CHRISTMAS is set to kick off in style for Winchester today, with the annual Christmas light switch-on bringing in the festive spirit this evening.

Getting under way at 4pm, the Winchester Christmas Lights Switch-on will see entertainment in the form of karaoke, dance groups and choirs. The main event will see the city light up at 6pm, with popular Big Issue seller Kevin Collick having the honour of turning the lights on.

Following the lights switch-on, next up in the festive calender will be the Christmas market, recognised as one of the best in Europe.

Starting on Monday, November 20 and running daily until Friday, December 22, the market will see dozens of wooden chalets line the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, offering visitors unique crafts and other items, as well as festive food and drink.

The market will be open to the public between 10am and 6pm, Sunday to Wednesday, and 10am to 7.30pm Thursday to Saturday.

Last but by no means least is the temporary ice rink, also set up in the ground of the cathedral.

Running from November 20 to January 7 a standard ticket for the ice rink – which includes an hour’s skating and skate hire – is £11.50, with numerous concessions and packages available, including Parents and Toddlers sessions for 2-4’s, children’s parties and much more.

It is one of the highlights of Winchester’s Christmas offer, attracting an unprecedented 56,000 skaters last year.

The highly popular Ice Café also returns, with a new and exciting offer provided by the Cathedral’s new caterers, BaxterStorey, who took on the contract during August.

WINCHESTER CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON – Thurs, November 16:

4pm-6pm

Harestock Primary School Choir

The Pilgrims' School Chamber Choir

Lucina

DJ Munza's Christmas Karaoke

Winchester Musicals and Opera Society

Catherine Turness, Winchester BID

SimplyHealth Professionals

6pm-7pm

Lights switch-on

Spinnaker Chorus

Integr8 Dance

Body Translation

WINCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET – Mon, Nov 20 - Fri, Dec 22:

Open 10am and 6pm, Sunday to Wednesday, and 10am to 7.30pm Thursday to Saturday

Admission is free

Location - Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS

WINCHESTER ICE RINK - Mon, Nov 20 - Sun, Jan 7 2018

Bookings available between 10am to 9pm

10am sessions (Mon-Fri) until December 8, and from January 2-5 are reserved exclusively for parents and toddlers (children aged two-four years old and accompanied by an adult).

Parents and Toddlers can also join the 11am, 12.15pm and 1.15pm sessions until December 8, but these sessions are also open for general admission.

Sessions last one hour (including time to fit skates so expect 45-50 minutes on the ice)

Tickets : £11.50 Adult, £9.50 Child aged 8-18, £6.95 Child 4-7, **£6.95 Child 2-3, *£11.50 Parent and Toddlers. Booking fees apply.

Location - Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LS

Visit www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/home/christmas-at-the-cathedral/ice-rink

LANTERN PARADE - Thurs, Nov 30, 6pm-8pm:

The event will see participants parade through the cathedral to the outer close with paper and willow lanterns.

The Dean of Winchester and a representative from Bella Crafts will be judging lanterns on the night, with prizes will be awarded for creativity and beauty.

Following the parade there will be a community carol service.

Those wishing to participate in the parade need to have their lanterns registered by the Cathedral Box Office (no more than four people per lantern) and arrive by 5.30pm.

To register call 01962 857275 or email box.office@winchester-cathedral.org.uk

PLACES TO PARK:

Pay and display;

Cattle Market, Worthy Lane, SO23 7AB

Chesil Street Multi Storey, Barfield Close, SO23 0HU

Durngate, Durngate Place, SO23 8DX

River Park Leisure Centre, Gordon Road, SO23 7DD

Colebrook Street, SO23 9LH

Cossack Lane, SO23 8DQ

Gladstone Street, SO23 8TQ

Jewry Street, SO23 8RY

St Peter's, Gordon Road, SO23 7DD

Tower Street, SO23 8TA

Upper Brook Street, SO23 8AR

Park and ride services;

Barfield Park and Ride - Barfield Close, SO23 9SQ. Access via M3 Junction 10 (northbound) or M3 Junction 9 (southbound)

St. Catherines Park and Ride - Garnier Road or Bar End Road, SO23 9NP. Access via M3 Junction 10 (northbound) or M3 Junction 9 (southbound).

South Winchester Park and Ride - Hockley Link, Winchester,SO21 2FG. Access via M3 Junction 11