The festive season is now almost upon us and plenty of towns and cities around Hampshire will be switching on their Christmas lights soon.

The illumination of areas with colourful Christmas lights is a nice sight to take in, and there may even be activities taking place around the switch-on itself.

Here are all of the major Christmas lights switch-ons taking place around the county for 2024.

All these events are free to attend, though there may be an additional charge for activities.

Hampshire Christmas lights switch-ons for 2024

Southampton Christmas lights switch-on

Southampton's Christmas lights switch-on event will be taking place on Friday, November 15 and will also be marking the opening of the city's Christmas market.

From 6pm to 9pm, the main stage next to Bargate will see a host of entertainment and performances before the lights are turned on.

Actor and comedian Kev Orkian and Britain's Got Talent 2024 winner Sydnie Christmas will be the guests to switch the lights on.

Christmas characters and live musicians will also parade the streets around the city centre, keeping families entertained.

Winchester Christmas lights switch-on

Winchester's Christmas lights will be switched on as part of an event running between 4pm and 7pm in the city centre.

The lights will be turned on at The Broadway outside Winchester Guildhall by local heroes nominated by the public.

Eastleigh Christmas lights switch-on

Father Christmas will be the one to switch on Eastleigh's Christmas lights this year on Saturday, November 16.

This will take place towards the end of an event running in the town centre from 11am to 6.30pm where guests can enjoy Christmas markets, community stalls and more.

Fareham Christmas lights switch-on

Fareham's annual Christmas lights switch-on will be taking place on Saturday, November 23.

This will occur on West Street at 5.30pm at the Performance Podium.

On the day there will be an indoor Christmas market, free children's activities including circus skills and Christingle making, funfair rides and street performers.

See what's on in your local area See what's on in your local area (Image: Newsquest)

Romsey Christmas lights switch-on

Romsey Town Council are organising the town's Christmas lights switch-on which will take place at 6pm in Market Place on Saturday, November 23.

The event will officially start at 5pm where guests can "soak up the wonderful atmosphere of festive food, drink and entertainment".

Their Facebook event page adds: "The compere for the evening is Lucy Ambache with performances by Liam White who will be singing your favourite Christmas songs and RAODS performing scenes from Snow White."

Andover Christmas lights switch-on

Andover's Christmas lights switch-on will occur as part of the town's Christmas Festival taking place on Friday, November 22.

From 5pm to 8pm in the town centre, there will be three stages hosting performances, a Christmas market, street theatre and festive food and drink.

The Mayor of Andover Heather Neate and Father Christmas will switch on the lights on the Guildhall Stage at 6.55pm.

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Aldershot Christmas lights switch-on

Aldershot's Christmas lights switch-on will be taking place on Saturday, November 16 as part of the town's Christmas Cracker event.

From 12pm there will be more than 35 craft, food and community stalls to browse in the town centre alongside a nativity farm and donkeys, free children’s Christmas crafts, face painting, brass bands and more.

The Christmas lights switch-on will take place in Princes Gardens from 5pm and include a short fireworks display.