CHRISTMAS was officially switched on in Abingdon, Woodstock and Banbury this weekend.

Thousands gathered in town centres to watch festive light displays, enjoy their first mince pies, and, of course, meet Father Christmas.

At Abingdon’s annual Christmas Extravaganza on Saturday, the Market Place was lit up not just by coloured bulbs but also a spectacular fireworks display.

Kyla Barney, four, who goes to Dry Sandford Primary School, said she was enthralled by a performance from Abingdon Rock Choir.

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Her grandad, Charlie Jones, said: “It was our first time and it’s been great seeing so many people in town.”

Abingdon Rotary Club sold about 900 mince pies and about 1,500 servings of mulled wine.

Prime Minister David Cameron visited Carterton’s Christmas lights ceremony at the Town Hall on Friday night, with shops opening late and a children’s funfair.

In Barton, Oxford, husband and wife Martin and Debbie Scarrott lit their garden up with decorations, and invited people to come and take a tour in exchange for making a donation to disability charity My Life My Choice.

Mr Scarrott said: “I’m very happy to do it because it can help people and children love it.”

Oxford mental health charity Restore held a winter fair at its Cowley Road cafe on Saturday. Along with live jazz and mulled fruit punch, Lord Mayor of Oxford Mohammed Abbasi unveiled a mosaic bench crafted by members and volunteers.

The charity’s chief executive Martin Realey said members had organised it so well he got to relax with his daughter Florence. He said: “It was fantastic, and really lovely to see members taking the lead with such an event.”

In Woodstock, hundreds of people gathered in the Market Place to watch as Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear flicked the switch, illuminating lights in Park Street, High Street and the Market Place on Saturday night. Pudsey also announced that Woodstock Fire Station had raised £7,000 for his charity this year.

After the lights, former Abingdon MP Tom Benyon played the part of Scrooge in a Dickensian skit, then children from Woodstock Primary School sang carols.

Mayor Julian Cooper said: “It was an excellent event, and really well attended.”

Thousands turned out to see Coronation Street’s Peter Barlow switch on the Banbury Christmas lights.

Soap star Chris Gascoyne, who recently left the show, teamed up with Santa Claus to bring in the spirit of Christmas.

Mr Gascoyne said: “It was great, I’m thrilled to be asked. It was a race between me and Santa to switch them on but I made sure I got there ahead of him.”

Banbury Town Mayor Sean Woodcock said: “We always have a great turn-out and it’s great we’ve kept it up this year.”

s Is your house lit up? Or maybe a neighbour has an impressive Christmas lights display? Send your pictures to picturedesk@oxfordmail.co.uk

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