The Christmas lights switch-on symbolises the start of the festive season. It's always an opportunity to sing a carol or two, sip on a mulled wine and marvel at the twinkling lights illuminating our streets. Some cities around the UK have been cancelling their Christmas lights events due to rising energy costs, according to MirrorOnline. Manchester City Council announced it wouldn't be able to host an event this year as there is "no suitable location".
In Bristol, there are still a number of different events in the area you can attend to get you in the festive spirit:
Read more: Christmas flights from Bristol Airport for skiing or Santa's grotto visits
Clifton Village
BBC Points West’s Alex Lovell will be switching on the Christmas tree lights in The Mall Gardens in Clifton again this year after the pandemic meant the previous events were cancelled. The evening will commence on Sunday, November 6, at 6pm with Christmas carols with the lights being switched on at 6.30pm.
Cabot Circus
The shopping centre will not be hosting its annual event this year. A spokesperson for Cabot Circus said: "The light switch on won't be happening at Cabot Circus this year, but we've got some really exciting Christmas activities taking place at the centre which we'll be announcing in the coming weeks."
Portishead
Dubbed ‘Best in the West’, the Portishead Christmas lights launch will be going ahead on Monday, November 28. The volunteer-run event starts at 6.15pm with the light switch-on scheduled for 6.45pm on Portishead High Street, which will be followed by a fireworks display. The high street is illuminated by the 15ft tall Tree of Light erected to symbolise the memory of loved ones.
Staple Hill
The residents' Christmas lights switch on in Park Road will be going ahead this year on Saturday, December 3 from 5pm. They are hoping for lots of lights from their amazing residents and lots of stalls for the event.
Thornbury
The switch-on event will be held this year for the first since 2019. The event will return to its former location alongside Thornbury Town Hall on Tuesday, November 22 at 5.30pm. Organisers hope that there may be space to include smaller funfair rides and some charity stalls.
Weston-super-Mare
Town Mayor, Cllr Sonia Russe, will be joined by local singer Phoebe Richards for a switch-on ceremony, on Saturday, November 26 at 5pm by Italian Gardens on the High street. There will be free mince pies and carols accompanied by Weston Brass. The event and the Christmas tree is organised by the town council and the BID.
Keynsham
Keynsham Town Council is planning to bring the Winter Festival back to full size this year. It is welcoming residents on Friday, November 25 from 6pm to 9pm for the Christmas lights switch-on. It will mark the decoration of its new Community Christmas Tree in Memorial Park which will be planted as part of the Queen's Canopy for the Jubilee.
There will be 40 stalls on Market Walk in The Fear Hall, with traders and community groups selling handmade, locally-sourced crafts and gifts. High street shops are invited to stay open late and decorate their windows.
Up next:
B&M's 'beautiful' Christmas decorations have shoppers already thinking about putting up the tree
Almondsbury Garden Centre's much-loved Christmas shop is already open
Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood set to juggle the ballroom with Bristol panto
IKEA Bristol announces date of Christmas tree sale including £10 voucher giveaway
