Inverclyde’s countdown to Christmas will get underway this month with a host of fun festive lights switch-on events across our towns and villages.

Entertainment has been planned at each event, including music and a visit from Santa Claus, before the big countdown to the switch-on.

First up is the lights switch-on event in Greenock at Cathcart Square on Thursday 23 November 2023.

The main stage programme starts at 18:00 with West FM radio presenter Alison Wright compering and appearances from the stars of the Beacon Arts Centre’s panto, Beauty and the Beast, including Still Game’s Mark Cox and River City actor Jimmy Chisholm.

Soak up the atmosphere in Greenock from 16:30 with a chance to meet some of Santa’s reindeer, meet Santa himself, and enjoy some traditional festive tunes from Brass Sounds Inverclyde who will perform inside the Oak Mall.

Provost Drew McKenzie will switch on the Christmas lights with Santa at 19:00.

In Gourock, the fun begins at 18:00 in Kempock Gardens on Friday 24 November 2023 then it’s the turn of Port Glasgow on Wednesday 29 November 2023 from 18:00 outside the library.

On Friday 1 December 2023, it is over to the villages with Quarriers Village up first from 15:30 at the Village Centre, followed by festivities at Inverkip Hub from 17:30, Kilmacolm’s Cargill Centre from 18:00 and Wemyss Bay Community Centre from 19:00.

Provost Drew McKenzie said: “I look forward to the annual Christmas lights switch-on events, as I’m sure many of us do, as a chance for our communities to come together and celebrate the season.

“It’s always a lovely way to countdown to Christmas together and enjoy the start of the festivities.

“I hope to see many families, friends and people of all ages joining in the fun across Inverclyde.”