AS WE head closer to Christmas here are some of the festive events to look forward to in Salisbury.
Salisbury City Council, Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire Creative and Salisbury BID have teamed up to bring magic and merriment for all ages to the city.
1. Christmas events in Market Place
The countdown to Christmas begins on Friday November 19 with events organised by Salisbury City Council.
Although there will be no big light switch-on event again this year, Salisbury will still be decorated in beautiful lights.
The lights will be switched on in time for an evening of family-friendly festive fun in the Market Place.
From 4pm to 8pm, there will be reindeer, carol singers and other Christmas activities and performers.
2. Christmas on the Square
Friday November 19 also sees the start of the pop-up Christmas on the Square event in front of the Guildhall.
Festivities include a destination bar and food area which will run until January 3, 2022.
And Santa will be taking time out of his schedule to meet the children of Salisbury.
He will be stopping off at Santa’s Little Wonderland at various times up until Christmas Eve.
Time slots must be booked in advance. Tickets can be bought through the Experience Salisbury website.
3. The Nutcrackers
After a two-year hiatus, Salisbury BID will bring back its Nutcrackers.
The giant statues, each 6.5ft tall, will be hidden in businesses across the city centre. Find them, take a selfie, and you could win a £100 Salisbury Gift Card.
4. Salisbury Christmas Tree Trail
Salisbury City Council’s Christmas Tree Trail will return to the city centre from November 19.
Starting at Salisbury Cathedral and finishing at the Market Place, the trail will guide you through the medieval streets of Salisbury.
5. Festive theatre at Salisbury Playhouse
Delve into a 1950s wonderland from December 3 with Wiltshire Creative's Snow White and the Happy Ever After Beauty Salon.
Tickets should be booked in advance here.
6. Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote
Pit your wits against JB Fletcher at Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote. The interactive screening of a classic episode of Murder, She Wrote will take place on December 3 at Salisbury Arts Centre.
Visit: wiltshirecreative.co.uk
7. Jazz Dynamos
On December 10 December at Salisbury Arts Centre, join Jazz Dynamos as they take well-known songs and transform them with a mix of jazz, bossa, and samba.
8. Barnstormers Comedy
Barnstormers Comedy night returns on December 17 with a festive twist, bringing the hottest acts from the London comedy circuit to Salisbury Arts Centre.
9. The Hug
The Hug will have children engrossed in a tale of hope, empathy and acceptance as Hedgehog and Tortoise search of a restorative hug.
There are only a few seats left, so book now to see the production from Long Nose Puppets on December 11 at Salisbury Arts Centre.
10. Festive workshops
Wiltshire Creative also has festive workshops hosted by a range of local artists where visitors can try out making their own decorations, willow trees and festive crafts.
All Wiltshire Creative events can be booked at wiltshirecreative.co.uk
11. The Snowman
You can watch The Snowman in the surroundings of Salisbury Cathedral on Friday December 3.
The classic Christmas animation, played alongside a live orchestra, has become a firm festive favourite for both children and adults.
Visit: salisburycathedral.co.uk
12. Darkness to Light Procession
The Darkness to Light Procession, when Salisbury Cathedral celebrates the start of Advent, will take place at 7pm on Friday November 26 and Saturday 27 November, and 5pm on Sunday 28
The service begins in total darkness and ends with the ancient building ablaze with more than a thousand flickering candles.
Visit: salisburycathedral.co.uk
13.Cathedral Christmas tree
On December 8, the gigantic Christmas tree will be hoisted up at the Cathedral’s West End.
Soaring at around 32ft, the huge Norway Spruce comes from Longleat’s sustainable forest, so as the Cathedral tree goes up another will be planted in its place.
Outside enjoy a fairy light walk across the Cathedral Close and look out for the Cathedral’s contribution to the Christmas Tree Trail.
14. Handel’s Messiah
On Saturday December 11 Handel’s Messiah will be sung by the full Cathedral choir accompanied by the City of London Sinfonia.
Soloists will be soprano Soraya Mafi, alto Robin Blaze, tenor Sam Furness and bass James Platt. The concert starts at 7pm and a pre-concert dinner is available in the Refectory Restaurant.
As if all that wasn’t enough, there will be Carols by Candlelight at 7pm on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd December and a Family Service will be held on Christmas Eve at 3.30pm.
Visit: salisburycathedral.org.uk
15. Shopping
Salisbury has an active community of independent shops and, as part of efforts to encourage present buyers to shop local, there will be a Best Dressed Christmas Window competition run in partnership by Salisbury BID and the Salisbury Journal.
16. Festive Sunday Markets
The Market Place will be filled with festive stalls and food each Sunday from November 28.
How to find out more
Visit: experiencesalisbury.co.uk
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