High street traders around the Island are gearing up for the big shopping run-in to Christmas.

Festive lights have already been switched on in many towns and villages, Thursday late-night shopping began this week in Douglas and there's extra parking on the promenade walkway.

There are five shopping weekends left until the big day, with local shops hoping to fend off competition from online retailers.

The continental food and craft market is the latest event laid on by Douglas Development Partnership to draw crowds into the capital.

Mayor of Douglas David Ashford, who switched on the Christmas lights this week, says efforts to give the town extra appeal are going down well: