Christmas will begin in Epsom when the lights are switched on this Thursday, and there is plenty to do across the borough this festive season.

Schoolchildren, local groups and the mayor will join Father Christmas in a “community spectacular” on November 23 at Epsom Market Place, beginning at 4.30pm with the lights being turned on at 7pm.

On Friday, December 1, Ewell High Street traders will welcome shoppers and families for its annual Ewell Yule late-night shopping extravaganza.

Stoneleigh Broadway will be doing the same on Friday, December 8, with events and activities for Lights on Broadway.

To facilitate and encourage Christmas shopping, the council will be offering free parking in car parks they run on Sunday December 10, 17 and 24.

The Christmas memorial service at Epsom Cemetery Chapel, for those who want to remember lost loved ones, will take place on Friday, December 15 at 11am.

Although it will be held in the church, and there will be some familiar Christmas music, it will not be a traditionally religious service.

And the Playhouse has a full roster of shows and concerts to play in the festive season, beginning on Thursday, November 23, with Christmas Memories, described as “a sparkly Christmas card come to life”.

The other shows include Leatherhead Operatic Society’s award-winning musical Scrooge, based on A Christmas Carol, Epsom Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert, Rosebery School Christmas Concert, Santa Claus and the Magical Christmas Journey and this year’s pantomime Cinderella.

For a full list of dates, and to book tickets, visit epsomplayhouse.co.uk.