Thousands of Bradfordians swung into the Christmas spirit at a host of festive events across the district.

The ghosts of Christmas past were revived at the annual two-day Victorian Christmas Market at Bradford Industrial Museum, Eccleshill.

There were appearances from Scrooge, who told tales to visitors at the museum’s back-to-back cottages, ghost stories in the mill manager’s house and a Victorian parlour magic show.

Live reindeer were the guests of honour yesterday and Santa handed out presents to youngsters visiting his grotto, while older visitors browsed more than 80 stalls selling Christmas gifts.

Bradford Chorale singing group gave renditions of Christmas carols outside the 136-year-old former mill to families who braved the wet weather. Actor John Ibbotson became Scrooge for the day and told visitors about his life as the legendary miser of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

He said: “It has been a great atmosphere and the shows have been really packed out.”

Alex Fellowes took on the role of celebrated ghost story writer M R James as he gave people tours of the former mill owners’ home.

Visitors included Julie James of Bierley, Bradford, who was at the market with her dad, Jim Dodgeson, and daughters Rochelle, 13, and Janine, 21.

Bradford Academy school pupil Rochelle said: “It has been really fun because there has been so much to do.”

Event organiser Rebecca Baxter said: “There has been a lot of fantastic fun-packed entertainment. Some people find it quite difficult to get into the Christmas spirit but, when they come here, it really adds to the festive feeling.”

One of the country’s oldest community centre’s also welcomed the crowds to its own Christmas fair.

A market selling festive gifts was held at Sedburgh Community Centre in Huddersfield Road, Odsal, which has recently undergone a major £60,000 refurbishment.

In Bingley, ITV Calendar news presenter Christine Talbot switched on the Christmas lights following a count-down by crowds in Market Place.

Santa also made an appearance to hand out gifts to youngsters. Christine thanked those who turned out for “a lovely welcome.”

Jamie Illingworth, president of Bingley Chamber of Commerce, which organised the event, said: “It has been fantastic to have Christine to turn on the lights and the Bingley business community have really shown their support. They have given over 200 tombola prizes.”