THE Christmas spirit is taking over the district this weekend, with various festive events taking place across Bradford.

From lights switch-ons to Dickensian markets, there is a host of activities for all the family.

Clayton village is being transformed into a Dickensian high street tomorrow.

There will be a variety of stalls and entertainment at the event, which will run from 11am to 4pm, and is raising money for Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity, the Methodist Housing Association, and Clayton Cricket Club.

Haworth is also turning the clocks back to the Victorian era this weekend.

The Victorian market will take place in Central Park with stalls selling festive gifts and food, while there will be live entertainment in Main Street, where shopkeepers will be wearing Victorian outfits.

The market will be open from 9am to 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Christmas lights are also being switched on across the district this weekend.

Tomorrow, Baildon’s lights will be switched on at 6.30pm, with entertainment in Browgate beginning at 6pm, and a day of events in the town on Sunday.

Shipley Christmas lights are also being turned on tomorrow, with street entertainers, Christmas characters, live music and free mince pies at the event, which starts at 1pm in Market Square.

On Sunday, Eccleshill Christmas lights will be switched on at Eccleshill Community Centre, with lots of activities and festive music around the village, from 4pm.

Christmas tree festivals are also taking place in Thornton and Queensbury.

In Thornton, the festival is at St James’s Church, where people can see 50 Christmas trees from 11am to 7pm. The festival is raising money for selected charities.

Queensbury’s festival is taking place across the weekend at Holy Trinity Church, with trees decorated by local schools, businesses and community groups on display.

Entry is £1, and the festival is open from 10am to 4pm tomorrow and 1pm to 4pm on Sunday.

A fun and festive run is coming to Lister Park on Sunday, with the Reindeer Stampede in aid of Epilepsy Action.

The route will be decorated throughout, with carol singers and brass bands dotted around the course to provide festive motivation.

The run is five kilometres, with a mini-stampede for children aged eight and under.

Entry costs £14 for adults, £8 for under-16s, and £3 for the mini-stampede. The run begins at 10am.

MORE EVENTS HEADLINES