Christmas carols and twinkling lights will soon fill the city centre.

Brilliant Brighton has revealed its plans for this year's Festive Afternoon, which will see the Christmas lights switched on in North Laine and The Lanes.

The event will take place on Saturday, November 16, between 2pm and 6pm and aims to spread some Christmas magic.

Choirs will pop up across Brilliant Brighton’s jurisdiction, while festive helpers will visit businesses and hand out goodies.

Last Year's Christmas lights in North Street, BrightonLast Year's Christmas lights in North Street, Brighton (Image: Andrew Gardner/ The Argus) The event will also see the return of the window dressing competition, which has seen hundreds of votes cast by the public for their favourite festive windows.

People who vote for their favourite display could win a £75 Brighton gift card to spend locally.

Read more: Spectacular Christmas display will not return this year

Adding to the atmosphere will be Brilliant Brighton’s Christmas lights, funded by the 517 businesses within the business improvement district.

It costs the businesses £100,000 a year to put on the displays.

The twinkling lights, which will illuminate the city streets from late afternoon, feature reindeer, owls and a fox in North Laine and aliens in North Street.

Early risers this week may have spotted the lights in Bond Street were on for a test run.

“Our Festive Afternoon on Saturday, November 16, will be a wonderful way to celebrate the start of the festivities, with Christmas carols filling the air, beautifully decorated shop windows, and our Brilliant Brighton Christmas lights - generously provided by our city centre businesses - adding a magical sparkle to the event,” said Shelley Welti, marketing and events manager for Brilliant Brighton.

The lights in Gardner Street, Brighton, last yearThe lights in Gardner Street, Brighton, last year (Image: Andrew Gardner/ The Argus)

“We hope the festivities bring smiles to everyone’s faces as they shop, dine and enjoy the start of the season in Brilliant Brighton.”

More details about the event will be released closer to the time.

People also have a new Christmas fair to look forward to this year.

Brighton Winter Fayre will take place in St Peter’s Square from December 5 until Christmas Eve.

Visitors can expect a market, grotto, makers' market, workshops a covered entertainment spaces and a central hub showcasing food and drink from local producers.

Last year there was no Christmas market in Brighton after Brighton and Hove City Council failed to organise a replacement in time.