STOCKTON Town Centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland of shopping later this week as the Sparkles Christmas Market returns.
From Thursday 26 November until Sunday 29 November, the special market will enchant residents and visitors as around 30 festive log cabins will arrive selling a wide variety of gifts and edible treats perfect for Christmas presents.
From confectionery to candles and from jewellery to homemade crafts, there will be something on offer to suit every taste.
Younger visitors will also be able to send their Christmas lists and letters to Santa by visiting his special post office in one of the cabins on the High Street.
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “Christmas is a magical time for us all and the Christmas Market, as part of Stockton Sparkles, is sure to get everyone well and truly into the festive spirit.
“It will complement the great range of cafés, bars and restaurants in Stockton Town Centre and visitors will also be able to pop in to the Enterprise Arcade on the High Street for even more gift ideas.
“It is set to be a special atmosphere this Christmas so I would encourage everyone to come along with family and friends to enjoy all that is on offer as part of Stockton Sparkles and beyond.”
As part of the Stockton Sparkles market, there will be school and community groups selling their homemade wares on Thursday 26 November and Friday 27 November.
These young entrepreneurs will be selling a variety of goodies from Christmas decorations to stocking fillers for pets between 9am and 7.30pm (Thursday) and 9am to 6pm (Friday).
Stockton’s traditional market will continue to open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the run-up to Christmas.
A special festive Farmers’ Market will take place on Saturday 28 November and Saturday 19 December.
Offering visitors the perfect opportunity to get stocked up with tasty, locally-sourced treats to enjoy over Christmas – the Farmers’ Market location in Wellington Square will spread the Sparkles magic across Stockton Town Centre.
There will also be a traditional market on Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December).
Residents and visitors are asked to note that there will be no market on Christmas Day (Friday 25 December) or Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December).
For more information and opening times, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/stocktonsparkles