The festive season officially lights up in York with the First Day of Christmas, a celebration in St Helen’s Square to mark the start of the city’s season of goodwill, involving The Lord Mayor and special guests the York and Dishforth Military Wives Choir.

The St Helen’s Square tree is the focal point in a chain of lights across the city. It will be switched on by the Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York Cllr Julie Gunnell at a ceremony on Thursday 14 November which completes the festoon of lights across the city.

The event starts at 6.30pm to the tune of favourite Christmas songs from the choir, followed by the official switch on at 6.45pm.

York’s festive fir tree at St Helen’s Square is sponsored by supporters of St Leonard’s Hospice who dedicate individual lights to loved ones and is one of the illuminated focal points of the beautiful festive city.

During the event children will be invited to come forward and hand over letters to Father Christmas. Children can post their letters through the Mansion House letterbox to be sent on to Santa’s home in Lapland right up until Christmas Eve.

Earlier in the evening the Lord Mayor will set in train a number of local launches including switching on lights in the Micklegate Quarter.