Doncaster's Christmas lights set to be switched on today - here's the details

Doncaster’s Christmas lights will be switched on today - and here’s all you need to know about the feast of festive fun in the city.

Residents and visitors are being urged to shop local and enjoy a wide range of events taking place across the city centre in the run up to Christmas.

The fun will starting with the Christmas Light Switch-on today, which will take place in the Market Square between 4pm and 8pm.

Other attractions to look forward to include the launch of this year’s Festive Trail - discover 12 stunning sculptures across the city centre, with this year’s display dedicated to Peanuts cartoon favourite Snoopy.

Father Christmas will be at the Mansion House from 16-19 December with a festive finale and late-night shopping on 17 December.

The Festival of Light also returns to the Corn Exchange fron 19-26 November.

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “Once again we have a fantastic line-up of events and activities taking place in the city centre from November onwards, including and beginning with the Christmas light switch-on.

"I won't unveil all the festive surprises just yet but I can say that we're delighted to welcome Father Christmas and his elves back to the Mansion House this December.

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“I also really do want to take this opportunity to encourage people to visit the city centre over Christmas.

“Over the past two years, we have invested heavily and worked tirelessly to make the city centre safer, cleaner, greener and a more attractive and pleasant place to visit.

“We know there is more to do – that is why we are focusing on a new city centre masterplan which will help us prioritise and target future investment – but in the meantime please do see the events on offer, visit the local businesses, and shop and support local with family and friends.”

Over the winter months, the council will also be stepping up safety around the city centre, which will include partnership patrols with South Yorkshire Police, increased presence at events and roll-out of further resources to help people stay safe on nights out.

Visit Doncaster have launched a full guide to everything Christmas-themed happening in Doncaster this season, with events being added on a continuous basis. Keep checking their webpage to find out what events you will be interested in attending over November and December - Countdown to Christmas