For a lot of people the Christmas lights switch on marks the start of the holiday season and is one of the most anticipated events of the year around all of the UK! Thousands of people head into the city centre to be part of the festive fun. Carry on reading to find out when and where the lights will be switched on in a city near you. Most acts and celebrity guests are still to be confirmed, but one famous face you can be sure to see at all of them is, of course, Father Christmas, so get yourself down and start this year’s festive celebrations! It’s never too early to get these dates in your diary….

London

12^th November –Covent Garden’s Christmas illumination ceremony takes places in the Piazza on the evening of the 12^th of November this year, with over 115,000 lights powering up Covent Garden and the surrounding streets. The Christmas tree alone has 30,000 lights on it and forms the centrepiece for the main ceremony.

13^th November – For Marylebone Village Christmas Lights switch on there is going to be a full afternoon and evening of events, including stage performances alongside plenty of places to eat and drink which will be joining in on the festivities.

21st November – This year Oxford Street is using energy saving smart LED technology in the form of Twinkly app-controlled lights to decorate the world famous shopping street! as well as the fabulous lights there will be live performances and intimate in-store gigs throughout the night. (Top tip, hop on a number 73 bus and try and bag yourself a top deck seat so you can travel up and down the street and gaze at the beautiful, dazzling lights.) 

Southport

17^th November – Expect a full day of magical entertainment as Southports big Christmas light switch-on is headlined by non other than Mr Peter Andre! The stage show starts at 2.15pm with performances from local dance academy’s and pantomimes. the line up will also include Wet Wet Wet singer Kevin Simm and 80’s Liverpool legend Sonia. There will also be a huge firework display at 5.30pm from the roof of The Atkinson arts venue.

Blackpool

30^th November – Blackpool’s Big Christmas Lights Switch On. The illuminations are already up and sparkling away but the main event will take place at the end of November, where Queen of the Jungle, Scarlett Moffat, will be switching on the ‘brightest Christmas lights in the country’ There will be live entertainment from 3pm on the 30^th with the main event taking place at 4.30pm.

Manchester

14^th November – The show takes place on the Thursday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, and is free to attend. No tickets are necessary, but the Deansgate site has a limited capacity and access will be restricted as it fills up. The chart topping singer Becky Hill, who found fame on The Voice, is topping the bill alongside X-Factor group Four of Diamonds and CBBC presenter HRVY.

Leeds

7^th November – The Leeds Lights Switch On marks the official start of the council’s ‘Make it Leeds’ this Christmas campaign, with a number of special events and activities in the pipeline. The Leeds Lights Switch On will take place on Thursday, November 7 so pencil the date in your diary if you’re from Leeds and want to get involved in the start of the festivities!

Belfast

16^th November – The Lord Mayor and Councillor John Finucane will be joined by special guests to help push the big button and switch on at Belfast’s magnificent Christmas tree lights! The big event will take place from 6.30pm – 7.30pm in front of the Belfast City Hall. As you wait, the stage will come alive with festive entertainment, including sing along carol singing, Christmas magic and plenty more musical fun before the big countdown!

Lincoln

22nd November – Lincoln will be adorned with Christmas lights; The festivities will be happening in St Marks Shopping Centre from 4:45pm, Lincoln high street from 5pm, Waterside shopping centre from 6pm and there will be free parking all evening making it super easy for people to be able to come into the city for the big switch on!

Blackburn

23rd November – There will be lot’s of festivities taking place from 12.00 pm around the town centre of Blackburn and Town hall. There will be two Christmas parades on repeat starting at 2pm and 5pm.

Essex

30^th November – Brentwood Christmas lights are being switched on at 6pm this year, with activities starting from 12.30pm. There will also be more than 80 market stalls, along with a variety of main stage performances throughout the night. We heard the main man, Santa, will also be attending on his sleigh! A fabulous way to celebrate the start of Christmas.

Edinburgh

17th November – Edinburgh’s light on will be a little different this year, moving from it’s usual home in George Street to the Royal Mile for the very first time for 2019! They promise a ‘stunning overhead spectacle’ with a ‘flying visit’ from Santa Claus. Arlene Phillips is the host for the show which starts at 3.30pm and the lights are officially switched on at 5pm.

Be sure to check back as we will regularly be updating this in the run up to Christmas with any more exciting Christmas light festivities we find. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you have attended any of these amazing events, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos using our hashtag #ShareTheJoy