CHRISTMAS in York has definitely arrived after the city's "biggest and best" St Nicholas Fair got under way.

Thousands of shoppers have already visited the attraction which opened its doors on Thursday.

On the same day a huge crowd watched the Christmas lights being switched on in St Helen's Square.

The St Leonard’s Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ Christmas Tree in the square has hundreds of twinkling lights representing the life of someone special, while raising funds for the hospice.

It was switched on by York Theatre Royal panto star Martin Barrass and the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Keith Orrell, with music by Lucy’s Pop Choir and the Shepherd Group Junior Brass Band, during the city centre’s first late night shopping event on Thursday.

Kay Hyde, of Make It York, said the atmosphere was "fantastic". She said: “It felt as if the crowd in St Helen’s Square was bigger than ever. We hope it really shows just how much work has gone into creating the St Nicholas Fair and the whole city-wide Christmas Festival.

“We’re so lucky in York that everyone is pulling in the same direction to ensure York lives up to its reputation as the UK’s most festive city.”

She added that the market included a new Santa’s grotto in the Coppergate Centre and more food and drink outlets.

Paul Whiting, head of Visit York, said: “We hope all our visitors will enjoy a magical visit this festive season.

“York truly is the most festive city in the UK and we’re expecting a really busy season from November right through to Christmas day.”

More than 160,000 LED lights are creating a festive atmosphere across the city, including the four historic bars, Micklegate, Bootham, Monkbar and Walmgate.

The lights, coordinated by the York BID and supported by Make It York, which will continue until mid-February, have been expanded to include New Street and Colliergate.

Andrew Lowson of York BID said the lights were part of its commitment to enhancing the inviting atmosphere.