Bolton is gearing up for a magical Christmas season as the festive lights are switched on today (Friday).

The festival programme of fun and delights twill be launched today and will run until January 5.

The council say its festive offering is packed with festive cheer, dazzling lights, and fun-filled events for all ages, witn this year’s celebrations promising to make the town 'a must-visit destination for holiday magic'.

A special, free 20-page Christmas in Bolton guide is available to collect from libraries, leisure centres, council buildings and venues across the borough.

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The town’s festive lights and majestic trees will illuminate the town centre from today (FRIDAY) and will be up until January 6

Highlights of this year’s festive programme include the Mayor’s Christmas Fair, Santa’s Grottos, Christmas markets, live performances, pantomimes, and the town’s winter light festival – Put Big Light On.

Families are invited to come down to Albert Halls Bolton on Saturday, December 7 for the Mayor’s Christmas Fair where there will be toys, gifts, stalls, music, games, and entertainment.

Children can attend for free, and it is 50p for adults.

There will also be plenty of Santa’s Grotto experiences taking place, including at Bolton Markets, Smithills Farm, Moss Bank Park, and The Crofters Bradshaw.

There’s also a jam-packed Albert Halls Christmas calendar with the Rapunzel pantomime, Santa Live! show, a festive Sip & Paint session, Boogie Bingo Christmas Party Nights, and not forgetting, the Mayor’s Christmas Fair.

If one pantomime wasn’t enough, Victoria Hall is also showing Aladdin until January 4, and they will also host The Eagley Christmas Band and Community Choir on Saturday 14 December.

Next week, the town centre will light up like never before as Put Big Light On Festival returns, with amazing light art displays, new exhibitions, street entertainment, and food vendors.

There will also be Christmas markets at Heaton Fold Garden Centre on December 15 as well as Smithills Farm this weekend (30 November and 1 December).

Smithills Hall will also be hosting a My First Father Christmas Experience on 20 December, aimed at pre-school children and babies, where little ones can meet Santa, make a souvenir decoration, and enjoy bubbles with the Bubble Fairy.

You can also catch a fantastic, festive programme at Octagon Theatre with The Jungle Book – A Wild & Wonderful Adventure for Christmas (showing until 4 January) and Rudolph the Reindeer’s Red Nose Roadshow (showing until 30 December).

Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub said:"We always look forward to unveiling the Christmas in Bolton programme, as this campaign is about bringing people together to celebrate the joy and magic of the season.

“From sparkling lights to family-friendly entertainment, there’s something for everyone, and it’s great to see such a wide range of cultural activities taking place.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors and residents alike to make memories that will last a lifetime."

To view the full festive line-up for this year, with more info and links to book tickets, head to www.visitbolton.com/christmas