It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Festive fun is on the go as the Christmas lights are switched on across Courier Country. First up, it’s Dundee and Perth’s time to shine

This weekend Dundee and Perth city centres will be illuminated for yuletide with some fantastic events for all the family to enjoy. Here’s what visitors can expect when they go along to join in the fun.

DUNDEE CHRISTMAS LIGHT NIGHT, NOVEMBER 15

In the City of Discovery, tonight is the night to come along to see all the action in City Square.

From 5.30pm an evening of fun and music will kick off with special guests, impromptu street theatre, carnival rides and a Wishing Wall just some of the highlights.

Then, at 6.30pm, a torchlight procession will make its way from Dundee High School through Albert Square, Commercial Street and

High Street to City Square, where the big switch-on will take place at approximately 6.45pm.

Then, after the lights are on, it will be time to don your dancing shoes and birl your family and friends in a huge Christmas ceilidh.

If the noise and crowds of the main switch-on are too much for your little ones or anyone else who prefers a bit more room to breathe, come along to the Albert Square Mini Lights Switch-on for a more chilled experience.

The countdown will be beamed live to a big screen and a cute Christmas penguin will be lit up.

There will also be the chance to buy hot chocolate or parents and carers can enjoy a warm drink from the bar along with a kids’ disco and face painting to add to the party atmosphere.

Look out too for the Dundee Nativity at Steeple Church, Nethergate (7.30pm) when Gabriel will tell the story of the first Christmas to a backdrop of wonderful music and some younger children will even have the chance to join the actors on stage.

Of course, the start of the Dundee Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without a visit from a special Santa Bus. Mrs Claus will welcome children on board and there will be treats for her young visitors.

Find out more about the plans for festive fun in the coming weeks by visiting dundee.com

PERTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON, NOVEMBER 16

The festive spotlight travels up the River Tay tomorrow for the

City of Perth Christmas Lights Switch-on, which is billed as Perth’s biggest-ever Christmas party.

Perth has certainly pulled out all the stops this year with a host of stars and special guests lined up to celebrate the switch-on for 2019.

Starting at noon and lasting right into the evening, the fun will include something for everyone, from live ice-sculpting to entertainmentpacked streets and some great street food available to purchase.

Musical treats on the bill include The Mcandrews Sisters, The Giants of British Rock, Nina Nesbitt, Atomic Kitten featuring Natasha Hamilton and Liz Mclarnon and Clubland Classics hosted by Dario

G, N Trance and Alice DJ, with the evening’s entertainment hosted by Stephen Mulhern.

The big switch-on will take place at 5.30pm and will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the River Tay.

There will also be a dedicated children’s stage, with performances throughout the afternoon by everyone from Basil Brush to Mother Goose and a Christmas Pop Party.

Then, after the switch-on, the focus shifts to the older members of the crowd as compere Mark Conroy will introduce the evenings acts, Woodrow Wilson and Lee Memphis King as Elvis.

Over on King Edward Street the stage will have a community focus with performances from groups including Inspire Dance Studios, Fair City Baton Twirlers, Ad-lib Youth Performers and Perth Amateur Operatic Society and evening performances from Mike Lee and Boomin.

Get all the latest information on festive events, markets and more by visiting smallcitybigpersonality.co.uk

Then, after the lights are on, it will be time to get your dancing shoes on and birl your family and friends in a huge Christmas ceilidh.

Fireworks at Perth’s switch-on last year, left, and Millie-rose Garrick Orr turns on Lochee’s lights.