The UK's best Christmas light displays

From light-up snowflakes to neon Rudolphs, nothing says Christmas quite like a good light display. That's why we're bringing you this guide to the UK's greatest public Christmas lights, so you can get in the festive mood wherever you are in the country!

South West: Mousehole

Way down on the Cornish south coast is the beautiful fishing village of Mousehole. It's well known for its annual Christmas illuminations that fill the harbour and surrounding homes, but it also has its own winter festival. Tom Bawcock's Eve on December 23rd celebrates the end of a 16th century famine, made famous by the children's book The Mousehole Cat. Whenever you visit, grab yourself some fish and chips (or stargazey pie!) and enjoy these Christmas lights by the sea.

South East: Oxford

In Oxford the countdown to Christmas starts in style with the weekend-long Christmas Lights Festival. There's music and dance, a lantern parade and late night openings of local attractions, such as museums and art galleries. You can even enjoy a glass of delicious mulled wine the old-fashioned way at the Victorian winter market. If the excitement gets too much for you, simply wander among the streets and dreaming spires of the city and soak up the gorgeous streetlights.

London: Oxford Street

Our capital city certainly doesn't do Christmas by halves, but if you're only going to visit one festive attraction in London this year, make it Oxford Street. The famous shopping street is renowned for its brilliant annual light displays, as decorations are hung across the street and every shop goes all out to make its store front glitter. This year we'll be treated to a £1 million display of illuminated snowballs!

East of England: Lincoln

This year Sue Hodge, much-loved star of 'Allo 'Allo, will be flipping the switch and turning on the lights in Lincoln.  This picturesque medieval city also plays host to a fabulous Christmas market, which usually attracts so many visitors that a one-way system for pedestrians is put into place. But don't let that put you off - as well as taking you past all the festive stalls, you'll be able to walk through the grounds of Lincoln Castle, without having to pay for entry!

West Midlands: Stratford-upon-Avon

See Shakespeare's town come alive with the spectacular Christmas lights at Stratford-upon-Avon.  Known for being one of the best displays in the country, you can't get much better than this town's stunning contrast of Elizabethan buildings with modern Christmas lights. You can even visit the Bard's birthplace and discover how Christmas would have been celebrated when he was alive. It's such stuff as dreams are made on!

East Midlands: Nottingham

When it comes to turning a city into a festive wonderland, Nottingham certainly knows how to do it. From the sparkly baubles adorning the Council House, to the German Christmas market and ice rink in the city centre, there's always something fun to do in the lead up to the big day. Of course, it's also worth visiting the iconic Robin Hood statue whilst you're there - somebody might even put a Christmas hat on him!

Wales: Cardiff

No trip to Wales is complete without visiting Cardiff and that's especially true at Christmas. In previous years the stars of Doctor Who, David Tennant and Billie Piper, turned on the illuminations, but it's the lights that really steal the show here. If you're in the city, be sure to stop by at the castle as it's usually host to some of the best lights in the city, and Santa will also be there in his grotto.

Yorkshire: Leeds

In Leeds, turning on the festive lights is more than just the flick of a switch. Go along to the switch-on ceremony and you'll be treated to a feast of entertainment, featuring local sports heroes, pantomime performers and even a celebrity or two! The city's lights make up the largest city centre display in the UK, and there's a huge fireworks display to really end the evening with a bang.

North West: Manchester

Manchester doesn't have just one Christmas market. Oh no, this year it has nine! They're dotted throughout the city and sell everything from pottery to snow globes, as well as foods from all over the world. Where else can you enjoy a ten foot Santa whilst munching on a plate of paella? You can also expect loads of great music to kick off the switch-on ceremony as thousands of lights all across the city are turned on, accompanied by the lovely voice of X-factor winner James Arthur.

North East: Newcastle-upon-Tyne

This vibrant city really loves to celebrate and fantastic festivals happen every month of the year, so it's no surprise that Newcastle does Christmas spectacularly too. If you find yourself in the north east as Christmas gets closer, head to Newcastle to check out its fashion shows, open-air skating and, of course, brilliant Christmas lights. Don't forget to visit the stunningly illuminated Gateshead Millennium bridge - a true landmark of the city's skyline.

Northern Ireland: Belfast

Spending the festive period in Northern Ireland? Then get to Belfast and check out all your favourite local landmarks, illuminated! All the action happens at the City Hall, as crowds line the streets to see the lights go on, from street decorations to huge Christmas trees. This is a great event, especially for families, as you can browse the market stalls and be there when Santa himself puts in an appearance.

Scotland: Edinburgh

For one of the biggest and best Christmas celebrations in the country, you have to pay a visit to Edinburgh. This year they're really pushing the boat out: Olympian Chris Hoy will be switching on the lights, and there will also be a big wheel and a Christmas tree maze to try! The jewel in the crown of the light display is always Edinburgh's massive Christmas tree, which is gifted to the city every year by Norway. Spectacular!

Wherever you're celebrating this year, DotComGiftShop wishes you a merry Christmas!