Christmas is fast approaching and with it the perfect chance to take the time to explore the treasures we have on our doorstep.

Ryedale has a wide rage of diverse, high-quality products and by shopping locally, we’re not just supporting local businesses – shopping locally is more ethical, environmentally-friendly, reliable and friendly.

This weekend sees another round of festive events for all the family to enjoy.

Helmsley’s lights switch-on will take place on Friday (December 2) at 5.30pm.

The town crier will switch on the lights and there will be entertainment followed by the Christmas Tree Festival Lights switch-on which takes place from 6.20pm in Helmsley Parish Church.

Thornton-le-Dale’s Christmas lights switch-on takes place on Saturday (December 3) with activities starting at 4.30pm.

There will be a barbecue, mince pies, hog roast, mulled wine, tombola and Santa, along with music featuring the E.A.S.Y Band.

Malton’s Christmas Festival is back once again and runs across two days this weekend. Also starting this weekend, Be Amazing Arts’ immersive production of A Christmas Carol returns to the town.

Starting at Kemps Bookshop this promenade production will follow Dickens around the streets of Malton, while the audience is immersed in the much-loved festive tale. The audience will also receive festive nibbles and a festive tipple en-route from The Cooks Place, Malton.

The production runs from December 3 to December 24. Tickets can be purchased at www.beamazingarts.co.uk or by calling 01653 917271.

Meanwhile, Kemps will be celebrating an Icelandic Christmas between December 19 to 23 with the Jolabokaflod – The Christmas Book Flood when the tradition is to give or receive new books on Christmas Eve.

Ryedale Folk Museum is once more hosting its very special ‘Christmas Through Time’ which will take place during the weekend of December 3 and 4, with a focus on the changing traditions and festivities.

“It’s a lovely, magical event,” said Museum Director, Jennifer Smith. “Visitors will once more be able to time travel as they move across the museum. Our different buildings will be brought to life by costumed interpreters and a variety of hands-on experiences, as visitors discover how the festive season would have looked, smelt, sounded and tasted across a range of eras.”

This weekend also sees Small Business Saturday UK, a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’.

And for those who like to shop online, a new marketplace is showcasing the unique skills of some of region’s most extraordinary artists and craftspeople to help people buy local without having to leave their armchairs.

‘Made in Ryedale’ hub brings together 26 makers with gifts to suit all budgets and tastes. For more information go to www.ryedale.gov.uk/made-in-ryedale/