A HOST of festive events will take place this weekend as St Helens looks forward to Christmas.
Among them is a day of festive fun on Saturday, December 3, between 11am-4pm, featuring Father Christmas, reindeer and a Santa Dash.
St Helens Sports Development’s annual Santa Dash will take place at 11am – with hundreds of fun runners set to take on a 4k loop of Victoria Park
A collaboration between St Helens Borough Council and Willowbrook Hospice, with support from the Friends of Victoria Park group, the event will include a host of winter activities and attractions.
It will raise money for Willowbrook, the chosen charity of the Mayor of St Helens Borough, Councillor Sue Murphy.
There will be a Santa’s Grotto, Reindeer, a Christmas crafts and gift fayre, food and drink stalls and a children’s funfair
A Christmas tree lights switch on will take place at 4pm.
Entry to take part in the Santa Dash is £5 for adults and £2 for children and young people aged 5-18.
To sign up, visit sthelens.gov.uk/santadash For more information on Festive Fun Day in Victoria Park visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/christmas
Newton's Christmas markets
Newton High Street’s Christmas Markets is making a comeback after a two-year break due to the pandemic and will take place on Sunday, December 4.
The event, which sees stalls set up throughout the high street, was an annual occasion prior to covid and much-loved by the community.
This year, the markets were able to make a return, with the High Street Hive committee and independent business in Newton, coming together to host the festive day.
The event, which will begin at noon before a Christmas lights switch on at 5pm, will see independent businesses set up gifts, drinks, treats, and music for locals to enjoy.
Ruskin Outdoor Christmas market
A Buy Local outdoor Christmas market, led by St Helens Independents Christmas group, will also take place at Ruskin sportsground, Dentons Green, St Helens on Sunday between 12pm and 6pm.
There will be 30 local independent makers and sellers with an array of seasonal goodies. Festive food will be served up at The Wicket and the Alex Walmsley testimonial game will take place in association with the Steve Prescott Foundation.
Billinge Markets
Meanwhile, Sunday will also see Billinge Christmas markets held at the Mason's Arms pub, Carr Mill Road, Billinge, between noon and 5pm on Sunday.
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