FESTIVE shopping and museum experiences helped to pull in the crowds all over the area at the weekend.

Events included an Edwardian festival at the National Railway Museum in York, a Victorian Christmas market at Tadcaster, and festive fun at York's Castle Museum.

At the National Railway Museum, staff wore Edwardian-style costumes, and a variety of attractions were on offer, including an old-style steam fair, with galloping horses on a carousel, a helter skelter and steam train rides.

Youngsters were more than catered for with a magic show, puppet show and theatre performances from the Century Adventures group.

Local schoolchildren led a rousing rendition of some popular Christmas carols and Santa Claus was on hand.

At York's Castle Museum visitors were treated to a stocking-full of festive fun.

The Brolly Entertainers led a celebration of the season,and four period rooms were decked out in traditional decorations.

Visitors were also able to watch demonstrations of the production of table and garland decorations, as children saw a sugar mice-making demonstration.

The events were arranged as part of York's St Nicholas Fayre.

Meanwhile, Santa also listened to dozens of gift requests from excited youngsters at his grotto in the York Asda store at the weekend.

Updated: 12:01 Monday, December 02, 2002