October half-term may not have even arrived, but with the nights starting to draw in, the countdown to the festive season has well and truly begun!

Christmas is on the horizon, and locals are already getting prepared for the festive season, with many theatres announcing their panto cast lists, and lots of you already making mincemeat and Christmas cakes!

And what better way to get in the Christmas spirit than to watch a Christmas lights switch-on event?

Here's a round-up of the dates to put in your diaries; with more light events being announced every day, this article will be updated regularly.

Christmas

is coming in

Oxford Street

The Oxford Streets lights switch-on has been announced for Sunday November 1.

The celebrity switching on the lights has not yet been confirmed. New for this year, the event will be traffic-free, and the lights display will include 445 golden baubles shining between the silver lights.

Steven Medway, MD of the event's organisers, said: "Oxford Street's light switch-on is world famous, and we are delighted to produce the first ever traffic- free Sunday lights switch-on moment.

"As the most anticipated Christmas event of the year we encourage families and shoppers to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy both the tranquil traffic free Sunday followed by the spectacular lights switch on moment."

Chelsea

Duke of York Square, Chelsea, is turning on the lights on Saturday November 7 at 4pm.

The switch-on is a free event, with festivities on offer and a beautiful tree. Father Christmas and his elves will be there with a free gift wrapping service.

Santa's Grotto opens on the same day, so head down to give the little ones a treat this year!

Carnaby Street

Thursday November 12 is the date to remember for Carnaby Street's Christmas lights.

The event features live music, Christmas activities and, of course, the big light switch-on. The streets will be decorated with giant disco balls and the theme is 'party'.

The event is free, but tickets for the party must be booked in advance.

Ealing Broadway

Ealing Broadway will be holding their lights-on event on Thursday November 26 at 6pm.

Santa himself will do the honours and make Ealing glow with twinkly festive lights, and he will be joined by local musicians (including Unsigned Friday's Emily Lee) and a fun festive parade.

Uxbridge

The lights will be switched on at 4.30pm on Sunday November 22 outside Uxbridge Tube Station.

Turning on the lights will be Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor George Cooper, and none other than Westlife's Brian McFadden! There will also be a festive parade through the town centre beginning at 3.30pm.

Councillor George Cooper said: "This is going to be the biggest parade that Uxbridge has seen in recent years and we hope residents will come and join us."

Regent Street

Regent Street, in Soho, will be turning Christmassy on Sunday November 15.

There will be celebrity appearances, as well as festive activities and a stunning fireworks display.

Whitton

Whitton's lights will be coming on at 4.30pm on Sunday November 29.

"Light up Whitton" will host live music, rides, market stalls, Santa's grotto, a beer tent, 5km fun run (at midday) and more in the town centre between 11am to 6pm, including the lights-switch-on at 4.30pm.

Marylebone

The Marylebone Christmas Lights event is happening on Wednesday November 18 at 3.30pm.

There will be live bands and fun fair rides adding to the festivities, with a celebrity line-up yet to be announced. Santa's reindeer will also be appearing, and further activities include children's rides and competitions, stalls and refreshments.

Kingston Upon Thames

Kingston Upon Thames will be making the switch on Thursday November 19.

Kingston Town Centre will be providing free family entertainment with choirs, Christmas street entertainers and Father Christmas switching on the Christmas Lights.

Hayes Town Centre

Hayes town centre will be switching on the lights on Wednesday November 25 from 4pm.

The Schools Community Choir Hayes will perform a short concert in St Anselm's Church on Station Road, before local children will join the Mayor of Hillingdon outside on the Church at 4.30pm to switch-on festive lights in the tree, and turn on the rest of the town centre lights!

More lights events will be added as they are announced. If you know of a lights event that we've missed out please email details to emily.chudy@trinitymirror.com.