More than 5,000 people came to Kingston to mark the countdown to Christmas and watch the lights be switched on last Thursday, November 16.

Marking the start of Kingston’s festive season, the Christmas market in the Ancient Market Place was also opened, with the log cabins housing all kinds of seasonal treats.

There is plenty for children to do in the run-up to the holidays, including the Seven Kings Trail competition and the Candy Cane Forest, parts of the new Christmas Kids Zone, and the Kingston Children’s Literary Festival.

Alice in Winterland is also coming to the Rose Theatre from December 7 – a festive twist on Lewis Carrol’s classic.

Visit Kingston, part of business improvement district Kingston First, has a full guide on what to do over Christmas at visitkingston.co.uk.