As the festive season approaches, various cities and towns across the UK are preparing to illuminate their streets with Christmas lights. Here's a list of notable Christmas light switch-on events for 2024:

London

• Oxford Street: Switched on from November 5, featuring over 5,000 stars with 300,000 LED lights.

• Regent Street and St James's: Lights illuminated from November 7, showcasing the 'Spirit of Christmas' angels.

• Carnaby Street: Lights on from November 7, with the theme 'Into the Light' featuring sculptural light forms.

• Covent Garden: Switch-on event on November 12, featuring a 55-foot Christmas tree and festive decorations.

• Leadenhall Market: Lights switched on from November 14, with a large central Christmas tree and LED lights.

• Old Spitalfields Market: Lights illuminated on November 13, accompanied by live music and workshops.

• Marylebone Village: Switch-on event on November 13, featuring festive activities and a ferris wheel.

• Kew Gardens: 'Christmas at Kew' light trail begins on November 13, showcasing illuminated installations.

• Belgravia: Lights switched on from November 17, with a festive event featuring Father Christmas and reindeer.

• Trafalgar Square: The traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony is on December 5.

Scotland

• Glasgow: Christmas lights switch-on event at George Square on November 17, featuring performances and festivities.

• Edinburgh: Festivities begin on November 15, including Christmas markets and light installations.

Manchester:

• Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park: From November 14 to December 31, 2024, Mayfield Park transforms into a 6.5-acre Christmas wonderland with 50,000 lights, festive treats, and various experiences for visitors.

• Printworks: The Printworks Christmas Light Switch-On event and Festive Street Party will take place on Friday, 29 November. It will run from 6-8pm

Liverpool

• Christmas Market: Taking place from November 16 to December 24, 2024, Liverpool's Christmas market is set against the backdrop of the neoclassical St George's Hall.

Blackpool

• Christmas by the Sea: From November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025, Blackpool's Tower Festival Headland hosts a festival village with illuminated wooden cabins, an outdoor skating rink, simulated snowfalls, and festive-themed light projection shows.

East England:

• Norwich: The annual Christmas lights switch-on event in Norwich is scheduled for November 21, 2024. The city center will be adorned with festive lights, and the event typically features live entertainment and a fireworks display.

• Cambridge: Cambridge's Christmas lights will be illuminated on November 23, 2024. The switch-on event includes performances by local choirs and a festive market.

West England:

• Bristol: Bristol's Christmas lights switch-on is set for November 24, 2024. The event will take place in the city center, featuring live music, street performances, and a Christmas market.

• Bath: The historic city of Bath will light up its Christmas decorations on November 25, 2024. The switch-on ceremony will be accompanied by carol singing and the opening of the renowned Bath Christmas Market.

South West England:

• Plymouth: Plymouth's Christmas lights switch-on event is scheduled for November 16, 2024. The city center will host live entertainment, a funfair, and the opening of the Christmas market.

• Exeter: Exeter will illuminate its Christmas lights on November 17, 2024. The event will feature performances by local artists, a festive market, and the opening of the city's ice rink.

Wales:

• Cardiff: Cardiff's Christmas lights switch-on is planned for November 18, 2024. The event will include a parade, live music, and the opening of the Winter Wonderland.

• Swansea: Swansea will light up its Christmas decorations on November 19, 2024. The switch-on event will feature a festive market, ice skating, and a fireworks display.

Please note that dates and events are subject to change. It's advisable to check local council websites or event pages for the most up-to-date information.