It's that time of year again when the lights go on in the build up to another bumper festive season in Croydon town centre.

This year's Christmas lights will be turned on by former Eastenders star, Michelle Collins, who is making a special guest appearance as no nonsense pub landlady Babs Sherwood in Never Forget, the hit musical with the songs of Take That, for the Christmas season at Fairfield Halls (December 22 - 30).

The Croydon Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) team will be packing in the crowds on Thursday, November 19, with a whole host of activity planned at this year's Christmas Switch On event, which gets underway at 4pm with local singer Audley Anderson singing a seasonal medley of favourites at 5.30pm and the lights going on at 6.15pm.

A festive interactive lights show will be one of the main features of the evening's entertainment, starting in North End, Croydon from 4pm.

For the Switch On itself, Michelle will be joined by the four lucky winners of the Croydon Town Centre BID Christmas Lights Competition.

Croydon primary school children were asked to come up with a design for a Christmas illumination, to feature in this year's Christmas display. Children between four and 11 years could enter. Shortlisted entries will be exhibited in the Croydon Visitor Centre in November and as part of their prize the children will be asked to join Michelle Collins to turn on the lights. The winner will be announced on the day.

The Switch On will kick off this year's Croydon Christmas Festival which is set to draw large crowds into the town centre, with family entertainment planned throughout December including a full Christmas German-style market that will be in North End from November 27 to the weekend of December 19.

"We've had great success with this year's events in the Town Centre, with both the Fashion and Food Festivals attracting large crowds," said Ros Morgan, BID Manager.

"We're looking forward to enjoying similar success this December, as the Christmas Festival gets underway. Croydon is one of the best shopping destinations in the UK, and I'm looking forward to welcoming everyone into the Town Centre to take advantage of all the fantastic shops and facilities we have here."

Croydon Getting Turned On for Christmas

Croydon's gearing up for Christmas and the festive lights are about to go on around the districts.

November 19

Town Centre Christmas Lights Switch On

Interactive light show from 3.30pm, switch on stage activity from 5.30pm with the big switch on – featuring Michelle Collins - at 6.15pm

Hosted by the Croydon Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID)

Purley Way Switch On

6pm - 9pm

Valley Park, Purley Way, Croydon

Christmas Market every Thursday until December 17

November 20

South Norwood Christmas Celebration

2pm - 8pm

Christmas entertainment and fairground rides at External Space next door to Somerfield car park, 18 - 22 Station Road

November 21

New Addington Christmas Celebration and Light Switch On

10am - 10pm, light switch on at 6.45pm

Street parade through Central Parade featuring Santa and his walking band, finale featuring fireworks and rides for adults and children

November 28

10am - 6pm, light switch on at 4.30pm

Purley Christmas Celebration and Light Switch On

Christmas market, stage packed with entertainment at Purley High Street road closure

Crystal Palace Christmas Festival

10am til late

The Crystal Palace Christmas Festival will be all around the triangle in festive form, offering a fresh mix of music, food, film and fun. Visit Westow Street, Westow Hill and Church Road, SE19

November 30

Norbury Christmas Celebration.

5.30pm - 7pm

Music played to commuters in the evening at Norbury Station

Thornton Heath Light Switch On

5.30pm - 6.30pm

Families will be meeting outside Tesco forecourt to join Santa and watch him switch on the Christmas lights at Thornton Heath High Street

December 5

Coulsdon Christmas Celebration

10am – 6pm

Christmas markets, Santa's Grotto and children's rides at Chipstead Valley Road