One of the advent calendar windows in Barby, Northamptonshire

Barby has been crowned the ‘Capital of Christmas’ by dayoutwiththekids.co.uk

The search, launched by the biggest UK days out site, set out to find the towns and villages helping to make Christmas extra special this year. After more than 250 nominations across the UK, it was Barby’s village advent calendar that took the title.

This December, 24 houses in the village will all decorate a window of their house, ready to be revealed on their allocated day of advent. Each day, the villagers have a new house to find and a brand new display, continuing all the way up to Christmas Eve.

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Cat Sabine with her son, Leo, outside their home in Barby

Cat Sabine, who nominated Barby to win, said: “I’ve lived in Barby since I was five, and Christmas is something the whole village looks forward to. My house was number three this year, so we had a little switch on ceremony with mulled wine and Christmas cookies - it’s much better than your average chocolate advent calendar!

“Walking around the village after dark is truly magical, and we’re so thrilled to be crowned Day Out With The Kids’ Capital of Christmas!”

There’s even more festive fun taking place too, with a Christmas tree festival at the local church and a Christmas fete at the village school.

Lisa O’Keeffe, brand manager at dayoutwiththekids.co.uk, added: “Christmas is all about community spirit, and it’s been incredible to read about all the festivities taking place across the UK.

Cat Sabine's window display for the festive advent calendar display in Barby

“Despite being a small village, the sense of community was apparent, and we loved that there was a reason to get outside and engage with the activities every single day of December. We’re really proud to crown Barby our Capital of Christmas this year.”

One of the windows on display in Barby

A traditional display with a Pokeman twist

Cat Sabine with her son, Leo, outside their home in Barby

Cat Sabine's window display for the festive advent calendar display in Barby

One of the windows on display in Barby