Where to see the island's Christmas lights

Strand Street in Douglas will be lit up to mark the start of the festive run up on Thursday evening

The Christmas countdown is set to begin in communities across the Isle of Man with the annual light switch-on events.

The celebrations start on Thursday in the island's capital, with a spectacle that attracts thousands of people of all ages to the city centre each year.

That event sees the high street along with other key routes and the municipal building lit up with twinkling decorations.

Here's where you can see that and some of the island's villages and towns light up with a little bit of Christmas magic.

Douglas

Thursday sees the proceedings begin across the capital between 17:30 and 20:30 GMT, with festival stalls and celebrations at several locations.

There will be market stalls and a photo booth at Marina Road, Santa's grotto and ice sculptures at the Strand Shopping Centre.

There will also be brass bands in Granville Street, Christmas extravaganza in Howard Street and Christmas golf in King Street.

In addition there will be wood and craft at Douglas City Library, winter wonderland rides on North Quay, and an outdoor cinema at the Cultural Area on Harris Promenade.

Organised by Douglas Council's town centre management team, the lights switch-on itself takes place at 19:00.

Christmas decorations will be illuminated across the island's capital

Ramsey

On Friday in the north of the island, Ramsey Commissioner's annual switch-on starts with activities in Parliament Street from 17:00.

They include children's fun near Parliament Square, where there will be games, rides, music and dance, and the chance for a photo with Santa and his sleigh.

At the same time, there will be musical performances outside the Old Courthouse, with acts including the Shanty Singers and Ramsey Town Band.

A lantern parade, led by Santa, then takes place along Parliament Street from 19:15 followed by the lights switch-on at 19:30.

Onchan

On 26 November, the village will offer a host of free attractions including an outdoor cinema showing Christmas films, music from Onchan Silver Band, and face painting.

There will also be the chance to go for a moonlight sail on the boating lake at Onchan Pleasure Park and visit Santa's grotto, with the lights being switched on at 18:00.

Port St Mary

The village's Christmas lights display will be switched on at 16:00 on 28 November, with the event set to be particularly special for one resident.

Organised by Port St Mary Commissioners, the display will be illuminated at the Town Hall by the winner of an under-12s Christmas tree colouring competition, with entries for that set to close on Monday.

Santa is set to make an appearance at many Christmas events on the island, including one at Arbory Parish Hall

Arbory

On 28 November, the festive celebrations will begin with the blessing of the Christmas Tree at Arbory Parish Hall at 17:45.

Santa will arrive in the village at 18:00, followed by a concert featuring Arbory School Choirs and Arbory Brownies at 18:45.

Carols will then be led by Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band at 19:30.

Castletown

On 29 November, Castletown Commissioners starting the festivities from midday, with market stalls in the town square.

A special Carols by Candlelight community concert at Arbory Street Methodist Church then takes place at 16:30, featuring the Castle Rushen High School Folk Group and Choir and Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band.

A lantern parade to Market Square follows the concert culminating with the lights switch-on by the Castletown Carnival Queen.

Peel

The western town's event on 29 November starts with market stalls from 12:30, with music and dancing between 14:30 and 17:00.

Performers include Rock Vannin, Skeddan Jiarg, the Peel Clothworkers Choir and Gina's Dance Academy.

There will also be free fairground rides, a chance to meet Santa at the Peel Transport Museum, and a lantern parade leading to the lights switch-on.