Wilton and Fordingbridge switching on Christmas season TONIGHT
Events are being held for the first time since the pandemic
Two of our local towns officially welcome Christmas in this evening (Friday 2nd December).
In Wilton, events will centre around the Market Squares - which have been closed to traffic since 11.00am this morning.
Stalls and live music will take place from 5.00pm, with the countdown to the light switch on itself at 6.30pm.
Wilton can boast having what's thought to be Europe's largest living Christmas tree filled with lights.
A nativity play and carols will help to add to the festive feel, along with a visit from Father Christmas on his Sleigh.
What's happening in Fordingbridge?
A number of roads in the town centre are being closed off to allow for the events.
Roundhill, the High Street, Provost Street and Shaftesbury Street will be shut from 4.30pm, with activities kicking off from 5.00pm.
That'll include a Christmas disco, street entertainment, children's crafts, choir performances and more.
The Town Hall will be open with stalls inside and there's a green theme this year.
Local organisations will be hosting activities around having a more sustainable Christmas and New Year.
For the first time, visitors will also be able to get hold of reusable cups, to be taken into the town's pubs for refills.
Pete White, Chair of Fordingbridge Events Group, says:
“We are so excited to be doing the lights switch on with other community groups in the town. This year, we want to celebrate us all coming together after previous events have been stalled because of the pandemic. It will be a night to remember and there will be activities for all the family.
“The whole town is coming together and there will be events from up near Fordingbridge Museum and the URC church in Salisbury Street along the High Street, in the car park by Roundhill and in the marketplace. The evening will have something for everyone so come and get festive with us."