THE lights are set to sparkle all over Ryedale as locals prepare for Christmas switch-ons.

If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, then Pickering is the place to be on Friday, November 28, where snow is guaranteed, complete with polar bears, walking Christmas trees and a laser light show.

Entertainment will be provided by Pickering Junior School, Minster Stray morris dancers, Ryedale Youth Choir and the Caledonian Pipers.

There will be late-night shopping, a town crier, and the grand switch-on will be at 6pm. Organisers are asking for helpers to wrap up shoe boxes and similar items in foil to go on the big Christmas tree. For further information, ring (01751) 476816.

Meanwhile, they'll be rockin' around the Christmas trees in Malton and Norton with this year's 1960s-themed festivities. The lights will be switched on at St Michael's Church in the market place in Malton on Saturday, November 29, at 4pm, with music from a live a band.

On December 12, 13 and 14, there will be a 1960s Christmas weekend, with special Christmas markets on Saturday and Sunday, a craft market and a beer festival organised by Suddaby's from Thursday to Sunday. A 1960s quiz will be held at the Globe pub on Sunday - with Santa as the quiz master!

A more traditional Christmas switch-on will take place at Thornton-le-Dale on Saturday, December 6. Activities will begin at around 4.30pm, leading up to the grand switch-on at 6pm. Father Christmas will be arriving between 5.15pm and 5.30pm.

Prizes will be awarded to the children from the school and the overall winner will get the chance to switch on the lights with Father Christmas. A jazz band from Scarborough will be providing the music.

Helmsley's Christmas tree and town hall will be lit up from December 6 onwards, with no official countdown to switch-on, and Kirkbymoorside is also having a more low-key affair, with the lights going up around the end of November.

Mulled wine and mince pies will be on offer at Middleton village hall on Saturday, December 6, with switch-on at 6.30. There will also be tea, coffee, a tombola and raffle. On Friday, November 21 the village is having a domino drive to boost funds for the Christmas lights at the village hall at 7.30. Entrance is £1 and includes supper and the first prize is £10.

Rillington Christmas lights will go on at 6.30pm on Sunday, December 7, with a huge Christmas tree outside the Coach and Horses pub. Sherburn Brass Band will be playing and inside there will be a children's Christmas decorations competition.

Updated: 11:35 Wednesday, November 12, 2003