The sparkle and joy of the festive season is fast approaching so why not let Barrow-in- Furness and its surrounding area light up your Christmas!

There are key dates for your Yuletide diary this month including Saturday, November 18 when Barrow celebrates its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On. It’ll be an afternoon and evening of festive family fun and takes place in Barrow Town Square from 3pm to 6pm.

At Lindal, Father Christmas will arrive by tractor to turn the lights on! That’s at 5.45pm on Friday, November 24 at Buccleuch Hall. Afterwards there’s a fayre and Christmas Grotto to enjoy.

Sunday, November 26 sees the Christmas Lights switch-on at Askam along with a small lights walk and firework display. It all takes place at Askam Community Centre which opens from 3.30pm when children can play games and meet Father Christmas. The switch-on is at 5.15pm.

Next there’s lots of family entertainment at Dalton’s Christmas Lights Switch-On when you can visit Santa’s Grotto, view the festive market stalls and join the River of Light Parade. The whole event starts at 12 noon on Sunday, December 3.

The shimmering switch-ons aren’t the only way of building up your Christmas spirit as December approaches. There’s lots more to give you a festive day out in the run up.

How about Shop Barrow Day on Saturday, November 25 when there’s free parking across the town centre and street entertainment to make your Christmas shopping go with a flow!

And don’t forget to hop on board the Santa Express and enjoy free train rides around Barrow Town Centre between 10am and 4pm on the weekend of December 2/3. It’s all part of the “BarrowFull of Christmas” weekend of festive fun.

There’ll be entertainment, activities and treats for all ages. Visitors are invited to explore the festively decorated Town Hall and follow a starry festive trail in Barrow Park. It takes place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. The two venues are linked by a vintage Christmas bus!

As we head deeper into December why not head down to Barrow Christmas Market for a traditional festive treat and pick up produce from local farmers, producers and makers. That’s on Saturday, December 9, 10am to 4pm, at Barrow Outdoor Market.

And finally, don’t forget its Panto time! This year Jack and the Beanstalk offers the Christmas entertainment from December 12 to 30 at The Forum.

For more Christmas inspiration and events check out www.visitlakedistrict.com/