A city centre is set to sparkle into the festive season when six miles of Christmas lights will glow throughout the streets.

The traditional illuminations light up in Canterbury on Friday, November 14, marking the official opening of what organisers claim is one of the UK’s biggest festive markets with dozens of stalls.

This year, the celebration is called ‘Let it Snow’, with the city transformed into a winter wonderland and 12 different themed locations hosting staggered light switch-ons.

The action starts at 5pm with activities, including live music and outdoor screenings of Frozen and Elf running until 8pm.

The Christmas Market will once again be spread throughout the historic city centre, including a large festive fayre within the Cathedral’s precincts, featuring artisan stalls, a carousel, a snow globe and live music.

The city’s shop windows will also be aglow as the annual Christmas Window Trail launches, this year with a Lego theme.

Highlights of the evening include a twilight market with food, crafts, and live music at the Westgate Hall, with its own lights switch-on at 6.30pm.

The Marlowe Theatre forecourt will host live music from No Limits Street Band and a visit from the Snow White Panto Cast, who will be switching on the theatre's brand-new light display at 5.30pm.

The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge will be staging a family hub with Santa visits, decoration workshops, and a Frozen-themed trail at the library.

Burgate will be hosting a Victorian-themed Christmas with performances of an abridged Christmas Carol, live music, roasted chestnuts and light switch-on at 6pm.

Frozen characters will be meeting and greeting in the High Street.

The Lord Mayor and special guests will gather on the ‘countdown balcony’ as they switch on the High Street lights at 6.15pm, with music to get the party started from FNKHAUS.

The celebration is organised by Canterbury BID with the support this year from sponsors Costa Coffee, Howden Insurance and Lily’s Social Kitchen.

Full details of the event line-up and the Christmas Window Lego Trail are live on Visit Canterbury.