The first council-run event takes place in Lanark on Saturday 19 November, with the lights switched on at 5pm.

The following day (Sunday 20 November) it’s the turn of EK Village, and the lights will again be switched on at 5pm.

On Saturday 26 November, Rutherglen’s Christmas lights will be switched on at 4.30pm, with Cambuslang’s event taking place on Sunday 27 November, also at 4.30pm.

This year’s event in Hamilton will also take place on Saturday 26 November and is being organised by Hamilton BID.

Carluke’s Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm on Saturday 3 December.

At each event there will be a traditional brass band playing Christmas Classics, Gina McKie from Go Radio and Ali Wright from Clyde 1 FM will be entertaining the crowds with Christmas tunes and interactive family games and there will be a Rocking Christmas Singalong Show – with live music from trio Ernest.

Christmas Minions, The Elf on The Shelf and Paw Patrol Characters will keep the young ones entertained, and there will also be balloon modellers and various local community acts.

A market and fairground will take place on the same day as the switch-ons in Lanark and Carluke, with fairground rides at all other events. Rutherglen Town Hall is also having its craft fair on the same day (Saturday 26 November).

Helping Santa to switch on the Christmas lights will be Provost Margaret Cooper.

Provost Cooper said: “I hope as many people as possible come along to enjoy a bit of Christmas cheer.

“The Christmas lights always help people get in the mood for festive fun and I am sure everyone will have a great time at the switch-on events.”