What marks the official beginning of the festive season better than a Christmas lights switch on?

Standing in the cold, in your bobble hat and gloves, watching as the familiar streets of your hometown are transformed into a glistening winter wonderland.

It really is magical.

All over the county towns and villages will be lighting up their streets in celebration of Christmas, but where do you go first? Who is going to be there? Will there be any celebrities?

Christmas lights switch ons are no ordinary affair – there is always something exciting going on.

Here are the places you can see Christmas lights switch ons within an hour of Cambridge.

Cambridge Market Square

In association with the Cambridge BID and Heart radio, the Big Switch On will take place on Sunday, November 18, after the Grand Arcade lights up the shopping scene.

Head to the Market Square for a whole evening of festive fun, with the lights being switched on at 5pm by double gold medalist and Strictly Come Dancing star Jonnie Peacock MBE.

This year will see a twist to some old traditions in the market square too, with a walk-through illuminated tree instead of the traditional Christmas tree that normally stands in the square.

For the very first time the Guildhall and many of the trees around the city will also be picked out with glittering strands and golden uplighters. The new illuminations will also include enhanced schemes on Green Street, Bridge Street and Magdalene Bridge.

Courtesy of Cambridge News