Michael McIntyre with the lights switch.

Hampstead resident and comedian Michael McIntyre flicked the switch to turn the village into an “enchanting” winter wonderland as the community held its largest ever Christmas festival.

Hampstead Treasure Hunt, Zac Leach (5) pictured with Peter Pan Keri Penford-Baker and Captain Hook Michael Hockley.

An estimated 40,000 people flocked to Hampstead to soak up the festive glow, sample the food and gift stalls, and see the reindeers visiting over Sunday.

A couple was so moved by the magic of the day they got engaged as the festival drew to a close, while listening to the popular busker Jonny Walker.

Caroline Williams, of Howitt Road, Belsize Park, was one of a hard working group of residents who have painstakingly planned the festival over the past eight months.

She said: “The whole day was enchanting and magical.

“Last year was the first year we got the whole street closed but this year we doubled the size of the festival we had more local business with stalls.

“It was phenomenal and vibrant. So many people were just wandering round saying it was such a wonderful occasion for the village.

“People were coming up to me saying that they havened seen anything like it in London

“It was far beyond our expectations in terms of turnout it was charming and magical. There was a lovely feel to the whole thing.”

The festival was paid for by traders and residents, and Savills estate agents in Perrins Court, Hampstead made a generous donation to allow the lights to twinkle.

Frank Townsend, of Savills, said: “Hampstead is still genuinely very much a London village, with the close knit community. With the bright lights of London it is easy to forget all that, but we are very much still committed to that.”