A TOWN'S Christmas lights have been officially switched on with the help of a special guest.

Santa Claus took time out of his busy festive schedule to drop into Stockton and help switch on the Christmas lights.

A winter parade of dancers and elves lead Santa to the stage for the switch on, which was followed by live performances of Christmas carols and from Apollo Arts Musician.

Read more: Santa Claus to come to the North East this weekend to take part in a festive parade

The town's Christmas tree was lit up along with the lights that decorate the high street.

The hugely popular winter event, cancelled last year due to the pandemic but as promised was back bigger than ever this year.

Stockton's four day Christmas market will be starting on Thursday, December 2 to Sunday, December 5, which will see the high street will be adorned with traders and artists.

On top of this, the Christmas Eve market will also take place on High Street from 9am until 2.30pm on Friday, December 24.

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