IT may only be October but a host of attractions have now been confirmed to create a winter wonderland in Darlington for Christmas.

Although the town’s popular ice rink won’t be returning for a third year, the festive season will officially get under way on Thursday, November 26 with the switching on of the Christmas lights at the Market Square and traders from the popular Sunday People’s Market showcasing their wares along High Row.

On November 29, the Cornmill Centre will host the ever-popular reindeer parade from 11am, while on December 5, Bondgate will be transformed into an alpine activity centre, with four log cabins, each hosting a fun Christmas activity.

These include visitors being able to create their own Christmas decorations or wreaths, while youngsters will be helped to write a letter to Santa Claus.

The following Saturday; December 12 will be music-themed, with North Tyneside Steel Band, Cockerton Brass Band and assorted vocalists performing at Northgate, Blackwellgate, Bondgate and High Row.

There will also be festive food, such as roast chestnuts and mulled apple juice, throughout the day.

And, on Saturday, December 19, younger visitors to Blackwellgate will be entertained with a Christmas-themed educational display featuring live Humboldt penguins, courtesy of Penguin Encounter.

The ice rink won’t be returning this year due to part of the Market Square being taken up by building equipment associated with the Dolphin Centre refurbishment, along with Distinct Darlington’s desire to spread events more equally across the town.

Alex Hirst, manager of Distinct Darlington, said: “This year, in the run up to Christmas, there really will be something for everyone.

“While our Winter Wonderland ice rink has been hugely popular for the past couple of years, we thought it would be nice to ring the changes and ensure the festive fun isn’t just centred around the Market Square, but is spread as widely as possible throughout the town centre.

“So, with the support of our town centre businesses, we have created a bigger and better programme of events, which offers a variety of family-friendly activities for all ages.”

For further information visit www.distinctdarlington.co.uk.