This is when the Christmas lights will be switched on at Central Milton Keynes

The countdown to Christmas is set to begin next month with the Christmas lights switch-on at the city centre.

And this year the installation includes a giant moving projection along the outside of Midsummer Place.

MyMiltonKeynes is kicking off the festive season with a free ceremony full of festive fun, including live music, dance performances and local choirs.

The grand switch-on will take place on Saturday November 18 between 3pm and 5pm on Midsummer Boulevard, with the main show kicking off at 4pm.

It will take place in the turning circle area between Midsummer Place and centre:mk shopping centres.

This year’s event will be hosted by MKFM presenters Trev and Wes, and families are encouraged to put on their Christmas hats and join in the celebrations. Some of the favourite Milton Keynes mascots will be on parade and the event will culminate with the switching on of the lights by Father Christmas, joined by the Milton Keynes Mayor and Mayoress Mick and Mandy Legg.

This year the installation includes a giant moving projection along the outside of Midsummer Place.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Milton Keynes said: “The switching on of Milton Keynes’ Christmas lights is always a special occasion. It is one of the highlights of the year seeing families and friends gather to celebrate the start of the festive season in the heart of our city.”

MyMiltonKeynes, which is funded by city centre businesses, is installing Christmas lights in Central Milton Keynes for the seventh year running.

Meanwhile, the popular centre:mk Santa’s Grotto is back in Middleton Hall and includes an immersive theatrical Christmas adventure with The Snowman. It’s open from (November 17 to December 24 and bookings can be made here.

Midsummer Place will also have plenty of Christmas must-do photo opportunities, as well as its annual charity Christmas Tree Festival, (18 November – 24 December).

And the much-loved Willen Hospice Santa Dash, sponsored by MyMiltonKeynes, takes place on Sunday December 17 (10am arrival for 10.30am start) at Willen Lake, giving participants a chance to raise funds for the charity. Entry is now open and you can visit here to sign up.