Doncaster Market, one of the biggest and finest markets in the North, has announced a range of exciting festive family events to entertain shoppers as they hunt for those all-important Christmas bargains.

The Christmas season will kick off at the end of November with an action packed 'Dr Who' themed Christmas Lights Switch On and conclude in spectacular fashion with New Year's Eve celebrations including a Family Fun Fair and Firework Display.

Whatever the time of year, with around 600 indoor and open-air stalls serving the freshest quality meat, fish, fruit and vegetables as well as furniture, art, textiles, fashion and much more, you can really make a day of a visit to Doncaster Market. It offers an overwhelming choice of high quality fresh local produce at exceptional value for money, it is not surprising that it brings in so many visitors, both from Doncaster and further a field.

Conveniently located close to the Frenchgate Transport Interchange and the bustling retail community, you will find Doncaster Market a shoppers' paradise. The Market is fully open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and, from the Thursday 27 November until Christmas, you can also experience 'A Taste of Doncaster Markets' on Thursdays and Sundays along St. Sepulchre Gate.

At weekends from the end of November Doncaster Markets will host a programme of seasonal entertainment and family fun in the form of jugglers, street theatre, choirs and musicians as well as these fabulous festive events:

·        Thursday 20 November - Christmas Lights Switch On
Enjoy entertainment, including live music, competitions and face painting, in Doncaster's town centre from 5:00pm with the big switch on around 6:30pm. This year's event will have a 'Dr Who' theme.

·        Saturday 29 November - Elf About
Unique entertainment in the form of an eccentric dancing trio of elves! Come along for music, silly dancing and general Christmas goodwill in the market area as their magical curly elf shoes give them special dancing talents. Audience participation is encouraged with everyone welcome to join in. 
 
·        Saturday 6 December - The Snow Queen and Snow Elf
The stunning Snow Queen blows through the market on her stilts. With icicles dangling from her finger tips, her blue lips whisper greetings to one and all. Accompanied by one of her snow elves from Lapland throwing hands-full of snow as they both leave a little piece of the North Pole wherever they go.

·        Saturday 13 December - Three wise men and camels
Following the success of their visit last year the three wise men and their camels return to the markets again this Christmas. You can get up close to these impressive full size Arabian camels at the open market 10:30am till 3:00pm.

·        Saturday 20 December - The Tap Dancing Turkeys
Bernice and Matthew, unplucked, live and acoustic, tour the land with their feathery combination of tap dance, turkey talk and shopping tips.  Wandering entertainment and short static shows from two charismatic birds in Doncaster Market.

·        Wednesday 31 December  - New Years Eve Family Funfair and Fireworks
Enjoy all the fun of the fair. Rides and foodstalls galore will be located in the Markets car park from 7:30pm with a firework finale at midnight. Only 99p a ride before 9:30pm!

For further information about the Markets or the Christmas events, please contact Doncaster Council's Markets & Events Team on 01302 862478