Date set for dazzling Exeter Christmas light switch-on

The festivities will begin soon

In just a few short weeks, Exeter will be turned into a festive wonderland as many of the city's highly-anticipated Christmas events are set to return. It has now been confirmed that a lights switch-on is also on the calendar.

Christmas might still feel a long way off but there's only a month left until the festivities get underway in the city centre. In addition to the annual Christmas Market on the Cathedral Green, Winter Wonderland will be making its return to Northernhay Gardens after going on a hiatus last year.

Princesshay is also promising a programme of events for shoppers wanting to get into the spirit. They will be hosting their own market dubbed 'Christmashay Village', which will be even bigger this year. Visitors can expect stalls throughout Bedford Street, Eastgate and the main shopping centre.

The market, which will run from November 28 to December 22 will have its own bar, hosted by Lloyd's Lounge in Princesshay Square.

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The opening night of the Christmashay Village will coincide with Princesshay's first date for late-night shopping, during which shops will be open until 8pm. Spark Drummers will be performing at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.

An additional three nights of late-night shopping have also been confirmed for December 5, December 12 and December 19.

Every Sunday in December, families will be able to visit and pose for a photo with Father Christmas and his elf between 10:30am and 4:30pm. Charity ELF will be taking donations of £2.50 for those queuing up to meet the man in red.

Before all of the shopping centre's main events get started, they will be kicking off the festivities by switching on the city's Christmas lights. People are expected to gather in the city centre to watch the switch-on on Friday, November 15, the same night that crowds will begin flocking to the Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market.