Mansfield is hosting a full programme of festive fun in November and December.

The countdown to Christmas begins on Sunday, 19 November with the Big Switch On, featuring a whole day of activities for all the family in the town centre.

As well as a Christmas marching band, the Clipstone Silverbirds, in the Market Place and festive food market on West Gate, there will be lots of activities for children inside the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, including the chance to meet PAW Patrol’s Marshall, as seen on Nick Jnr, and decorate a Jack and the Beanstalk-themed plant pot at the Buzzy B Club.

There will also be street entertainers, a stage show with live music plus a spectacular laser and fireworks displays.

Santa’s Grotto at the Four Season’s Shopping Centre will be open daily from Sunday, 19 November until Christmas Eve.

On Saturday 9 December, there is a chance to get the family pooch in the festive spirit too when Santa Paws will be opening his Christmas grotto for dogs in the Market Place.

For those seeking that special gift, a Christmas Market – The Nutcracker Wonderland, will be running daily on West Gate from Tuesday, 21 November to Sunday, 3 December from 10am to 6pm (opening until 8pm on Thursdays for late-night shopping).

Mansfield Museum is also hosting a Christmas market from Thursday, 30 November to Saturday, 2 December and a Christmas Artisan and Craft Market will be held in the Market Place on Sunday, 3 December with free parking for shoppers and craft activities for children on that day. Last-minute stalls can be booked by calling 01623 463733.

Late-night shopping until 8pm will be held at the Four Seasons Shopping Centre every Thursday from 23 November to 14 December with free, fun activities for children, including letter-writing to Santa, toy testing, decorating baubles and the Elf Food Cafe.

Updates and information about Christmas activities in the district can be found at www.mansfield.gov.uk/whatson, the council’s Facebook page, @mymansfielduk, or Twitter page, @MDC_News.