THERE is nothing quite like that moment when the darkness of winter is broken up by the splash of colour from festive Christmas lights. 

It has become a tradition during the festive season for this moment to be celebrated with crowds gathering around trees or at displays to see them switched on for the first time truly marking the beginning of Christmas time. 

So thankfully, it's fantastic news for Swindon families that the town is hosting a wide selection of Christmas light switch-on events taking place in the coming weeks. 

We've compiled a list of several of the Christmas light switch-on events in Swindon that you could go to. 

Highworth Christmas event and light switch-on

Highworth Town Council is taking over the High Street for an all-day Christmas event on Saturday, November 25. 

From 10am people will be able to enjoy the regular market traders and many new independent ones as well as food, drink, music, choirs, a Christmas competition and more. 

The day will conclude with the light switch-on at 5.30pm and a visit from Santa in his sleigh. 

A spokesperson said: "This is a great opportunity to start your Christmas shopping and get into the Christmas spirit, see our flyers nearer the date for more details.

Lydiard Park Christmas light switch on 

You can join Lydiard Park for a festive and heartwarming evening at the Lydiard Christmas lights switch-on event on Friday, November 24.

The historic Swindon venue will be filled with carols, festive food and drink all building up to the 'magic moment' when the mayor and leader of Swindon Borough Council switch on the lights for the three. 

There is no need to book, just come along and gather outside Lydiard House from 5.30pm – 7pm.

South Swindon Parsh Council's trio of events

One of the biggest parish councils in Swindon is hosting not one, not two, but three separate light switch-on events for three Christmas trees it has installed within the parish. 

On Tuesday, November 21, there will be an event at Broadgreen Community Centre. On November 22 there will be one at Badbury Park Community Hub and the next day, November 23, there will be one at Cavendish Square.

All will start at 5pm with the switch-on themselves happening at 5.30pm. 

For more details on each event please see our article on the trio of South Swindon Parish Council events - Three Christmas light events for set for Swindon

Old Town Chrismas Lights event

Wood Street and the top of Victoria Road will be full of festive fun all afternoon on Sunday November 26, from 12pm to 5.30pm, with up to 10,000 guests expected on the day.

This year will see more performers and artists playing on the main stage which is being set up on the peak of the hill, along with a giant fun fair from Steven Hill and 20 stalls selling various food and drink from local vendors along Wood Street.

Although anyone can attend, there is a capacity limit so people are advised to buy tickets at a cost £1.25 which will help cover the cost of the event. To book, visit www.thisisoldtown.com/support-us/p/christmas-festival-admission-ticket