Tickets for the party for around 16,000 people will again be given away free of charge through a ballot.

Glasgow’s Christmas Market in George Square is due to open a week later on Sunday 25 November and will run until 31 December. The other Christmas market will open in St Enoch Square on Friday 9 November and will run until 23 December. Both will be open 7 days a week from 10am.

Glasgow’s Style Mile Carnival is also being held on Sunday 25 November with the traditional Baby’s First Christmas starting on 8 December. The hugely popular Santa Dash returns, which will again raise money for the Beatson Cancer Charity when the final mass participation running event of the year races through the streets of Glasgow on 9 December.

Details of how and when to enter the ballot for Glasgow’s Christmas lights switch-on will be released in the next few weeks. Details of how to register for Baby’s First Christmas will also be made available soon. Latest information can be found at www.glasgowloveschristmas.com and via Facebook and Twitter.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Eva Bolander said: “Glasgow is the perfect place to be in the lead up to Christmas. With fabulous shopping, incredible festive entertainment and great venues to visit and explore, it’s a city with something to suit every taste and budget. Christmas is traditionally a time for friends and families to get together and enjoy the festivities and build special memories. We look forward to seeing you.”