Christmas lights switch on dates 2017 – from London’s Oxford Street to Glasgow’s George Square, here’s when to see the best UK displays
CHRISTMAS lights are being turned on in cities up and down the country, but when and where are the best displays in the UK?
From Oxford Street in London to George Square in Glasgow these are some of the brightest places to see a Christmas lights turn-on and get into the festive spirit.
Blackpool
Blackpool's Christmas lights are being switched on on Saturday December 2.
The event starts at 3pm, with the actual illumination happening at around half 4.
It takes place in the heart of Blackpool's shopping area - at the junction of Bank Hey Street and Victoria Street.
The main performance will come from Brookside actress and singer Jennifer Ellison.
The full line-up includes performances from Georgia Taylor (3.10pm), Lee Brady (3.30pm), Jamie (3.55pm) and the Viva Christmas Show (4.20pm).
Santa Claus will be helping Jennifer switch on the lights.
Oxford Street - London
The Christmas lights were switched on on Tuesday, November 7.
The headline act, who took on the coveted position of "light-turner-oner", was Hot Right Now singer Rita Ora.
As always the show featured some X-Factor stars, this year it was none other than last years' winner Matt Terry and the boy band 5 After Midnight.
George Square - Glasgow
This year even more lights and a Christmas market bring festive joy to George Square, and 16,000 tickets were given for the switch on.
The spectacle took place on Sunday November 19.
Tickets were free for the event, but were allocated by a ballot that closed on Sunday October 15.
Last year there were 56,995 applications for 272,830 tickets – that’s enough to fill George Square 16 times over.
Liverpool ONE - Liverpool
The city has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland, and the switching on attracted thousands of families.
In addition to the festive switch on there was live music, street entertainment and special performances.
Liverpool turned on the lights of their iconic 30-metre Christmas tree on Thursday November 9.
Albert Square - Manchester
The Manchester lights were turned on in Albert Square on Saturday November 4 at 7.30pm.
In addition to the massive outdoor party, the event was topped off with a 10-minute fireworks display.
DJ Sigala, who is best known for his 2015 single Easy Love, which sampled ABC by the Jackson 5, and his recent collaboration by Ella Eyre, headlined.
He was joined by Pixie Lott and boy band Yes Lad from X Factor last year.
Families were also able to watch the cast of ELF: The Musical bring their tunes from The Lowry to the event.
Victoria Gardens - Leeds
Leeds Christmas lights were turned on by none other than Rugby League heroes The Leeds Rhinos, along with club stars Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow.
Britain’s Got Talent contestants Boogie Storm performed a new routine featuring a dance-off with some well-known super-heroes.
Leeds Contemporary Singers (LCS) who starred on BBC’s inaugural Pitch Battle earlier this year were also at the event.
Leeds Christmas lights display were lit up on Thursday November 9 at 6.45pm on Victoria Gardens.
The annual Christkindelmarkt on Millennium Square started the day after on Friday November 10 from 10.30am.
Marylebone Village - Marylebone
This year's Christmas Festival Fair switch on was a "community event" with plenty of activities, food and stage performances.
The lights were switched on by none other than the fabulous Dame Barbara Windsor DBE, who is most famous for her role as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders.
She turned on the lights at 6pm on Wednesday November 15 at the north end of the Marylebone High Street.
More on Christmas
Regent Street - London
Regent Street was the first central London street to showcase Christmas lighting back in 1954, and this year's is equally impressive.
The official switch on took place on Thursday November 16 and the best part was that it was free of charge to attend.
The popular street was fully pedestrianised from Oxford Street to Picadilly Circus from 4pm until 9pm.
Jamie Theakston and Emma Bunton hosted the event, and Paloma Faith, Clean Bandit, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe performed.