Hundreds of people celebrated the countdown to Christmas in Huddersfield on Saturday with a festive market and fun activities across the town centre.

In what was a full day of family fun, organised by Kirklees Council, the festive season was launched in style.

A Christmas market in the new events space at St Peter’s Gardens next to Huddersfield Parish Church drew the crowds and there was Santa in his grotto, a mechanical rodeo reindeer, some real reindeer, a giant inflatable snow globe, a parade, seasonal music from Hepworth Brass Band and arts and crafts activities.

Families had the chance to get up close to some real reindeer and Kurt, who looks after the animals, said: “We’ve had a good day. A lot of people didn’t even know that reindeer were real!”

 

 

Artisan traders were selling some unique Christmas gifts in the market and one of the stallholders, Lindsey from Pastiche Worldwide, said: “It’s been amazing.

“There have been so many people around, it has been absolutely fantastic. I will definitely be back next year.”

Words by: SID CHADWICK

Gallery of images by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE