Festive lights twinkling to brighten up the dark nights are one of the best things about the run up to Christmas. And for many, the big switch-on of the Christmas lights marks the official start of the festive season.

Here are all the details of what’s happening when the Christmas lights are switched on in your town:

Dawlish: Food and drink, a lantern parade and entertainment from Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor contestant Russell Jones Jr set the scene for the big Christmas light switch on in Dawlish. The fun continues on Saturday (November 23) with festive stalls, food and drink on the Lawn and family entertainment and activities.

Newton Abbot: Courtenay Street is where the action is centred during the day with street food, a walkabout from a Christmas polar bear, balloon modelling crafts and face painting and entertainment from Taiko Drummers and Devon Air Radio. As evening approaches, head to the Clock Tower to see Father Christmas, Newton Abbot’s mayor, stiltwalkers and the award-winning Ipplepen carnival float before Santa turns on the lights.

Buckfastleigh: A low-key switch on of the Christmas lights ahead of the town’s Christmas Fair on Wednesday December 4.

Moretonhampstead: There’s a Christmas market in the square from 2pm with craft and gift stalls. As dusk falls, there will be an illuminated Christmas parade at 4;30pm followed by the grand switch on at 5:30 with Moretonhampstead Primary School Choir will providing the entertainment.

Teignmouth: The Triangle will host Santa’s grotto from 10am with live entertainment and market stalls available for Christmas shopping. Then, as darkness falls, the Christmas lights will be switched on.

Chudleigh: A craft fair in the town hall and youth centre opens at 5pm with the entertainment starting at 5:15 with carols in the church with Chudleigh Primary School. Father Christmas will greet families as they leave the church before lighting the Christmas tree in the churchyard. There will then be a parade with Father Christmas, his reindeer and elves towards the main square where children from Chudleigh Primary School will press the plunger to switch on the town centre lights. Santa will then head to his grotto in the youth centre. With late night shopping, a craft fair, entertainment, a traction engine and the carnival float on show, there will be plenty to see and do for all ages.