Festive fun for all the family across South Lanarkshire

Published: Monday 13 November 2023

Crowds gather beside market stalls in Lanark Main Street for the switching on of he town's 2019 Christmas lights.

The countdown to Christmas kicks off this weekend with lights switched on at events across South Lanarkshire.

The first council-run event takes place in Lanark on Saturday 18 November, with the lights switched on at 5pm.

The following day – Sunday 19 November – it’s the turn of EK Village, with the switch on also taking place at 5pm.

The following weekend it’s Rutherglen’s turn, with the lights switched on at 4.30pm on Saturday 25 November.

On the same day – Saturday 25 November – Hamilton’s Christmas lights will be turned on at 5.30pm. This event is organised by Hamilton Our Town Business Improvement District. Full details about what is happening can be found on their website.

The following day – Sunday 26 November – it’s the turn of Cambuslang, with the lights turned on at 4.30pm.

Finally, Carluke’s Christmas lights will be turned on at 5pm on Saturday 2 December.

At each of the council-run events, there will be a Traditional Brass Band, Soundsational Choir, street entertainers and kids characters for all the family to enjoy. Provost Margaret Cooper or Depute Provost Bert Thomson will be joined on stage by specially invited guests for the switching on of the lights.

Provost Cooper said: “I hope as many people as possible come along to enjoy a bit of Christmas cheer.

“The Christmas lights always help people get in the mood for festive fun and I am sure everyone will have a great time at the switch-on events.”

Anyone who is taking part in the Think, Move Breathe campaign can also earn more points by travelling to and from the switch-on events sustainably. You can find out more about it on the Betterpoints website.