Santa grottos, funfair rides, parades and live entertainment lead up to the moment that the switch is flicked to light up streets and Christmas trees with pretty illuminations.
Chesterfield is hosting one of the county’s largest events with a day of family fun lined up including a visit from the stars of this year’s panto.
5. Morton
Morton will be lit up for Christmas on November 18 as the highlight of a Christmas market, running from 4pm to 8pm. There will be Santa's Grotto in the rectory rooms plus craft, gifts, food and drink stalls in the village hall car park, Church Lane and rectory rooms. The lights will be switched on at 7pm by members of Morton Voices who will perform as part of a live entertainment programme including Eliza Bradshaw, Olivia Thorne, Morton Performing Arts, Charlotte Rankin, Keira Exton and Ayda Murry. Photo: Adobe Stock/Tashecka
6. Long Eaton
Take That fans will be flocking to the Christmas lights switch-on in Long Eaton on November 23. Gary Barlow and crew weren't available but Erewash Borough Council has lined up the next best thing with one of the UK's top tribute acts. The band Take@That will be belting out hits such as Shine and Could It Be Magic. The Silver Prize Band will play live and there will be a visit from Santa. Funfairs, charity markets and food stalls will add to the fun. The Christmas lights will be turned on at 5.30pm by the Mayor of Erewash, Coun Frank Phillips. Photo: Submitted
7. Belper
Belper's Christmas lights will be switched on on December 24 at 5.45pm in the Memorial Gardens by folk musician John Tams who will be joined by the mayor Jamie Walls, and seasonal visitors Santa and his elves. Tribute band Slade UK will play in the Memorial Gardens after the lights arel lit. There will be charity stalls and further entertainment along King Street. Shops and business premises have been invited to stay open for late-night Christmas shopping. Photo: Jim Bell
8. Ilkeston
The big switch-on takes place in Ilkeston market place on November 24 when the Mayor of Erewash, Cllr Frank Phillips, will light up the town at 5.30pm. The event will be a rock 'n' roll extravaganza, led by crooner Alan Beck. Fesa Says Dance school and Ilkeston Brass will be performing. Santa, a funfair, food stalls and a charity market will be among the attractions at the event which runs until 8.30pm. Craft stalls will also be set up in the Erewash Museum. Photo: Rachel Atkins