South Lanarkshire Christmas Lights switch on

Published: Tuesday 11 November 2025

This is a generic image of Christmas lights in Hamilton Town Centre

The countdown to Christmas is underway with lights scheduled to be switched on at events across South Lanarkshire.

The first council-run event takes place in Lanark on Saturday 15 November, with the lights switched on at 5pm.

The following day – Sunday 16 November – it’s the turn of EK Village, with the switch on also taking place at 5pm.

The following weekend it’s Rutherglen’s turn, with the lights switched on at 4.30pm on Saturday 22 November.

On the same day – Saturday 22 November, the Christmas Light Switch-On will illuminate Quarry Street in Hamilton, from 10am to 5:30pm, featuring a market and a visit from Santa.  This event is organised by Hamilton Our Town Business Improvement District. Full details of their festive events can be found on their website.

The following day – Sunday 23 November – it’s the turn of Cambuslang, with the lights turned on at 4.30pm.

Finally, Carluke’s Christmas lights will be turned on at 5pm on Saturday 29 November.

The MacDonald Brothers will be performing at East Kilbride, Cambuslang and Rutherglen.
Re-Take That will be performing at Lanark, with Franco performing at Carluke.  

At each of the council-run events, KC Community Choir, various community acts will be performing, street entertainers and kids’ characters for all the family to enjoy, also a very special visit from Santa and Christmas markets at all events.  Des Clarke from Heart FM will be hosting all the events except from the East Kilbride which will be hosted by Ali Wright from Clyde 1. 

Depute Provost Bert Thomson will be joined on stage by specially invited guests for the switching on of the lights.

Depute Provost Thomson said: “I hope as many people as possible come along to enjoy a bit of Christmas cheer.

“The Christmas lights always help people get in the mood for festive fun and I am sure everyone will have a great time at the switch-on events.”