Martin Freeman [David Parry / PA Media]

THE countdown to Christmas has officially begun in Marylebone Village as the lights were switched on by BAFTA winner, actor Martin Freeman.

The Office, The Hobbit and Fargo star Mr Freeman was the star guest at the event hosted by Marylebone Village resident and BBC broadcaster Jo Good.

Thousands turned out to watch the dazzling display in Devonshire Street on Wednesday evening.

The streets were lined with stalls offering late-night shopping and festive food from pigs in blankets, tater tots, chocolate-covered chestnuts, mulled wine and apple cider.

There were also activities for the family, a ferris wheel was in full swing, bauble and wreath-making workshops, a Santa’s grotto with Mrs Claus and her elves on scene to greet children getting ready to tell Father Christmas their wish-list.

The event was organised and funded by the Howard de Walden Estate with all proceeds from the festive activities raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital for children.

The funds will help to support services like free accommodation so loved ones can be there from 5am stocking-unwrapping to bedtime stories on Christmas night.