It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas around here

Last weekend was Settle’s annual Christmas Market and light switch-on event. It is lovely to see the town come together every year. Schools, businesses, residents and visitors all mingle in the market square to mark the start of the town’s festive period.

As usual, there were plenty of proud parents as the local schools all took their turns to entertain us during the afternoon. The children’s performances brought smiles to everyone’s faces, with carol singing filling the crisp winter air and creating that unmistakable festive atmosphere.

Gifts were sold, coffee kept cold hands warm, and even Father Christmas put in an appearance, delighting young and old alike. Local artisan stalls showcased beautiful handcrafted items, from dog treats to local honey, perfect for unique Christmas gifts. As the afternoon turned to evening, the shop lights lit up the square and the fabulous shop fronts and windows of the surrounding businesses took centre stage.

At 5 pm, the lights were switched on, and the fireworks went off to a packed crowd. The collective “ooh” and “aah” from spectators of all ages reminded us why this tradition means so much to our community. Once again, a massive success and a great community event. Well done to everyone who took part in organising, promoting, and running the day.

There is plenty more to see during the run-up to Christmas, including events, late-night shopping, fabulous food and gift ideas throughout the town. Victoria Hall and The Folly both have a wealth of family events during the month. The Golden Lion is getting all creative with Open Door Art sessions for kids and adults. The Talbot has plenty of music, food and quizzes to keep you entertained on even the coldest of winter evenings.

To find out more about what’s going on around town, check out our events page or on the Settlemas website, which is dedicated to promoting festive happenings around Settle.

[Fireworks image courtesy of Mark Ingram Photography]