Malton Christmas Festival is set to return from Saturday, December 7 to Sunday, December 8 this year, and a spokesperson for the Christmas market has gathered five top things that visitors can look forward to.

These include more than 80 stalls, in a "car-free environment," from which shoppers can browse and purchase Yorkshire-based food, drink, and gifts.

Approximately 20 stalls will be located in a marquee in Market Place East; the rest of the stalls will be spread around Market Place and surrounding streets.

Secondly, live demonstrations of traditional crafts will take place - visitors will be able to watch a blacksmith at work at his forge, and a wood-carver demonstrating his skills.

Thirdly, North Yorkshire Rotters will be on hand at the market to encourage people to reuse leftovers in creative ways - as well as home composting, so that "Christmas scraps can help your garden grow."

Fourthly, live music will be taking place throughout the weekend, including brass bands performing carols and songs, and a choir tent featuring local singing groups.

Finally, the Marshmallow Fire Pit - appearing for the first time at Malton Christmas Festival - will provide "a delicious, sweet treat" for visitors (both toasted marshmallows and hot roasted chestnuts will be available).

A coach drop-off route is being implemented this year in an effort to minimise traffic congestion.

A Park & Ride service will operate with parking charged at £7.50 for the day, and there will be a regular free shuttle bus into the centre and back.

For those looking to use public transport, the Coastliner bus service runs from Leeds, Tadcaster, York, and Scarborough into Malton, with fares capped at £2 per journey.

TransPennine Express has train routes into Malton on the York-Scarborough line.

For more information, please visit https://www.visitmalton.com/