Get ready to count down from ten several times before the lights finally are switched on, in what is the start of the Christmas for many families in Shropshire.

Find out when your local Christmas lights are being switched on with our useful guide below.

Dawley Christmas Lights and Lantern Parade – 19/11/2010
Details: A lantern parade will start at Dawley House at 4.30pm with the light switch on at 5pm.

Local school children will be carrying lanterns they have made in craft sessions at schools and local venues.

The Mayor of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin and David Wright MP will formally switch on the Christmas lights at 5pm. Music will be provided by the Lord Silkin Steel Band and there will be a choir singing in the Dawley Christian Centre.

Time: 4pm – 6pm
Location: Dawley High Street

Ironbridge Victorian Christmas Market and Light Switch On – 20/11/10
Details: The first Ironbridge Victorian Christmas Market to be held in the historic Town Square, overlooking the famous bridge.

The market will open at 12noon will set the scene for the breathtaking Christmas Lights Switch On & Annual Fireworks Display at 6.30pm. Victorian style entertainers and the Brass Band will tune up to herald the Christmas Lights Switch On hosted by BBC Radio Shropshire’s Jim Hawkins.

Time: From 12noon  – Light Switch on at 6.30pm
Location: The Square, Ironbridge

Broseley Christmas Lights – 20/11/2010
Details: Christmas light switch on with activities starting at 2pm.
Time: 2pm – 7pm, lights on at 7pm
Location: Broseley Town Centre

Church Stretton Christmas Fayre & Lights – 20/11/2010
Details: Chamber of Trade Christmas Light Switch on, Ale Trail and Christmas Fayre,
Time: From 2pm lights at 5pm
Location: Town Square, Churchway, Church Stretton

Oswestry Christmas Lights Switch On – 24/11/2010
Details: The switching on of this year’s Christmas lights in the town centre with entertainment from local school choirs
Time: 2.45pm – 330pm
Location: Festival Square, Oswestry

Telford Shopping Centre Christmas Light Switch On – 25/11/2010
Details: Come and see the  spectacular Christmas decorations and lights throughout the Shopping Centre and meet the Celebrity Guest!
Time: 6pm
Location: Telford Shopping Centre

Oakengates Christmas Light Switch On – 26/11/2010
Details: Christmas light Switch on, market and ice rink.
Time: 5.30pm
Location: Market Street and Theatre Square

Bridgnorth Christmas Lights -  26/11/2010
Details: Christmas light switch on with The Alveley Village Band and carols all round.
Time: 4pm
Location: High Street, Bridgnorth

Madeley Christmas Light Switch On – 26/11/2010
Details: Father Christmas will lead a lantern parade to the top of Madeley High Street where the Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm.
Time: 6pm
Location: Madeley High Street, Madeley, Telford.

Shifnal Christmas Lights – 26/11/2010
Time: 6.45pm
Location:  Shifnal town centre.

Ludlow Christmas Light Switch On – 27/11/2010
Details:  A wonderful way to light up the town in Christmas celebration while creating a party atmosphere in the town.
Time: 5.30pm
Location: Castle Square, Ludlow

Whitchurch Christmas Lights – 27/11/2010
Details: Annual Christmas light switch with Carols from local groups.
Time: 5.00pm
Location: Bull Ring, Whitchurch

Christmas in Cleobury Mortimer – 05/12/2010
Details: New Christmas lights will be switched on by Father Christmas.
Time: 4.30pm
Location: High Street and St Mary’s Church, Cleobury Mortimer