The festive season is fast approaching and it’s almost time to get into the Christmas spirit, so here is our round-up of the lights switch-on events around Huntingdonshire.

HUNTINGDON

Father Christmas will make an appearance in the Market Square alongside a host of magical characters.

From seeing a fairy stilt walker to pantomime folk from Sleeping Beauty and Jack and the Beanstalk, it is sure to be a perfect family day out.

There will be free balloon models and face painting, plus a visit from Peppa Pig who will be spreading good cheer.

Huntingdon Community Radio FM will be helping out on the day, where there will be plenty of festive music to set the tone. There will be live acts from 1pm, with everything from rock and roll, Motown, and soul, to the sounds of the Huntingdon Rock Choir. In addition, there will be fairground rides, stalls to browse, a chance to meet firemen and see a fire engine, and have a go on remote control cars.

Adding sparkle to the event are the new Christmas lights, with an extended display from last year. BID Huntingdon and the town council have worked together to create a stunning selection, which will include new lights in the High Street, a display from St Mary’s Street down the

High Street to Hodson’s Fish Bar, from Waitrose to Sainsbury’s, through St Benedicts Court and Chequers Court.

Father Christmas, the mayor, and Peppa Pig will take the helm for the big switch-on, where a spectacular pyrotechnics display will mark the finale of the event.

INFORMATION: On Sunday, November 23, from 1pm-5pm. Lights switch-on at 4.45pm. Parking is free in Huntingdon on Sundays.

GODMANCHESTER

The combined voices of school choirs and carol singers will mark the run-up to Christmas.

Together with the mayor, representatives from town churches - and of course Santa himself - the ceremony promises a real treat for residents.

Godmanchester Town Council hopes to hold a Christmas market alongside the switch-on, with festive products from gifts, packaging, activities, food and more on offer.

The market will be on School Hill, and held together with the switch-on event on Friday, December 5. The market will run from 5pm-9pm, with the ceremony from 5pm-6pm.

ST NEOTS

Prepare to be dazzled at the St Neots Christmas lights switch-on for what promises to be the biggest and best event yet.

Guests will be able to enjoy a festive market, children’s craft area, and fun fair, plus meet Santa and his reindeer. They can marvel at the new Christmas lights, while enjoying a market selling a variety of gift and food produce, as well as mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. There will also be live performances on stage from local bands and groups, followed by a fireworks display.

INFORMATION: In the Market Square on Sunday, November 30, from 12noon, with the finale at 7pm.

ST IVES

Get set for the festive season with a lights switch-on event in the town centre.

A Christmas market and entertainment will kick off at 10am, where there will be a variety of craft, gift, and food stalls, plus funfair rides and a big wheel. Visitors can also try a taste of the continent in Crown Street.

There will be plenty of mulled wine and mince pies to enjoy, and children will be able to visit Father Christmas in his grotto, before he switches on the lights at 5pm. There will be stage entertainment throughout the day, followed by a fireworks finale.

INFORMATION: On Sunday, November 23.

RAMSEY

There will be family fun galore for the town’s lights switch-on.

The Fenland Light Railway will be present, alongside a variety of entertainment including organ music and stalls to browse from 9am-12noon at Great Whyte on Saturday, November 29.

This will be followed by a children’s party for under 8s at Ramsey Spinning Infant School from 12pm-2pm, where there will be a disco, snack and a visit from Father Christmas with a present. Entry costs £3 for children one and over.

Next up is the evening entertainment at Great Whyte, which starts at 5.30pm, where there will be choir singing, a pantomime version of Aladdin from Ramsey Stage Company, performances from dance troupes, a visit from Father Christmas, and more.

The lights will be switched on by The Secret Millionaire TV star Mike Greene, who will also judge the best shop window Christmas display. He will be joined for the switch on by the winner of a children’s colouring competition.

There will also be the chance to enjoy a funfair, plus an outdoor disco to make sure the evening goes off with a bang.

INFORMATION: Free event, but donations welcome.