With the festive day less than two months away, it's time to get excited about Watford's Christmas lights switch-on.

Thousands of lights will illuminate the town centre next Sunday (November 17) in a spectacular display by businesses.

The switch-on, organised by Watford BID, is one of the biggest events in the run-up to Christmas.

There will be street performances throughout the high street from 2pm, including a flash mob choir and drum corps.

The main event will be on a special stage located at the top of The Parade, by the pond, and it will be presented

by BBC Radio 1’s Chris Stark from 4pm to 5.30pm.

There will be live entertainment on stage, including Electric Umbrella, London Academy, and a choir performance.

Special guests will then initiate the grand switch-on, and a fireworks display will follow at 5pm.

Other Christmas events in Watford:

Santa’s grotto at intu Watford

Santa’s Grotto will be returning to intu Watford from Friday, November 22 to Monday, December 24. Families are invited to visit Santa, take ‘elfies’ with him and receive an early Christmas gift. Ticket information will be released soon.

Shopping at intu

From Monday, December 9, the shopping centre will be open from 9am to 8pm everyday - except Sundays.

It is already open until 8pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Parking is £2 after 5pm.

You will also get the opportunity to give back this Christmas with the popular Give a Gift campaign. The campaign encourages people to buy a gift for someone in need and donate it by popping it in the giant gift box.

For snow globe lovers, there will be a special Make Your Own Snow Globe workshop on the lower mall on Saturday, November 9.

Christmas productions

Watford Colosseum and Watford Palace Theatre will be hosting a range of Christmas productions. The most popular ones are:

  • Santa Claus and The Night Before Christmas - December 3 to 24 at the Colosseum
  • The Snowman screened with live orchestra - December 18 at the Colosseum
  • The Wizard of Oz ballet production - December 23 to 24 at the Colosseum
  • Sleeping Beauty pantomime - November 29 to January 31 at Watford Palace Theatre

For more information on Christmas events in Watford, visit: www.winterinwatford.com