Inverness Christmas lights.

The Highland Council has announced details of the programme for this year’s City of Inverness Christmas Lights Switch On Ceremony which will take place on Thursday 23rd November at 7pm.

The ceremony will be staged on the steps of Inverness Town House and arrangements have been made for a road closure to be in operation from 6.15pm on the night to enable families to gather in front of the Town House from 6.30pm to watch the ceremony.

Local DJ Andi “Candoo” Stephen will host the pre- switch on entertainment which will feature the “Singing for Pleasure” group from Merkinch and the Nairn Academy Pipes and Drums.

Gerry Reynolds, Highland Council’s Events and Promotions Officer said: “As usual the exact details of Santa’s arrival are being kept a closely guarded secret by Reindeer Traffic Control at Inverness Airport but it is thought that Santa is expected to arrive near one of the Town House chimney’s around 6.50pm.

“After a quick slide down one of the many Town House Chimneys, Santa will then join Provost William Smith on the Town House steps to greet the crowd and start the countdown for the City’s Christmas Lights to come on at 7pm.”

Drivers are reminded that the following roads will be closed from 6.15pm to 7.45pm, Bridge Street, High Street, Castle Street and Castle Wynd.