See below for times and dates

CHRISTMAS magic is set to sweep across Oxfordshire as the county prepares to sparkle under thousands of glistening festive lights.

Communities are expected to turn out in their thousands to admire dazzling decorations illuminating the night's sky during Christmas lights switch-on events, as traders prepare to stay open late.

Families are looking forward to Oxford's three-day Christmas celebrations, which will transform the centre into a Winter wonderland from Friday.

The festivities will open with a Lantern Parade, when more than 300 youngsters will gather at Oxford Castle before winding their way around the city's streets carrying their handmade paper works of art.

Street theatre, light sculptures and a dance stage will pour into Gloucester Green, while life-size puppets, jugglers and stilt walkers will flaunt their talents during the festival.

School groups and choirs will bring the festive season to life with their renditions of much-loved tunes, along with a weekend market rammed with winter's finest treats.

A colourful night is ahead for Woodstock residents as Britain's Got Talent star Jamie Raven plans to switch on the town's Christmas lights during the annual Night of a Thousand Candles.

The magician, who was a finalist of the ITV talent contest last year, will flick the switch after a traditional countdown in the town square just after 6pm on Saturday.

Dennis Allen, chairman of group Wake up to Woodstock, said: "The build-up to Christmas is one of the best times to visit.

"Woodstock really comes into it’s own at Christmas with the streets lit, the tree lights twinkling and the many shops and galleries making browsing a pleasure."

Members of former pop group S Club 7, Tina Barrett, Jo O'Meara and Bradley Mcintosh, will belt out their hit tunes at Abingdon's Christmas festivities on Saturday.

The pop stars will invite one lucky competition winner to the stage before switching on the festive lights, which will be followed by a firework display.

Home-grown celebrities are set to take over Banbury's Christmas lights celebrations, which will shine a light on the Horton Hospital this year.

Fundraiser Kathleen Davis, 88, will steal the spotlight, taking pride of place at the switch-on, supported by hospital staff outside the town hall from 5pm on Sunday.

Fireworks will then brighten up the skies before guests enjoy carol singing, Santa's Grotto, a funfair and a seasonal market.

Colin Clarke, chairman of the Banbury Town Council's general services committee, said: "The switch-on will be a family occasion that will also pay tribute to the work that goes on at the Horton Hospital.

"The day will have a real Christmas atmosphere for people of all ages and we think the new line-up will appeal to everyone."

Father Christmas and his reindeer will make a special stop at Wantage's 'Dickensian Evening', where Christmas lovers can indulge in a pig roast while enjoying a Victorian-style funfair, Punch and Judy show and charity stalls.

Mayor of Wantage Steve Trinder and town crier Dave Richardson will be joined by Heart FM's Lucy Ellis as the festive lights are flicked at 6pm on Friday, December 2.

Christmas Lights Switch-On Events

  • Thursday, November 24 - Didcot from 4pm
  • Friday, November 25 - Oxford from 6.30pm, Thame at 7pm and Witney         from 4pm
  • Saturday, November 26 - Abingdon at 6pm and Woodstock at 6pm
  • Sunday, November 27 - Banbury at 5pm, Burford at 4.30pm
  • Monday, November 28 - Eynsham from 12pm
  • Tuesday, November 29 - Kidlington at 7pm
  • Thursday, December 1 - Bicester at 7pm
  • Friday, December 2 - Carterton at 6pm, Chipping Norton from 4pm and         Wantage at 6pm
  • Saturday, December 3 - Faringdon at 5pm
  • Sunday, December 4 - Wallingford at 5pm