THE first new Christmas Lights to sparkle over George Square in more than 25 years will be switched on this Sunday.

The previous decorations were designed for the 1990 European City of Culture celebrations and had reached the end of their life.

In their place this year are more energy efficient lights which are brighter and are capable of more functions.

The new display features around 250,000 individual lights, 10 giant Christmas trees, 100 snowflakes with 13,000 individual lights decorating the Scott Monument.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty will switch on the new decorations after entertainment from Radio Clyde with the event concluding with fireworks being set off from the roof of the City Chambers.

This year's ballot for tickets resulted in almost 57,000 applications requesting a massive 272, 830 tickets meaning George Square could have been filled more than 16 times over.

More than 140,000 applications came from Glasgow residents with the remaining 132,700 coming from outwith the city.

Only 16,000 people were lucky enough to get tickets for the event and organisers are advising them to ensure they dress for the weather conditions.

Gates open at 5pm and close at 6.45pm and each person who attends will require a ticket, regardless of their age.

Mrs Docherty said: "The Christmas lights switch on is the moment Glasgow starts counting down until the big day.

"We have amazing new lights and a brilliant line-up of events to welcome people to the heart of Glasgow in the lead up to Christmas.

"Whether your visit is for shopping, enjoying the festive spirit or for some of the great entertainment on offer, we are looking forward to welcoming you."

The Christmas market at St Enoch Square opened last weekend and a market opens in George Square for the first time on November 26.

It will feature food and drink, gift ideas and fairground rides and youngsters are being urged to keep an eye open for Santa.

The Style Mile Christmas carnival on Sunday November 27 will bring music, dance and spectacle to the heart of the city. It begins at St Enoch's Square at 2.30pm and finishes at George Square.

Baby's first Christmas will be held on December 3 and Mrs Docherty and a children's choir will get together on Wednesday December 7 in George Square for the Blessing of the Crib.

The annual Santa Dash, which saw more than 6000 runners take part last year, celebrates its tenth anniversary on Sunday December 11.