YORK is preparing to stage its biggest Christmas ever with a festival of fun for all the family lasting 35 days.

The magic begins on Thursday when the Christmas tree lights will be switched on in St Helen's Square, signalling the start of York's annual St Nicholas Fair.

This year's fair promises to be bigger than ever, stretching from November 19 to December 23, with a Santa-sack-ful of new events such as an Ice Trail, a Choirs Weekend and a Scandinavian Tipi in Parliament Street.

The city centre will be transformed into a sparkling, seasonal wonderland with snug wooden chalets, dressed with twinkling lights, lining Parliament Street, St Sampson’s Square and Coppergate as well as on the terrace of The Judge’s Lodging, Lendal.

Here are some of the highlights:

1 Christmas lights

Thursday, November 19, 6-6:30pm: The Christmas tree lights in St Helen’s Square will be switched on by the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Sonja Crisp, joined by David Leonard and Suzy Cooper from the cast of the Theatre Royal Pantomime, Dick Whittington (and his meerkat). Late night shopping begins too, taking place every Thursday in the run up to Christmas.

2 Weekend of choirs

December 5-6: New for this year, local school and community choirs will be popping up all around York’s city centre streets and squares in a choral celebration of Christmas, raising money for local homeless charity SASH. Also new this year, brass bands will add another musical note every Thursday evening through the festival.

York Press:

L-R: Visit Santa, enjoy some mulled wine and visit a stallholder during York's Christmas festival

3 Santa's sightings

Father Christmas opens the door of his new wooden grotto at York’s Chocolate Story, Kings Square, on Thursday. There will be plenty of other opportunities to see Father Christmas over the festival, including at his grotto at the Ice Factor at York Designer Outlet and at Barley Hall. York Castle Museum is opening Father Christmas's Toy Museum from November 30 to December 31, where toys come to life and share traditions of the past.

4 The Ice Trail

December 12-13: Giant ice sculptures return to the city centre, woven around select locations as part of a new walking trail. York businesses have sponsored each of the 30 hand-carved ice pieces. Look out for a Yorkshire Terrier at the Monkbar Hotel and a frozen Flying Scotsman in St Helen’s Square. Don't miss the chance to pose as James Bond at an 007-themed sculpture at the Chapter House Bar and Games Room, Royal York Hotel. Live ice carving will also be happening throughout the weekend in St Helen’s Square at 3pm each day and an ice Wishing Well, sponsored by Yorkshire Water, will be raising money for the charity, Water Aid. A walking trail of the route will be available free of charge from the Visit York Information Centre at 1 Museum Street.

5 Thor’s Tipi

November 19-January 2: New for 2015, this giant tipi will offer a unique festive experience and a place where friends and family can gather around a roaring fire, with cosy furs to keep the cold at bay. Take shelter inside and try the outdoor winter BBQ, homemade sweet treats, festive hot chocolate, mulled wine, draft ales and Christmas cocktails.

6 Christmas markets

York will be a city of markets over the festive period. More than 100 stallholders at the St Nicholas Fair will be selling a range of gifts including jewellery, ceramics, homewares, crafts and Yorkshire produce such as locally made wines and cheeses. Besides the daily Shambles market, a Made in Yorkshire Festive Fayre will take place in the Guildhall (November 26-December 13), the Festive Medieval Market will run at Barley Hall (November 26-29), and the York Christmas Antiques Market will set up stall at Kings Manor (December 19-20).

York Press:

L-R: Create some Christmas magic at Ice Factor, York Minster and Fairfax House

7 Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

November 21-January 3: Based at York Designer Outlet, visitors can shop and skate. The Ice Factor rink, a funfair and Santa’s grotto are just some of the seasonal attractions on offer.

8 Early Music Christmas Festival

December 4-12 The programme begins with the European Union Baroque Orchestra’s Taste of the Baroque programme in the beautiful setting of the NCEM, St Margaret Church. B’Rock Orchestra’s contemporary twist on the music of the Baroque brings the festival to a close with a programme of Christmas music from across Europe from Corelli through to Arvo Pärt on Saturday, December 12.

9 York Minster

York Minster holds a dedicated season of services to celebrate the birth of Jesus and a reminder of the true Christmas message, including Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. There will also be Christmas Carol Concerts on December 4 and 5.

10 Fairfax House

November 17-January 3: The Keeping of Christmas exhibition. Step back into the 18th century and learn how the Georgians celebrated Christmas. See how they decorated their homes, witness their table decorations and learn about their festive food. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served in The Georgian Kitchen throughout the season. Normal admission prices apply.

Find out more at visityork.org/christmas