York's countdown to Christmas will officially start this week, with the launch of the city's festive offering.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Irene Waudby, will switch on the lights of the traditional Christmas Tree in St Helen's Square on Thursday (22 November).

The Christmas Tree has been sponsored by St Leonard’s Hospice as its ‘Light up a Life’ tree. Each year the hospice's tree raises much-needed funds for the work of St Leonard’s and each light on the tree is sponsored to honour loved ones and friends.

The lighting of the tree will mark the start of a host of other festive activities and attractions across the city. Annual highlights include the Festival of Angels - York's magical ice sculptures - on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December; the ever-popular Children's Christmas Market on 23-25 November and St Nicholas Fayre from Thursday 29 November - Sunday 2 December.

For full details about all the Christmas festivities in York, please see the Yuletide York brochure, available in council receptions and tourist information centres, view www.yuletideyork.com or call 01904 550099.