Thousands of people flocked to Christmas lights switch-ons in Wells-next-the-Sea and Dereham over the weekend. 

The Wells Christmas Tide event on Saturday saw a flotilla of boats sail to the quayside, with Father Christmas himself arriving from the sea. 

There was carol singing at the Buttlands park, and ITV Anglia presenter David Whiteley switched on the lights before fireworks lit up the night sky. 

Dereham Times: A metallic visitor at the Wells Christmas Tide eventA metallic visitor at the Wells Christmas Tide event (Image: Marcus French)READ MORE: Norfolk and Norwich terriers 'at risk' of going extinct, new research shows

Dereham's Market Place was abuzz for the town's annual festive event. 

Local groups ran stalls selling everything from handcrafted gifts to hot snacks, and also an afternoon of stage entertainment from singers and performers.

Dereham Times: Boats arrive at the Quayside in Wells for the town's Christmas Tide eventBoats arrive at the Quayside in Wells for the town's Christmas Tide event (Image: Marcus French)READ MORE: Hundreds of seals take over Norfolk beach as pupping season continues

Families with children also made their way to the Assembly Rooms, where Father Christmas was waiting to hear their requests for presents on the big day. 

Dereham Baptist Church organised a Nativity photo booth where visitors could picture themselves amid the story of Jesus' birth, and there were also donkey rides on Church Street. 

Just before the switch-on the Dereham Churches Together singers led community singing.

Dereham Times: Crowds gather for Dereham's light switch-on Crowds gather for Dereham's light switch-on (Image: Supplied)READ MORE: Lidl recalls chocolate and meat products over serious health fears

The honour of switching on the lights went to drag queen Miss Dee Licious, who is well known for charity work around the town and her work with the group Dereham Does Pride.

Fakenham's Christmas Fayre will take place on Saturday, December 2 and will feature a market with 24 stalls and entertainment starting at 2pm.

Dereham Times: Carolers entertain at Dereham's lights switch onCarolers entertain at Dereham's lights switch on (Image: Supplied)Santa will have a grotto at the Crown from 2pm to 5pm and the lights will be switched on at 6pm by the winner of a ‘naughty elf trail’ competition for children under 11.

Reepham's Festival of Light event takes place in the Market Place on Sunday, December 3 from 2.30pm to 5pm.