It’s fair to say it never really feels like Christmas in your hometown until the lights are switched on.

To get you into the festive mood, here’s all you need to know about the Christmas lights switch-ons happening over the next week.

• HITCHIN

You don’t have to wait long for that festive feeling, as Hitchin will be turning on their lights later today.

The Hitchin BID event takes place from 4pm at the Market Place, where there will be food stalls serving up Christmas treats and music from Choir on Fire, The Singing Elves and the New Town Centres.

The main event – when this year’s tree will be illuminated – takes place at 6.15pm, but get down early to take in the festivities.

• LETCHWORTH

Following quickly on Hitchin’s tail is Letchworth town centre’s lights switch-on, held tomorrow.

From 12 noon to 7pm, visitors can experience the best in Christmas entertainment Love Letchworth has to offer – including a performance from LED drummers Spark! as they light up the night.

The annual Santa Parade will kick off at 4.45pm from the Spirella Building in Bridge Road, before the official Christmas lights switch-on takes place at 5.30pm by the main stage outside The Platform pub. The switch-on will be followed by an unmissable fireworks display.

• STEVENAGE

Stevenage Old Town Business & Community Partnership’s event tomorrow sees messy church activities for families from 3pm at the Methodist Church and Holy Trinity Church, both in High Street. Children will be able to make lanterns to parade the churches. Admission is free but donation are welcome.

The Christmas lights will be turned on at 5pm on the Bowling Green by this year’s poster winners – Anya and Sienna – with late-night shopping available afterwards.

The lantern parade is not happening this year, but organisers hope to see it return next year.

Next Thursday, November 30, it is the turn of Stevenage town centre – when Stevenage FC goalkeeper Chris Day will be lighting up Town Square and surrounds.

Festivities start from 4pm, with visitors getting the chance to meet Mr and Mrs Claus and their husky dogs, as well as enjoy a giant snow globe, fairground rides and stalls.

There will be performances from Decosta Boyce and J’Adele on stage, with Chris expected to press down the plunger before 6.30pm.

A “fabulous fireworks finale” will round the night off. Free parking is available from 3pm at the multi-storeys in St George’s Way and Westgate, Marshgate and The Forum.

So, don’t miss any of the fun and head down to these events to get into the Christmas spirit!