Christmas in our town

 Christmas in my town with the shops open late, aglow from within with pretty things to buy.

 Even the nail salon looks inviting by night with its flashing neon and masked workers busy within - I notice these curious salons everywhere now with rows of workers buffing and polishing.  A parade through the shopping centre with Disney characters, drummers and huge lanterns, decorated by local schools. 

An enchanting stream snaking its way through town towards the grand Christmas tree and the night market. 

We joined the tail end and followed the procession of swinging pyramid lanterns. A new tradition over the last few years for such candlelit parades. I'd love to have a go at making a lantern.
They are like the ones from last year's Lantern Magic at Chester Zoo. LB was in a pushchair then, no need for one now!

 To the twilight market with vintage wares, reflected candlelight in mirrors and teacups full of Christmas. Wreaths made of tiny bells and coloured bottles hanging from under the tarpaulin. 

A bewitching event for Christmastime.  Past the old library where in Victorian times the sub-librarian was a gentleman called Edwin Evans who had my house and the one next door built for him and his two daughters. One never married and lived in my house all her life. 

The part of my house that is now the kitchen was filled with cabinets from the library and where I now warm myself by the woodburner, was her range where she cooked. I hope she would approve of the house now and the love and light within it. Maybe she still pops over.

 Stalls full of foodie goodies tempted us - pies, cheese, sweets and fudge. Cloth lined baskets full of the most gorgeous looking pastries and local producers offering samples. 

We saw the cheeseman and bought a wax coated cheese truckle - just love these. We adore cheese. This time we bought an El Gringo Chilli, Lime & Tequila Cheddar which was so tangy.

 Rudolph from the Round Table showed up.  We tucked into chips on a bench and waited for the fireworks display. LB clung onto me and managed very well with his sensitive ears. We didn't go to a display on Bonfire Night as we were unsure but these smaller occasions are perfect for testing the water. 

Fireworks cascaded over the library and the towering Christmas tree and LB peered over my shoulder and watched them in the glass reflection of the shops behind us. This was a huge inflatable snow globe that you could have a photograph taken inside of its winter wonderland. Children threw fake snow around and had a super time in there, followed by some snow princesses and an elf!

The whole town was brimming with festive cheer.

Cafes were open and people sat outside with hot chocolate in the chilly air.

Pantomime characters from the local theatre mingled and the sparkle in everyone's eyes matched the tree in the square.

We had a truly enjoyable family evening and all the better for LB managing the sensory delights of it all. I hope he will dream of all he saw and feel Christmas joy in his heart.