When will Brighton's Christmas lights be switched on?

Local choirs will perform traditional and contemporary classics throughout The Lanes, North Laine and Western Road, while Santa’s elves will visit businesses spreading joy as part of the celebrations.

Brighton and Hove Buses’ Santa Bus will also make an appearance with Santa himself along Western Road, North Street and Preston Street during an afternoon of festive cheer.

The event, organised by Brilliant Brighton - a not-for-profit group of 517 city centre businesses, will culminate with the switch-on of the city’s Christmas lights, adding a magical backdrop to the festive event.

The street art-inspired lights, designed by Brighton artists, will light up North Street and Western Road, while lights celebrating the uniqueness of North Laine will add sparkle to Bond Street, Gardner Street and Kensington Gardens.

Christmas lights, including an alien wearing a Santa hat, feature along North Street and Western Road

Traditional lights will also give a magical and festive feeling to The Lanes, East Street, Preston Street and the city’s Clock Tower.

The events, taking place from 2pm to 6pm on November 19, will also mark the launch of Brilliant Brighton’s window dressing competition, with businesses’ windows being decorated under the theme “festively fabulous”.

People will be able to vote on their favourite window between November 19 and December 31, with the most voted-for business winning £150. Another winner, chosen by a voter chosen at random, will also receive a cash prize.

Shelley Welti, marketing and events manager for Brilliant Brighton, said: “We are really excited to get shoppers and those heading out for meals, coffees and drinks feeling festive with a wonderful afternoon celebrating the start of the season.

“From the beautiful voices of our local choirs filling the streets, to the launch of our eye-catching window dressing competition, elves popping up across the city centre, Brighton and Hove Buses adding further joy with their wonderful Santa Bus, and of course the Brilliant Brighton Christmas lights adding further sparkle to proceedings, we really hope it’ll be a lovely way to start the celebrations.”

Brilliant Brighton previously told The Argus it did not plan to hold a staged event for this year's switch-on, opting for "smaller, low-key events" throughout the city centre to "welcome in the festive season".