With December just around the corner, we can't help but have Christmas on the mind. But when does the Christmas season really begin for you?
Is it as soon as you see a Christmas advert on TV? When you hear a Christmas song on the radio? Spot a house with their decorations up? Or opening that first door on your advent calendar?
For me there is one sign that it's officially the season to be jolly, and that is the switching on of the Christmas Lights in our local Towns.
Getting the first glimpse of the Christmas Tree on the Market Place, admiring the lights and decorations in the streets as you walk through the town, peering into shop windows that have been festively adorned. This is when it truly begins to feel like Christmas for me.
So gather your family and friends, put on your Christmas jumpers, hats & gloves, and celebrate the start of the Holiday Season at these local Christmas Light Switch Ons:
On Friday, 22nd November 2013 Alfreton Christmas Lights Switch On will take place in the Grounds of Alfreton House starting at 5pm.
A week later on Friday, 29th November 2013 Ripley's Christmas Lights Switch On will be held on Ripley Market Place from 6pm onwards.
Also on Friday 29th, Belper Christmas Lights Switch on takes place, with a Dickensian Market and late night shopping, as well as Santa, carols and even a Punch and Judy.
Heanor's Christmas Lights Switch On will be on Monday, 2nd December 2013 from 5pm onwards. There will be the traditional charity stalls on the market place, as well as the 2nd Annual Christmas Community Fair in St Lawrence Church. There will also be a grand Firework Display by Spyrotechnics at 7:30pm.
There will also be a great opportunity to get some Christmas presents bought with late night shopping following the Heanor and Ripley Switch Ons!
Why not send us your pics from your favourite event, or post them on our Facebook page.
