FESTIVE cheer will return to West Kilbride on Friday as the village’s annual Yuletide evening kicks off for 2022.

The Christmas event will run from 6 until 9pm and will include a parade, Santa’s grotto, children’s games, live music, refreshments and late night shopping.

The village’s popular best dressed window competition has also returned for another year, with businesses decorating their shopfronts ahead of judging later this week.

Shops are vying for one of the three top prizes, with vouchers for the Barony Centre Gallery Shop, ‘Tis the Season Christmas Shop and national book tokens up for grabs.

Music lovers can head to The Twa Dugs and The King’s Arms from 8pm on Friday for live music and festive fun.

West Kilbride Community Centre is hosting films and face-painting sessions while The Village Larder will be open for hot chocolate and mince pies.

The village hall will stage a sold-out Santa’s grotto alongside children’s games and activities, with the tearoom also open for festive treats.

Youngsters can find a nativity escape room and other games in the West Kilbride Parish Church, and The Barony Centre is holding children’s craft workshops.

The Main Street venue will also be open for an Alternative Giving Christmas Exhibition, with cocktails available in the Barony Café.

The whole family can head to the newly renovated Boyd Orr Gardens, which has been transformed into an enchanted garden for one night only, while many of the village’s shops will be opening late for some festive shopping, including The D&B Gallery, Flowers by Aileen and Fyrefly Gallery.

Other businesses remaining open are Modes Vintage, Abigail Rocketblast, Weft Blown and Nourish.

Food and drinks will be on offer at restaurants and cafes around the village, including the Village Hall Tearoom, The Curious Larder, POD< Giuliani’s, The Village Chippy, The Barony Café and Cita Tapas.

The Yuletide night will also be the perfect chance to buy some unique Christmas presents from the village’s Craft Town Scotland studios.

Studios opening late on Friday include Madabout Bears, Frances Clark Sculpture, Hope Jacare Designs, The Glass Craft Studio, and Marion E Kane.

Youngsters can also search for clues on Friday by completing a Santa Trail, with entry forms available from The Barony Centre or Giuliani’s.

The trail will last until Monday December 5, with all forms to be handed in to the Barony office by 4pm on that day.