Words John Edwards | Pictures Jonathan Moore

It's one of the most traditional fixtures on the football calendar, and the scene is set for another Boxing Day to remember for Altrincham fans when promotion rivals FC Halifax Town visit The J.Davidson Stadium on December 26th.

The matchday experience at Alty embraces far more than just 90 minutes of top-quality action on the pitch these days, and the eagerly-awaited Boxing Day showdown with the Shaymen will be no exception, with plans in place for a wide variety of attractions to keep everyone entertained throughout the afternoon and into the early evening.

The game itself is enough to whet the appetite, a long-standing cross-Pennine rivalry that invariably produces a relentless level of intensity from both sides and that promises more of the same this time, given Halifax trail us on goal difference only in the battle for play-off places in the Vanarama National League.

There is so much more besides, though, not least the positioning of the fixture at 3pm on a day that has always been associated with sporting endeavours.

If the many joys of Christmas Day tend to be played out indoors, the accent on Boxing Day is very much on venturing out, and what better for Robins devotees than a stroll down Moss Lane for an afternoon of top-class football with all that goes with it.

Our doors are opening at 1pm, and there are any number of ways you can tailor your matchday experience to suit your wishes, from savouring a pre-match drink in the warmth of the Community Sports Hall to sampling the unique atmosphere of the Fan Zone or treating yourself to hospitality in The John King Lounge.

If you have been dishing out presents to all and sundry over Christmas and feel it's about time you received one yourself, a seat at one of the tables in our modern, refurbished hospitality setting is undoubtedly the reward you deserve.

As well as a complimentary pre-match bar, there is a two-course meal that is becoming increasingly acclaimed for its culinary excellence and which can be enjoyed to the accompaniment of an address from a member of the Alty playing or coaching team.

You will receive a free Robins Review match programme, an in-depth interview with former Halifax defender Tylor Golden being the highlight of the Boxing Day issue, and a team sheet, and half-time refreshments are also laid on.

A reserved seat in the Family Stand awaits you, and, as well as a cash bar at half-time and full-time, there will be a post-match interview in the lounge with at least one of the key figures from the afternoon's encounter.

With the whole package starting at just £70, you couldn't wish for better value, and it will come as no surprise that places for the Boxing Day game are selling fast. There are still a few left, and you can reserve your place by clicking here.

The CSH, with its well-stocked bar running almost the length of the room, has long been a firm favourite with Alty followers for pre-match food and drinks and a convivial catch-up with fellow-fans, and the shutters will be up from 1pm onwards.

The Fan Zone has really caught on with Moss Lane regulars, a spectacular success story since it was launched for the authentic delights of curries that have become a must pre-match meal for so many and the quality of beers supplied by favourite local breweries such as Sureshot, Titanic, Cloudwater, Pomona Island, Silent Brew Co and Hogan's Cider.

With the added attraction of an interview with a guest whose identity has still to be confirmed, it's fast establishing itself as the venue of choice from 1pm onwards for more and more Alty supporters.

Wherever you head for after entering the ground, who not take care of admission now? You can book your ticket and make sure of a place at one of the games of the season by clicking here.

Boxing Day is still, of course, just over a week away, and if there are Christmas presents that still need buying, why not call into our town centre retail store and browse the extensive range of merchandise on show? It's open from Wednesday to Sunday this week, and there will always be a warm welcome and ready advice to help find the gift you are looking for.

On the 26th itself, we are hoping to have a pop-up shop operating inside the stadium, while half-season tickets will also be available for purchase up until kick-off.

Everyone at the club wishes every single Alty fan a very happy Christmas, and we look forward to opening our doors and welcoming you all in on Boxing Day.