THE Christmas season gets under way in Malton this week.

A carol service will be held in the town’s Market Place on Friday at 4pm, which includes the switching on of the Christmas tree lights.

The Christmas version of the monthly food market will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with seasonal food and entertainment. Horse and carriage rides will also be available.

Later in the month, the Malton Dickensian Festival will take place and includes performances of A Christmas Carol at York House on December 20, with actor Dominic Gerrard.

On the same day Dicken’s great great, great, granddaughter, author Lucinda Hawksley will give a book reading and talk at The Talbot Hotel in Malton

Finally, Miriam Margolyes returns to Malton for the third time on December 21, from 7pm to 10pm, for an evening at The Wesley Centre.

Clair Challenor-Chadwick, trustee of the Malton Dickensian Festival, said: “The festival is part of our overall work to reclaim Yorkshire’s literary heritage and celebrate the remarkable connection Dickens had to Malton.

“We are delighted to welcome Miriam and Lucinda back to Malton.”

For more information go to dickensgifttoyorkshire.com