RYEDALE is bringing the Christmas festivities in with a sparkle by hosting a variety of seasonal events.

Here are some of the Christmas events in the area:

HELMSLEY: The Helmsley light switch on will take place on November 29 at 6pm around the Christmas tree in the Market Place. Accompanied by the Swinton Brass Band, people can proceed up to All Saints Church for the preview evening of the Christmas Tree Festival which begins at 6.30pm, including refreshments.

Visitors can look at the 25 individually decorated trees from 10am until 4pm until December 15.Entry is free, but money raised from donations will be split between St Leonard’s Hospice, All Saints Church and the Helmsley in Business group.

PICKERING: The Pickering Christmas light switch on will take place on November 30 in the Market Place. The event will include entertainment from Magic Mike the magician, followed by singing from St Joseph's Choir.

The Lions Santa Sleigh arrives at 4.45pm, ready for the light switch on at 5.30pm with Pickering Mayor Helen Haythorne.

The Silver Brass Band will be performing at the events to end the evening; with a selection of market stalls, fun fair, raffle and food & drink stalls.

KIRKBYMOORSIDE: The town’s Christmas Market, will be held on November 30 starting at 10 am until 3pm. Kirkbymoorside Brass Band will entertain visitors playing seasonal music in front of the Christmas Tree. Santa will be in his Grotto in the Memorial Hall Dugout from 12 noon to 2pm. Entrance is free

NORTON: The festivities get underway on December 1 with the annual Santa run in aid of Ryedale Special Families starting at 3pm. Entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon before the Christmas light switch-on at 4.30pm.

MALTON: The tree lighting ceremony will be held in Malton Market Place, at 4pm on December 6.Carol sheets will be handed out to people attending, and supported by a local brass band alongside the Lions Christmas Sleigh.

THORNTON-LE-DALE: The village Christmas lights are switched on December 7. The festivities will start at 4.30pm with seasonal stalls serving refreshments such as mulled wine and hot food on The Green.

Alongside musical contributions from the E.A.S.Y Band and the local school choir, Santa Claus is arriving at 5pm with Christmas gifts for children in his grotto.The lights will then be switched on at 6pm.