Polar bear gets starring role in Ripon Christmas lights switch-on

Real-life reindeer have been replaced by an interactive polar bear for this year's Christmas lights switch-on in Ripon.

The event, organised by Ripon City Council, takes place on Saturday (November 14).

It is one of the most eagerly anticipated of the year in the city because it forms part of an afternoon of free fun in the market square.

Besides the lights switch-on by Father Christmas at 5pm on Saturday, there will be fairground rides, Santa’s grotto, live music, a snow globe and carol singing between 1pm and 6pm.

The carols, accompanied by Ripon City Band, will be sung around the Christmas tree between 3.30pm and 4pm.

In previous years, the switch-on event has included reindeer, but this year there will be a life-size interactive polar bear instead.

Described as “astonishingly realistic”, the polar bear will roam around the market square throughout the afternoon.

Elsewhere in the district, Knaresborough's Christmas lights switch-on takes place as part of Bright Friday on November 27. Masham's event is scheduled for the following day.

The festive lights will go on in Boroughbridge at 5.30pm on December 2. 

Pateley Bridge has its event on December 4.

Once again, Harrogate does not have a Christmas light event this year.