With the nights drawing in and an increasing chill in the air, we're keen to enjoy some festive cheer wherever we can find it and there's no denying that the appearance of Christmas lights in town and city streets makes all the difference to our mood.
The added sparkle is always a welcome addition to dark winter evenings and the good news is that illuminations which are already rigged up around Newcastle city centre and the quayside are soon to be seen in their full glory. Following hot on the heels of the unveiling of Fenwick's Christmas window - which for many always signals the start of the festive season - the lights are due to be switched on within days.
And the countdown is under way for lots of other illuminations to follow suit around the region and some familiar faces are being called upon to perform the switch-flicking honours. They include TV actor-presenter Christopher Biggins and South Shields singing star Joe McElderry who both appear in local panto this year.
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Locations for the range of events include market towns in Northumberland and the centre of Gateshead. For those prepared to brace the chill and planning to watch the festive switch-ons in person, here is the information to note.
Newcastle
Tuesday, November 15 at 6pm
It's been announced that Metro Radio DJs Steve and Karen will again host the switch-on of the city's Christmas lights and this time they will be joined by special guest Tilly Lockey; guests from Frozen; panto stars and Father Christmas.
Tilly is a 17-year-old singer from Consett who won CBBC talent competition Got What It Takes last year and is now a presenter for SKY TV’s children's news programme FYI: For Your Info. So expect some top entertainment. The Lord Mayor of Newcastle Karen Robinson will be joining the action too.
As part of the upcoming Christmas celebrations, the familiar Bergen tree will be installed in Northumberland Street again this year. A towering tree has been a gift from the Norwegian city now for more than 70 years as a symbol of gratitude to Newcastle for its support and friendship during the Second World War.
Gateshead
Thursday, November 17, 4pm-6.30pm
Described as the biggest night of the year for Trinity Square in the town centre, the Christmas light switch-on promises the usual song, dance and music fun over its two-and-a-half-hour run. Frisk Radio breakfast show presenters Andy & Steph will be leading a seasonal singalong and there will be lots of challenges and giveaways in store.
Already setting the scene in the Gateshead square has been the sight of Mr and Mrs Christmas Present installations which have been the subject of a competition inviting people to give them a name to be in with a chance of flicking the big switch on
Sunderland
Thursday, November 17 at 5pm-9pm
Black Cats SAFC legend Kevin Phillips will be performing the honours at this year's switch on in Keel Square. The former professional player, who is currently manager of Northern Premier League division club South Shields will be helping the Mayor, Coun Alison Smith, kick off the festive season.
And Metro Radio's breakfast hosts Steve and Karen will be in festive action once again, this time providing the entertainment in the build-up to the switch-on which is set to take place at 7pm.
Durham
Sunday, November 27, 5pm-6.15pm
The South Shields singer Joe McElderry will be taking time out from rehearsals for his role in this year's pantomime at the Theatre Royal Newcastle - which will open the following week - for the switch-on of the Christmas lights in the city's Market Place. Joining the former X Factor and Popstar to Opera champion on the entertainment programme will be the band Khalysis.
The whole event will be hosted by Durham on Air and Sue Sweeney.
Darlington
Sunday, November 21, 4pm-5.30pm
Expect lots of laughs when panto star Christopher Biggins joins Santa in the Market Place to switch on the Christmas lights which are installed in readiness around the town centre where finishing touches will be put to the Christmas tree before the big night.
Biggins, who is playing Mrs Smee in this year's pantomime Peter Pan at Darlington Hippodrome, will be joined by a host of characters: children's favourites Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, the Grinch and fairytale princesses. Entertainment will be provided by local radion station TFM and a gospel choir, while adding to the fanfare and sparkle will be a burst of fireworks
Darlington's first Christmas tree festival also will be taking place this year, involving community groups and schools who are designing and decorating trees for display in town centre windows from December 21-23. The popular ice sculpture trail also will be back ln December 3 and 10 and other attractions will be include ice rink and a December 10-11 Christmas market.
Northumberland
The switch-on at Warkworth and various details for other events in the county have yet to be announced so watch this space.
Hexham, November 25, 5pm
The market town is promising a touch of Hollywood at this year's switch-on of its Christmas lights, when it will be turning into 'Tinsel Town' for one night only. More than 60 local businesses are contributing prizes to an event called Hexham at Christmas presents - The Magical Movie Trail.
Described as a free participation round-the-town quiz, this will feature a range of shop window displays, each representing a different film. And, on the night of the switch-on, visitors will be able to enter the draw; follow the trail with the help of a booklet and map and identify the Hollywood movies for a chance to win a hamper of festive goodies worth more than £2,000.
The initial idea came from Roya Manouchehri, co-owner of town centre clothing and sewing studio Ralph and Mimi, who said the trail will be bringing some magic in challenging times and that is offers a chance 'to win Christmas'. The town's shops will be open, with offers and discounts available, until 7.30pm on the night. The prize draw will take place on December 19.
In addition, Hexham Abbey's Festival of Flame - the annual celebration of fire, music, poetry and community - has the title lluminate for its third year, with themes of fire, light and knowledge, and alongside the main main event at the abbey will be a smaller version being taken on the road to visit venues around Hadrian’s Wall which is set to coincide with the switch-on of Hexham's Christmas lights.
Alnwick - November 18, 7pm
The Duchess of Northumberland will perform the switch-on in the Market Place. There will be festive entertainment in the town from 6pm in the run-up to the event. Previous years have included decoration of the tree, sideshows, roundabouts, music, carol singers and Santa Claus to add to the atmosphere.
Bamburgh - November 26, time TBC
More information has yet to be revealed about this year's plans in the town. Orgnanisers are due to announce the exact time for the switch-on. Previous year's events followed a service in service in St Aidan' Church.
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