The countdown to Christmas has well and truly begun.
And, as excitement builds, many towns across Tayside and Fife are planning fun, festive events to mark the switching-on of their Christmas lights.
We’ve put together a handy guide to some of the Christmas lights switch on events happening in Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perth and Kinross over the next few weeks.
And you never know, you might even see Santa.
Have fun – and Merry Christmas!
Angus Christmas lights switch-on events
Forfar
November 18 – from noon to 4pm.
From noon – Grand Christmas market on Castle Street. with more than 30 stalls, food and entertainment.
4pm – Santa arrives for the switch-on.
Arbroath
November 24 – from 2pm
2pm – 7pm – Crafters Market in town centre.
6pm to 8pm – Entertainment in Kirk Square includes music from Radio North Angus, local dance groups and pipe band.
Carnoustie
November 26 – from 2pm to 5.30pm
2pm – 5.15pm – Winter fayre and Christmas extravaganza at old Kinloch School site.
5.30pm – Procession to war memorial for Christmas lights switch-on.
Brechin
November 26 – from noon to 4pm at St Ninian’s Square.
Various stalls will be set up before the lights are switched on by comedian Jim Smith.
Dundee Christmas lights switch-on events
Dundee West End
November 23 – from 4pm at Miller’s Wynd Car Park, Perth Road.
Christmas market is on from 4pm to 8pm.
7pm – Santa arrives to switch on the lights.
The event marks the start of the Dundee West End Christmas Fortnight.
Broughty Ferry
November 16 – 6pm
Entertainment includes panto performances, carol singing and a chance to meet Santa.
There will also be a street carnival with rides.
Road closures to Brook Street and Gray Street apply and parking is available at Queen Street and waterfront car parks.
Perth and Kinross Christmas lights switch-on events
Kinross
November 23 – from 6pmat Green’s car park.
Light Up Kinross will lead the lights switch on.
A festive market will follow on the Saturday, November 25, at the Market Park from 10am-3pm
Blairgowrie and Rattray
November 25 – from 4pm at Rattray Church
The Christmas tree will be switched on before a parade, featuring Santa, a pipe band and others, sets off for Blairgowrie.
5.30pm – The Blairgowrie lights will be switched on in the Wellmeadow by citizen of the year Ian Richardson.
A Christmas market, featuring stalls and performers will be running from 3pm.
Crieff
November 25 – from 4.30 to 6pm.
Festivities also include the opening of Santa’s Post Office in Crieff Town Hall.
Auchterarder
November 26 – from noon
The Christmas tree switch-on will coincide with a community fair in the Aytoun Hall from noon-4pm
Perth
December 2 – from noon in the city centre.
From noon – Activities including the Cairngorm reindeer, stilt walkers and pipe bands.
3.30-8.30pm – Acts including Boney M will perform on the main stage in Tay Street.
5pm – Santa will lead a Christmas parade from Thimblerow, followed by community performers.
There will also be two other entertainment stages and a Santa’s Grotto in Horsecross Plaza.
Aberfeldy
December 2 – Christmas market in the town centre from 10am
There will be pipe band parade at noon, with appearances from Santa, reindeers and local children in fancy dress. A packed programme of entertainment will take place in the Square, before the Christmas lights are switched on at 4pm.
Dunkeld
December 9 – from noon
Dunkeld hosts its Santa day with a Santa’s grotto, entertainment, Cairngorm reindeer and other activities.
4pm – Carols in Dunkeld Cathedral.
Fife Christmas lights switch-on events
Newburgh
November 18 at St Katherine’s Court at 4pm.
Santa will arrive on his sleigh just before the switch-on.
All the ”wonky” lights are designed by local school children and the switch-on will be performed by this year’s competition winner.
Dunfermline
November 19 in the city centre from 12-5pm.
Noon-4pm – Artisan market at St Catherine’s Wynd.
1-5.30pm – Entertainment at the Glen Gates including radio DJs and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Cammy Barnes. Community groups will also provide entertainment at various locations.
2pm – Santa Dash from M&S to the Glen Gates.
4.30pm – Christmas parade down the High Street for the big switch-on at the Glen Gates.
Cupar
November 25 at Crossgate from 11am to 7pm.
11am to 5pm – Santa and his elves will be in his grotto at Cupar Youth Café.
10am to 5pm – Christmas market in the Corn Exchange.
5.45pm – Citizen of the year announced before lights are switched on at 6pm.
Codona’s funfair will also provide entertainment.
Leven
November 25 at Leven High Street from noon to 5pm.
Noon – Entertainment starts and continues throughout the afternoon with pipers, school choirs, Mary Bradford singers and Amber Barclay Dance Academy.
4.40pm – Santa’s sleigh arrives
4.55pm – Christmas lights switched on by Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Cammy Barnes.
Methil
December 1 at Memorial Park at 6.30pm.
Music, stalls and Santa’s grotto will open after the lights are switched on.
Kirkcaldy
December 2 at the High Street from 3pm to 6.3pm.
Festivities include a candy cane trail around local shops, choirs and Kirkcaldy Orchestral Society.
4pm – Parade, including Santa in a sleigh, leaves the Kings Theatre on the Esplanade.
4.30pm – Christmas lights switch-on outside the Mercat main entrance.
