Christmas lights: A guide to the ‘switch-on’ events in Scotland

The festive season is fast approaching and towns and cities around Scotland are getting ready to switch on their Christmas lights.

Here we list some of the top events over the next few weeks, but there are hundreds happening elsewhere.

We also want to see your festive pictures, so send them for publication to [email protected] and we will publish a selection of them online.

Glasgow

Glasgow city centre will switch on its Christmas lights on Sunday 20 November in George Square. From 4.30pm there will be performances from Karen Dunbar, star of Sleeping Beauty at The Kings Theatre, CBeebies Live!’s PC Plum and Glasgow’s Rock Choir. Then, on Saturday 26 November, the famous ice rink in George Square opens to the public, running until 3 January. (Full information)

Aberdeen

The annual Christmas parade is on Sunday 20 November this year, with events beginning at 5.30pm at Union Street. The 2011 theme is Victorian or Ye Oldie times, so get your vintage clothes ready. (Full information)

Inverness

Santa will be joined by Lord Provost Jimmy Gray to switch on the city’s lights on Sunday 20 November outside the Town House. The fun beings at 5.30pm with Christmas carols and traditional Scottish music, before the Christmas Carol Concert at the Old High Church rounds off the evening. (Full information)

Perth

The lights go on in Perth City Centre on Sunday 20 November, with a 2pm start. Santa will also be visiting St John’s Shopping Centre between 11am and 4pm. (Full information)

Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Winter Wonderland officially opens on Thursday 24 November as the lights at The Mound are switched on. The day’s events start at 10am, when the nearby German Market, the giant wheel opposite Jenners and the ice-rink in Princes Street Gardens all open. Then, at 4pm, George Street will host a light projection before attention switches to The Mound, where from 5.15pm the lights on the famous tree – an annual gift from Norway – are switched on once again. (Full information)

Dundee

Dundee hosts a torchlight procession before the lights are switched on in the city centre on Friday 25 November. The festivities start at 6pm – look out for some of the city’s best known characters joining in the fun. (Full information)