YOU can always count on certain annual staples to signal the beginning of the festive season; the Coca Cola 'holidays are coming' advert, hearing Fairytale of New York on the radio and, of course, your local Christmas illuminations being switched on. 

We've shed some light on where and when you can embrace the seasonal spirt and attend your local switch on below. 

George Square Christmas Lights switch on 

Sunday, November 20, 6pm, George Square 

The grandest Christmas light show in town, tickets have been allocated via ballot, so if you haven't applied yet, you're out of luck. 

Byres Road Christmas lights switch on 

Sunday, November 27, from 12 noon, lights switch on at 6pm, Vinicombe Street 

For the first time ever, the west end thoroughfare is getting its own lights switch on. Local choirs and performers including Voicebeat, GUMC Choir and GUMC Chamber Choir will be keeping guests entertained from 2pm, and there's also a market. 

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Style Mile Christmas Carnival 

Sunday, November 27, 12pm - 4pm 

A procession of street performers will take to the Style Mile to herald the launch of the festive shopping season. This free event starts at noon at various city centre locations, with the procession setting off from the St Enoch Centre at 2.30pm.  

Clarkston's Christmas Extravaganza 

Saturday, November 19, 12 - 6pm, Clarkston Hall 

This free event kicks off at 12 noon and runs until 6pm and features live music, funfair and visit from Santa Claus. 

Giffnock Village Christmas lights and firework spectacular 

Saturday, November 12, 1pm - 6pm, Giffnock 

A free event featuring live music, funfair rides, facepainting and a visit from Santa Claus. 

Paisley Christmas lights switch on 

Saturday, November 12, 12noon - 6pm 

Scouting For Girls headline this free day of festivities, backed by local bands Vegan Leather and Dogtooth. The day kicks off with a reindeer parade around the town. 

The Big Barrhead Christmas lights switch on 

Saturday, December 3, 1pm - 6pm, Barrhead (main viewing area in front of Asda and Barrhead Foundry) 

This free event features funfair rides, a festive market, street entertainment, live music, Santa's grotto and a fireworks finale. 

Airdrie Christmas lights switch on 

Friday, November 18, 3.30pm - 4.30pm 

Edward Reid of Britain's Got Talent fame hosts a variety of entertainment, and this free event also has a Santa's grotto. 

Coatbridge Christmas lights switch on 

Friday, November 25, 3.30pm - 4.30pm, 

Edward Reid again hosts an afternoon of free entertainment ahead of the all-important Christmas lights switch on. 

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Kilsyth Christmas lights switch on 

Friday, December 2, 3.30pm - 4.30pm

The talents of girl group Odd Sox and dance group Kilsyth Starlets will be on hand to entertain before the town's illuminations are switched on. 

The Forge Shopping Centre Christmas lights switch on 

Sunday, November 13, from 11am

A day of children's entertainment, prizes and giveaways, song and dance workshops and a visit from Santa are headlined with performances from Christian Burrows and Ben Harnow.