The Christmas spirit has well and truly returned to Lanark this year.
The Clydesdale town saw its festive lights switch-on event take place on Saturday, November 19, as locals turned out in their thousands for the joyous occasion.
It was the first time residents and visitors alike could turn out for a full-scale Christmas celebration since before the pandemic, as a day full of cheer returned to its former glory.
The festivities kicked off at 10am and were packed with lots of exciting things to do including the return of the hugely popular Christmas market.
Locals and visitors were encouraged to enjoy browsing their favourite festive stalls selling everything from food and drink to clothes and toys, where local stores opened for some Christmas shopping throughout the day.
A dazzling display of live music and entertainment kept people happy as the streets filled up to create a fabulous atmosphere for all to enjoy.
But the main event of the countdown of the Christmas lights in the town proved to be the pinnacle as crowds joined in for the big countdown.
That saw Santa Claus himself push the button to glisten the town with its festive lights which will illuminate Lanark over the coming weeks towards the holiday season.
He was assisted by South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper who was in attendance on the day. She expressed her delight at being able to join in the fun.
The Provost told us: “With it getting darker and colder just now, it was wonderful to get a bit of Christmas warmth at the switch-on of the wonderful lights in Lanark.
"The entertainment was top-class and perfect for the occasion, but best of all was seeing the delight in all the young faces – that is what Christmas is all about.
“It certainly filled me with Christmas spirit and cheer, and I hope everyone else there felt the same.”
The Lanark Christmas lights switch-on has proved to be a huge boost for the local area with increased footfall and visitors coming to the town.
The event was organised by South Lanarkshire Council. There were 73 market stalls, entertainment from a brass band and the band Ernst.
Hosting the event was Gina McKie who kept the festive atmosphere alive for all to enjoy.
There was also a giant Elf on the Shelf and Paw Patrol characters for youngsters to enjoy, among numerous fun activities..
The event, as ever, was really well supported by the local community, as well as the town's Business Improvement District (BID) group Discover Lanark.
Their message this year is to encourage locals and visitors to support the town and spend local during the festive season.
Events throughout the coming weeks will be hugely beneficial to trading in Lanark with a far greater turnout expected than the previous two years during the pandemic.
Antonia Pompa, BID Manager at Discover Lanark, said : “Christmas is a crucial time of year for the town’s traders and this year the town’s shops and businesses need our support more than ever.
"My message to everyone is to shop in Lanark, support your local businesses and enjoy a fabulous run up to Christmas.”
And the festive cheer doesn't stop there. On Friday, November 25, Lanark opens its Winter Wonderland with an evening of late night shopping and colourful entertainment from 5pm to 8pm.
It's followed by a sparkling Illuminated Lanimer Parade at 6.30pm. Plenty of seasonal entertainment will be on display as well as appearances by Santa and his Elves
The Winter Wonderland is then open daily from 10am to 6pm all the way through until December 28.
Visiting is free, and you can enjoy the magical scenes outside Tolbooth Lanark and join in with their new singing reindeer.
Santa and his Elves will continue making special appearances between 11am and 3pm on Saturdays of December 3, 10 and 17.
You can find out more about Lanark's Christmas celebrations during the festive season here.
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
