The clocks have now gone back and the high street stores are now decked with Christmas gifts. This means the annual switching on of the Christmas lights will start taking place across the UK throughout November — marking, for many, the official start of the festive season.

Some of the major events around the country will be:

9 November — Regent Street London

This year's event will be hosted by Jamie Theakston and will celebrate the launch of the new Chronicles of Narnia release, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Regent Street will be transformed into a winter wonderland where a host of the stars of the film will be on hand to mark the event. Other performers on the evening include the cast of the West End hit musical, Jersey Boys and the West End Gospel Choir.

Want to check the forecast for London before you step into Christmas? Check the London weather forecast.

10 November — Cardiff Civic Centre

Be taken into another dimension when the stars of hit television series Doctor Who join Bob the Builder to switch on the Christmas lights in the centre of Cardiff, and mark the start of the city's Winter Wonderland festival. The Timelord himself, Matt Smith, and his assistant Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillan, will be taking a break from saving the world to help light up the city of Cardiff. Festivities begin at 6pm. 

Want to know whether the skies will be clear? Check the Cardiff weather forecast.  

12 November — Manchester

Join last year's X Factor winner Joe McElderry as Manchester switches on the Christmas lights. Other celebrities will include the stars of Coronation Street and the cast of hit musical We Will Rock You which will be delighting theatre viewers at the Palace Theatre this festive season. Join the celebrations at 6.45pm. Want to know what the weather will be like in Manchester? Check the Manchester weather forecast.

18 November — Bond Noel, Bond Street London

Is it snowing already? No, its the Great Ormond Street Bond Noel event! Watch Bond Street be transformed into a winter wonderland as the charity hosts its annual event. Snow will be falling the length of Bond Street as the lights will be switched on in aid of the charity.

Want to know whether it will really be snowing in London for the event? Check the London weather forecast.

To get further information on this event, check the  Great Ormond Street Hospital website.

20 November — Belfast

Join the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat Convery, and guests, as they light up the city. The entertainment will start at 6pm. The Christmas Continental Market will open after the Christmas Lights Switch-On event at approximately 8pm.

What will the conditions be like in Belfast? Check the Belfast weather forecast.

25 November — Edinburgh

Over the Christmas period, Princes Street Gardens transforms into a winter wonderland complete with fairy lights decorating the trees, Christmas decorations, an ice rink and a funfair. There is also a German Market with quaint wooden stalls selling hot food, mulled wine, crafts and gifts.

Want to know whether it will really be a winter wonderland? Check the Edinburgh weather forecast.