A magical Christmas planned in Hull city centre

Christmas has officially begun in Hull following last night's lights switch on, and visitors to the city centre can start to plan their Christmas countdown with a new free festive events calendar now available to pick up.

After an incredible night of lights, music and merriment, which saw upwards of 17,000 people descend on Queen Victoria Square, the streets of Hull's city centre are now alive with dazzling displays of twinkling lights, ready to welcome residents and visitors.

The free 2024 Christmas calendar details all festive events, activities and markets planned right across the city centre and is available to pick up in Hull Paragon Interchange's Visitor Pod now.

The season kicks off with the Museums Quarter transformed into a Victorian Christmas this weekend (23 and 24 November), providing market stalls, free crafts, traditional fairground rides and horse and carriage rides.

With Princes Quay's Santa Parade also taking place on Sunday (24 November), it's the perfect opportunity for a weekend break.

Themed Christmas Markets will also be taking place every Saturday from now until the end of December, including a 1940s themed Christmas market (see calendar for locations)

Over in the Fruit Market, there will be a mix of street entertainment, fun and festivities with theatre, markets and popular annual 'naughty and nice' list.

It's never too late to get panto tickets booked and Hull is spoilt for choice this year with Middlechild Theatre bringing Treasure Island to Social on Humber Street (19 - 29 December), Hull New Theatre hosting Goldilocks and the Three Bears (11 - 31 December) and Hull Truck Theatre's The Borrowers (29 November - 4 January), with Rapunzel for younger audience members (12 - 29 December).

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure said: "Hull has really outdone itself this year with events and activities planned in every corner of the city centre.

"Our fantastic light switch-on event signals the start of the festive season and its clear to see the people of Hull are ready to enjoy the countdown to Christmas 2024.

"I would encourage everyone to grab a copy of the calendar and get some Christmas plans in the diary."

More information on everything happening in Hull this Christmas is available at www.visithull.org.