Christmas celebrations begin in Nottingham’s local centres with the switch-on of Christmas lights, carols and activities.

Hyson Green: Monday, December 1 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm in Peppers Garden, next to the Asda Store

The first is in Hyson Green on Monday, December 1 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm in Peppers Garden, next to the Asda Store when there will be carols, face painting and mince pies.For more information contact Nottingham City Council’s Arboretum, Berridge, Radford and Park Neighbourhood Management team on 0115 8838469

The first Christmas Fair at The Mary Potter Centre in Gregory Boulevard, Hyson Green, takes place on Thursday (Dec 11).  The fair opens at 9.30am in the Atrium at the centre and continues until 3.30pm with stalls, entertainment and refreshments. Admission is free.

Bestwood: Wednesday, December 3, 4pm. Elmbridge, off Beckhampton Road (grounds of Bestwood Park Church and the Co-op)

The first Christmas lights switch to be held in Bestwood Park takes place this year, on Wednesday, December 3, starting at 4pm. The Big Turn On celebrations included Christmas carols led by Top Valley choir and a steel band. There will be a chance to see Santa Clause in his sleigh with his elves, the Sheriff of Nottingham, stilt walkers and Top Valley Dance Academy. There will be mince pies and Christmas biscuits, 500 Santa hats and lots of Christmas presents to give away. The festivities, at Bestwood Park Church grounds and the Co-op on Elmbridge, off Beckhampton Road, culminate in a lantern parade at 5pm when the lights will be officially switched on by the Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Brian Grocock.

A Christmas Fair takes place in Bestwood Park Community Centre, Beckhampton Road at 3pm. For more information contact Nottingham City Council’s Basford and Bestwood Neighbourhood Management team on 0115 9159129

Sherwood: Wednesday, December 3, 3.30pm - 5.30pm outside Oxfam in Mansfield Road.

The Switch on to Sherwood this Christmas is on Wednesday, December 3 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm outside Oxfam in Mansfield Road. Join in with the Christmas carols by Seely School and enjoy a mince pie around the Christmas tree. Special guests include Johnny and the Raindrops, as seen at Sherwood Festival, who will be performing Christmas music.The festival continues at Sherwood library once the lights have been switched on with a fun-filled Christmas workshop for children with face painting, other activities and refreshments. For more info contact the Mapperley and Sherwood Neighbourhood Management team on 0115 9151390

Bulwell: Thursday, December 4, 3pm to 5.30pm. Bulwell Market Place

Bulwell Christmas event and lights switch on takes place at Bulwell Market Place on Thursday, December 4 from 3pm to 5.30pm led by Father Christmas and Trent FM’s Twiggy and Emma. There will be Christmas carols and choir, children’s activities, street performers, brass band, fairground rides and bouncy castle and refreshments. For more information contact the Bulwell and Bulwell Forest Neighbourhood Management team on 0115 9153232

Wollaton and Lenton Abbey: Thursday, December 4, 6pm to 7pm. Bramcote Lane/Woodbank Drive Corner, Wollaton

Christmas carol singing around the tree will be led by local churches and schools before the Christmas lights are switched on at Bramcote Lane/Woodbank Drive Corner in Wollaton. The event, from 6pm to 7pm, will be followed by mince pies and light refreshments. For more information contact the Wollaton & Lenton Abbey Neighbourhood Management team on 0115 9158233

Clifton North and Clifton South: Friday December 5, 3 – 6pm, Southchurch Drive, Clifton.

Clifton is planning a white Christmas on Friday, December 5 from 3pm to 6pm in Southchurch Drive, with music, singing, festive food and Santa’s grotto. For more information contact the Clifton Neighbourhood Management team on 0115 8786247

West Area  Aspley, Bilborough and Leen Valley: Friday, December 12, 6pm-9.15. Harvey Hadden Stadium, Wigman Road, Bilborough

The first Christmas Festival in Nottingham’s West Area of Aspley, Bilborough and Leen Valley takes place on Friday (December 12) at the Harvey Hadden Sports Complex in Wigman Road, Bilborough.

The free festival starts at 6pm and continues until 9.15pm. The Christmas tree lights will be switched on and there will be a carol service, music by the Kirby Miners Welfare Band and The Santiagos young rock and roll band and fair organs.

Other attractions include steam engines, street entertainers, a fun fair, trade and community stalls refreshments and stalls, a fairground and a visit by Father Christmas, and a firework display finale.

For more information, contact Neighbourhood Management Team on (0115) 915 7669 or (0115) 915 766