By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 15:29, Saturday, 20 October 2012

Carlisle will be turned into a festive wonderland with a series of events designed to light up the city and give it a unique Christmas feel.

After the lights switch on and Twelve Days of Christmas parade on November 18 there will be a host of entertainment to keep everyone busy in the run up to December 25.

Santa’s Grotto will be open at The Old Town Hall, Tourist Information Centre, every weekend from November 24 and then daily between December 20 and 24.

An International Christmas open-air Market will be held between December 5 and 9 in the city centre.

Carlisle’s Victorian Covered Market Hall will be transformed into a winter wonderland on Saturday, December 8 when it stages its annual fancy dress Christmas party.

CFM DJ Robbie Dee will be there, followed by Santa between 11am and 3pm. There will also be face painting.

The Winter Wonderland will be held between December 14 and January 6 and will include traditional fairground rides, festive music and treats such as hot chocolate, mulled wine and candy.

A Christmas carol service will be held at the cathedral on Thursday, December 13.

Starting at 6.15pm, this event will also include carol singing in the city centre followed by a hog roast in the historic Tithe Barn.

Also during the festive season, guided walks around key landmarks will be held by Open Book Tours.

Dr Joe Hendry, leader of Carlisle City Council, said the November 18 lights switch on would be the finale of “an amazing year of events” in Carlisle.

The afternoon festivities will start at 2pm, with the parade, starting at Scotch Street, outside the Market Hall.

Carlisle performers the Bread and Butter Company will be dressed up as family favourites Christmas Crackers, frolicking around the city centre.

Local acts – bands, performers and dance groups – are all set to take to the stage as part of the event.

X Factor finalist Jamie ‘AFRO’ Archer will be the celebrity act for the event..

After the performances, mayor David Wilson will flick the switch at 6pm, lighting up the city centre for Christmas.

First published at 15:21, Saturday, 20 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk