THE annual switching on of York's Christmas lights will take place tonight in St Helen's Square.

Hundreds of people are expected to gather outside the Guildhall when the lights on the Christmas tree, which has been sponsored by supporters of St Leonard's Hospice, will be turned on by Lord Mayor of York Sonja Crisp between 6pm and 6.30pm.

Music will be performed by local brass bands, and the countdown to the switch-on will be led by characters from this year's Theatre Royal Pantomime, Dick Whittington (and his meerkat).

The event marks the beginning of the St Nicholas Fair, which will run until December 23, and the beginning of York’s late-night shopping every Thursday on the run-up to Christmas.

This year will see Parliament Street home to a Scandinavian style tipi, a new Ice Trail, a Choirs’ Weekend and a longer St Nicholas Festival and Fair around the city, with wooden chalets also in place at St Sampson’s Square, Coppergate and on the terrace of The Judge’s Lodging in Lendal.

Local schools and community choirs will perform around the city centre on December 5 and 6 to raise money for local homeless charity SASH, and brass bands will perform every Thursday evening through the festival.

Father Christmas will be in his grotto at York's Chocolate Story in Kings Square from today, and the Ice Trail, featuring 30 specially-commissioned ice sculptures by Glacial Art, will be exhibited around the city on December 12 and 13.

The St Nicholas Fair is open 10am to 6pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am to 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sundays.

Kate McMullen, from Make It York, said: "We’re confident York’s packed festive programme will place the city at the top of everyone’s list for a Christmas break.

"York is especially popular at Christmas time and every year thousands of loyal visitors will make a special trip here. We hope everyone will enjoy this extended events programme and we’re delighted York’s businesses have offered their support to help make this the best Christmas festival yet."