Father Christmas is going to be kept busy in west Wales this week with several towns getting a visit from the man in red as they prepare to switch on their Christmas lights.

The celebrations begin in Lampeter on Thursday, 28 November, when the town’s Chamber of Trade holds its annual late-night shopping event between 4pm and 7pm.

Father Christmas will be on hand along with Cwmann Male Voice Choir and fairground rides as the town gears up to switch on its Christmas lights.

Llanbadarn Fawr will also brighten up the village on Thursday, 28 November when they switch their lights on at 6pm.

Penparcau will switch on its Christmas lights on Friday, 29 November as part of its Christmas Fair which runs from 3pm to 7pm.

Santa will be visiting Penparcau Hub to switch on the lights, which will also host stalls, food, mulled wine and mince pies with children from Ysgol Llwyn yr Eos on hand to sing carols.

Aberystwyth will light up the town with a special event on Saturday night, 30 November.

The annual lights switch-on will be the culmination of a day of entertainment, with stalls and a lantern parade through the town before the Christmas tree is switched on.

Aberaeron will also switch its lights on on Saturday, 30 November.

The town will have festive stalls open from midday with Father Christmas arriving at 3pm.

There will be a light parade before the tree is switched on.

Machynlleth’s ‘big switch-on’ also takes place on Saturday, 30 November.

The lights will be switched on at the town clock by the carnival king and queen and there will be a host of family-friendly activities on offer with carol singing in St Peter’s Church afterwards.

Llanidloes will also turn the lights on on Saturday, 30 November with Santa popping in to the community centre to spread some festive cheer.

Cardigan will also be holding a Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday, 30 November with an evening of festive fun planned from 4.30pm.

Pupils from Ysgol Rhydypennau will sing carols when Bow Street switches on its Christmas lights on Wednesday, 4 December at 6pm.

The switch-on will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the village hall.

Trefechan will switch its Christmas lights on at 6pm on Monday, 9 December at 6pm.

Is your town or village holding a special lights switch-on ceremony? Let us know by emailing [email protected]