The historic market town of Kirkby Lonsdale has come to life with ‘A Christmas Story’ .

The four-day Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair got underway with the Christmas Charter Market on Thursday, bringing together live music and a wide range of local products, delicacies and festive gifts.

The Christmas shopping will continue in Market Square from today with a special Chalet Village Market extending over three days, including evening hours on Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, Kirkby Lonsdale’s independent high street retailers will open for Christmas Late Night Shopping today (6pm–8.30pm).

For a sustainable and affordable treasure trove of potential Christmas presents, people also can step into the eclectic world of the three-day Bric-a-Brac Market at St Mary’s Church from Friday to Sunday.

The town’s official Christmas Lights Switch On takes place today. A performance by the Curious Dance Company in St Mary’s churchyard from 5.30pm will be followed by a colourful procession down Main Street, where the Snow Queen will turn on the lights on the giant Christmas tree in Market Square.

Tomorrow sees the return of the famous Santa Parade and people are encouraged to line the High Street at 2pm for the big procession led by Santa, and featuring local businesses and community groups.

They will be accompanied by samba reggae carnival drumming band Batala Lancaster. Santa then opens up his Grotto (2.30pm-4.30pm) in St Mary’s churchyard, returning on Sunday, December 3 from 11am to 4pm.

Another family favourite returning for Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair is the famous Santa Dash. Participants will take on either a one mile Festive Family Fun Run or a 5K Social Run to raise money for the ‘Save Ruskin’s View’ charity appeal.

The fun gets underway at 9am on Sunday from Jubilee Field, Devil’s Bridge. Other highlights across the weekend will include: the Indoor Market at Lunesdale Hall (Saturday/Sunday) and a Christmas Cafe at Kirkby Lonsdale Methodist Church (Saturday/Sunday).

Or if you’re looking for Christmas carols, Sedbergh Junior School (late morning, Friday) and Kirkby Lonsdale Singers/Sing Joyfully (3pm, Sunday) head to St Mary’s Church.

There is also a Lantern Walk (Friday/Saturday) and for younger visitors, there are plenty of arts and crafts workshops and interactive theatre to enjoy throughout the weekend, as well as free alpaca petting in St Mary’s churchyard with Wreay Syke Alpacas.

For full details and timings, visit: www.kirkbylonsdale.info