A sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner is the official turning on of spectacular light displays around the city.

Visitors to Norwich are spoilt for choice when it comes to festive fun with amazing window displays and twinkling lights aplenty to make that Christmas shopping experience a bit more special.

• The first light switch on takes place at Castle Mall on Thursday November 8 from 4pm with a very special guest doing the honours. The event will run for four hours and feature local choirs, singing groups, face painters and local singer Emily Creed as well as one of the stars of this year’s Norwich Theatre Royal panto, Andre Vincent, local singing duo, Destiny and of course Father Christmas himself.

Heart FM DJ Toby Anstis will compere proceedings and the illuminations themselves will be switched on at 6.40pm by Peppa Pig with some help from her brother George. There will even be the chance for some lucky children to meet Peppa although booking is essential via the Information Desk on Level 2.

• The official light switch-on for Norwich takes place on Thursday November 22 and promises to be a spectacular affair. 

 At 6.15 a procession featuring lanterns made by Henderson Green Primary School and The Hewett School will leave Chapelfield Gardens and make its way to The Forum, accompanied by Father Christmas and his sleigh.

Events will also be taking place outside City Hall, The Forum and Jarrold's from 6.15 to 7.10pm, including entertainment provided by Chermond Gymnastics Club, Norwich Ukulele Society and Swank’s Frolicking Fairies. There will also be a giant snowball throw, carols and another special appearance from Father Christmas.

The lights will be switched on at 7pm by Paralympic heroine Mel Clarke from Taverham, who won an archery silver medal, and fireworks will light up the sky to mark the occasion.

Festivities will continue afterwards at The Forum with a food and drink market and street entertainment, as well as brass bands and choirs in the city centre.

Santa’s Grottos in Norwich

If you want to pay a visit to Santa and his elves, then there are plenty of opportunities.

• He’ll be outside Argos in Castle Mall from Thursday November 8 until Monday December 24 from 10.30am. Tickets cost £3.99.

• You'll get the chance to meet Father Christmas early when he arrives at Jarrold's on Sunday, 25 November following a parade from The Forum which starts at 10.45am. You can then visit him in his grotto in Jarrold's toy department every day until Christmas Eve from 12 to 5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11.30am to 8pm on Thursday, 11am to 5.30 on Saturday and 11am - 4pm on Sunday. Tickets cost £4 and include a gift.

• Or what about Breakfast with Santa? Visit Highway Garden Centre on Saturday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd December 2012 or Sunday 2nd, 9th, 16th or 23rd December 2012 and enjoy a cooked breakfast and a visit to Santa's Grotto.  Starts at 9am prompt. £10 per child, including breakfast, visit to Santa's grotto and present. £7.95 per adult.

And don’t forget all the fantastic window displays dotted around the city. From small independent stores on The Lanes to large department stores, Castle Mall and Chaplefield Shopping Centre, there will be something to make everybody smile and provide plenty of inspiration for gifts.