When will the Christmas lights be switched on? UK cities light up

Inflation Rose To A Two Year High In November 2016
Inflation Rose To A Two Year High In November 2016

The UK's Christmas lights switch-ons mark the start of Christmas shopping season across the country, with wonderful displays from London to Glasgow to get everyone into the festive spirit.

SEE ALSO: The best cities to visit for a Christmas market break

SEE ALSO: Britain's best places for a traditional Christmas break

Here are the best displays to watch this Christmas 2017...

Oxford Street, London

Singer Rita Ora will turn the lights on in Oxford Street on Tuesday, November 7. The world-famous shopping street will glimmer with gold and silver baubles for the 58th annual Christmas lights installation and also welcome Capital Breakfast's Roman Kemp and Vick Hope for a line-up of music from Matt Terry, 5 Before Midnight and the cast of Five Guys Named Moe before the switch-on.

Albert Square, Manchester

The biggest show in Manchester took place on Saturday, November 4 and was topped off by a massive ten-minute fireworks display. Superstar DJ SIGALA appeared at the switch-on event and a performance from Pixie Lott got visitors singing and dancing their way into the festivities. The stars of the city's theatres were also out in force with a larger than life (and rather green) appearance from Shrek ahead of his appearance at The Palace Theatre, along with co-star Princess Fiona and the foot-tapping Guys and Dolls.

Christmas lights in Liverpool
Christmas lights in Liverpool

George Square, Glasgow

The Christmas Lights Switch On takes place on Sunday, November 19 at 6pm. The ticketed event is free but the ballot closed on Sunday, October 15 with 16,000 tickets already snapped up. This year, a Christmas market will replace the usual ice rink, with live entertainment, fairground rides and unique gifts on offer.

Victoria Gardens, Leeds

Rugby League heroes The Leeds Rhinos will get the festive season officially underway at this year's fantastic Leeds Christmas lights switch-on. The event on Thursday, November 9 will be hosted by Heart Breakfast's Dixie and Emma, with performances from Leeds Rock Choir, Britain's Got Talent sensations Boogie Storm and Cbeebies presenters Alex Winters and Ben Cadjee. Other attractions on the night will include fun fair rides along Cookridge Street and spectacular fireworks.

Christmas Snowflake Ornament with Bokeh
Christmas Snowflake Ornament with Bokeh

Paradise Street, Liverpool

On Thursday, November 9, Liverpool will kick off the festive season on Paradise Street with a magically spine-tingling journey to the night before Christmas from Liverpool Empire Theatre. The streets will be lit up with the tallest Christmas tree in the city and the incredible show will feature dazzling lights, special effects and much more. Inspired by the infamous Clement Clarke Moore Poem, it is expected to leave visitors in awe.

Regent Street, London

The largest lights installation in the capital, 'The Spirit of Christmas' will return for 2017, reimagined with new colours and additional touches to delight visitors and shoppers along Regent Street. The stunning showcase of over 300,000 twinkling LED lights will see the annual switch-on event on Thursday, November 16, when the street will be closed from early evening for the thrilling live countdown, with VIP appearances and live entertainment to be announced.

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