A TRADITIONAL Christmas fair opened in a new location in York today.

St Nicholas Fayre was holding stalls in College Street in the shadow of the Minster for the first time.

It was also opening stalls in Parliament Street, St Sampson's Square, King's Square and venues throughout the city.

The four-day fair will offer an array of traditional markets selling great local produce as well as a range of hand-crafted gifts.

Tony Bennett, chairman of the First Stop York Tourism Partnership said: "The Yuletide York programme gets stronger every year. It is an excellent example of co-operation between the City of York Council, York Tourism Bureau and key tourism businesses and retailers within the city. We're particularly delighted that more local producers will be visiting York this year, showcasing the very best of traditional Yorkshire produce."

Tonight the Christmas lights switch on extravaganza will be held in Duncombe Place, from 6pm. The family show will feature special guests, music and surprises before the switch-on by snooker superstar John Parrott, at 6.25pm.

This will also herald the first late-night Christmas shopping event in the city, with scores of shops staying open until 8pm every Thursday now until Christmas.

Meanwhile, Santa Claus gave up his traditional sleigh and arrived at the National Railway Museum by velocipede - a railway bicycle.

He will be taking up residence in the first ever Christmas grotto at the York attraction as part of the Edwardian Christmas Festival. The event, which takes place this weekend, includes carol singing, a brass band, a magician and live comedy theatre.

The late-night Christmas shopping will now include the great majority of shops in the city centre opening on Thursdays until Christmas.

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, November 27, 2003