added: "It is going to be a fantastic afternoon out and a great way to start the festive season in Norton.

In Kirkbymoorside, the Christmas fun gets underway at 10.30am with children's activities in the town's library.

The entertainment will continue with Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band playing at 11am. Santa will be in his grotto from 12 to 2pm and there will also be reindeers and facepainting.

A treasure hunt and fancy dress competition will start at 3pm with prizes including family passes to local attractions.

Over 30 stalls are also taking part in the Christmas market from 11am to 3pm in the Memorial Hall and in Market Place.

In the run-up to the light switch on at 4pm there will be carols round the tree and entertainment from Sarah Louise Ashworth School of Dance, Helmsley Arts Centre Community Choir and Kirkbymoorside Junior Band.

Free parking in the town farm car park is also available courtesy of Kirkbymoorside Town Council.

Pickering will also be lit up for Christmas on Saturday with entertainment from 2pm.

There will be a seasonal market and music from local musician David Swann along with the Stape Silver Band and Father Christmas arriving on the Ryedale Lions sleigh at 5pm. Beck Isle Museum in Pickering will also be hosting its annual craft fair.

Matthew Wilkinson, from Pickering in Business said by MHA retirement community in the town.

"We are extremely grateful for their £1,400 donation has enabled us to upgrade and replace some of the cabling," he added.

"There is always a lovely atmosphere in the town with lots going on building up to the carol singing, tree blessing and light switch-on itself."

He added: "The event seems to get bigger and bigger each year and is really good fun."