HILLTOP hamlets and bustling towns throughout Kirklees sparkled with festive illuminations last night.
Mirfield, Slaithwaite, Golcar and Pole Moor all held very different Christmas switch-ons to herald the season of goodwill.
Miss Mirfield, Kelly Skiba, aged 15, flicked the switch outside her town centre's Black Bull pub just after nightfall.
Kelly made her grand entrance with Santa, elves and fairies on a decorated float.
Carols were led by the town's Salvation Army band.
In Slaithwaite, the fun kicked off a little later, when crowds gathered to enjoy the village's biggest-ever light switch-on.
Organisers asked for residents to get involved as stewards and helpers after they were overwhelmed with numbers at last year's event.
Villagers had been working all year to make the night unforgettable.
In Golcar, Kirklees Mayor Clr Barbara Allonby plunged the streets into light.
A new set of fairy lights were paid for by Kirklees Council and the Winkle Club, a community fundraising group.
The small community of Pole Moor proved a home from home for Father Christmas as he doled out oranges and sweets to youngsters.
The lights were switched on by three pupils from Wilberlee Junior and Infants School, Slaithwaite, George Coldwell, Alicia Mansaf and Matthew Rowland.
George designed a winning Christmas card design, which is to be printed and sold next year.
