WE'RE probably all in need of some Christmas cheer.

And what better place to find it than Salisbury?

A great line-up of festive attractions brings Cinderella, carol singers, reindeer and much more to the city.

Salisbury BID, Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Creative have joined forces to give Christmas a little extra sparkle.

The countdown begins on Friday with celebrations organised by Salisbury City Council. 

It's the first day of the Christmas lights and the opening of Christmas on the Square and the Salisbury Christmas Trail. 

The evening of family-friendly fun in the Market Place will kick off from 4pm- 8pm and will feature reindeer, The Grinch, carol singers, fair rides and other activities.

The Deloreons will be providing the soundtrack with some festive singalongs.

The day also marks the opening of Christmas on the Square in front of the Guildhall. 

Festivities will include a destination bar - Frost - with cosy firepits, a food area serving up festive treats and Santa’s Grotto.

Until January 2 the city’s medieval streets will be festooned with decorations and Christmas characters - the Salisbury Christmas Trail.

Pantomime is back at the Playhouse from November 26 with a spectacular production of the greatest panto story of all, Cinderella. Tickets are on sale now.

There's a whole range of events and activities too at Salisbury Arts Centre.

The unmissable Darkness to Light Procession, when Salisbury Cathedral celebrates the start of Advent, will take place on Friday, November 25 at 7pm, Saturday, November 26 at 7pm and Sunday, November 27 at 5pm.

You can join G4 on December 2 as they perform timeless classics to evoke the Christmas spirit.

The City of London Sinfonia join the full Cathedral Choir and four distinguished soloists for Handel’s Messiah which will take place on Saturday, December 10.

Thanks to Salisbury BID, the stars of the BBC’s ‘Interior Design Masters’ return to Salisbury this Christmas to give three businesses a festive makeover.

Join us from November 18 to see the unveiling of festive window displays created by Fran Lee, Amy Davies and Dean Powell.

Salisbury is a city of independents with a tradition of hospitality and Christmas is the perfect time to explore what they have to offer.

There will also be the chance to shop for presents at the Salisbury Christmas Market happening every Sunday from November 27 until December 18 in Salisbury Market Place.

Courtesy of Salisbury Bid, it will be snowing across the city - more details to be announced. 

BID Chief Executive Robin McGowan said: "Christmas will arrive in our modern medieval city on Friday with a whole range of festivities for everyone to enjoy!" As the Christmas lights start twinkling across the city, Salisbury will mark the start of the festive period with an evening of free entertainment from Disco Dion and The Deloreons. FROST Bar will re-open, food vendors will serve up festive treats and Santa and The Grinch will entertain the children. 

"This year, the BID has supported the Salisbury City Council's Christmas Trail. The trail is free to enjoy and you can discover festive characters and snap a selfie along the way - send it to us at Experience Salisbury to feature on our Instagram page.

"Now, more than ever, it is important that we support our local businesses. For all local events, menus, gifts and activities, visit Experience Salisbury, or pick up a Christmas in Salisbury leaflet from the Information Centre on Fish Row."

There's much more to Christmas in Salisbury so for full details and regular updates on the Journal website and experiencesalisbury.co.uk.