We're trying to bask in the pumpkin-spiced, auburn-leafed glory of autumn, but winter is lurking around the corner. Late sunrises and early sunsets will have you running for the SAD lamps as you wonder if the sun ever shines in Scotland anymore. Thank goodness for the Christmas lights, from twinkly fairy lights to flashing neon bells and holly, whether you think their tasteful or tacky, they do brighten up the dark evenings. We've rounded up when towns and cities across Scotland are flipping the big switch and bathing us in a festive glow.

Ayr Christmas Lights Switch-On
Festive family fun with live musical entertainment throughout the day before South Ayrshire Paralympian Robyn Love joins Gareth Gates and Michelle Heaton to switch on Ayr's Christmas Lights.
High Street, Ayr, Sun 20 Nov, 1pm.

Blairgowrie Christmas Lights Switch-On
An afternoon of family entertainment before Blairgowrie's Christmas lights are switched on around 4pm.
Wellmeadow Park, Blairgowrie, Sat 28 Nov, 2pm

Coatbridge Christmas Lights Switch-On
Santa dances into town to raise awareness of the NHS Organ Donor Register. He's doing the slosh, best ask your granny what that was. Edward Reid hosts a variety of entertainment before the town gets lit up.
Main Street, Coatbridge, Sat 25 Nov, 3.30pm

Cumnock Christmas Lights Switch-On
Witness the Christmas lights being switched on and enjoy performances from local schools, a nativity play, market stalls and a visit from Mr Claus.
Town square, Cumnock, Fri 25 Nov

Dundee Christmas Lights Switch-On
The switching on of Dundee's lights marks the end of Festival of Architecture 2016 and the beginning of Dundee's Christmas celebrations. There's are large-scale light installations at historic and contemporary buildings, a night market and a torchlight procession between the McManus Galleries and the Caird Hall, events also running on Fri 18 Nov.
City Centre, Dundee, Sat 19 Nov, time tbc

Dunfermline Christmas Lights Switch-On
An afternoon of events to celebrate the switching-on of the Dunfermline Christmas lights, with live music and entertainment.
Town centre, Dunfermline, Sat 19 Nov, 2pm

Edinburgh Christmas Lights Switch-On
Edinburgh's Christmas host Light Night, featuring live music courtesy of choirs from across Scotland including Edinburgh Festival Chorus, Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus and Edinburgh's Got Soul. Olympic gold medallist Callum Skinner has the honour of switching on the lights.
George Street, Edinburgh, Sun 20 Nov, 1pm

Glasgow Christmas Lights Switch-On
The city welcomes in the festive season at the annual lights switch-on in George Square, with live music and more. Tickets are available through a ballot, enter before Sun 16 Oct to be in with a chance of getting tickets.
George Square. Sun 20 Nov, times tbc

Inverness Christmas Lights Switch-On
In Inverness there's a Christmas Lights Parade led by Santa Claus, who helps Provost Helen Carmichael turn on the Christmas lights at 6pm before the Children's Christmas Carol Concert.
City Centre, Inverness, Sun 20 Nov, times tbc

Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-On
There's family entertainment throughout the afternoon in Houstoun Square, with live music, Christmas activities and a fun fair before the town's Christmas lights are officially switched on.
Houston Square, Johnstone, Sat 19 Nov, noon

Kelso Christmas Lights Switch-On
Kelso marks the arrival of the festive season with a children's funfair, Santa's grotto and performances from groups including Lynella School of Highland Dance, MxNally Dance Academy and Michelle Douglas School of Dance.
Market Square, Kelso, Sat 26 Nov, 5pm

Lanark Christmas Lights Switch-On
Visit the Christmas market to browse stalls selling crafts, gifts and food and drink. There's also a funfair for children, live entrtainment and Santa himself has the honour of switching on the lights.
High Street, Lanark, Sat 19 Nov, 10am

Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On
Santa and his reindeer visit Paisley for the switching-on of the town's Christmas lights. There's also live music, a Christmas market and kids entertainment.
Town centre, Paisley, Sat 12 Nov, noon

Perth Christmas Lights Switch-On
An afternoon of performance with local groups on the Community Stage, children's entertainment on the children's stage and music on the main stage. The Christmas Parade, starting at Thimblerow begins at 5.30pm before the lights are switched-on at 6.15pm.
City centre, Perth, Sat 19 Nov, noon

Prestwick Christmas Lights Switch-On
An afternoon of festive celebrations with two stages of live entertainment; a parade from Bellevue Road to Prestwick Crosslook, look out for Santa in his fire engine; and activities hosted by Community Centre, St Nicholas Church and Prestwick South Church. Make sure you're in position for the switch-on at 4.30pm.
Various venues, Prestwick, Sun 20 Nov, 1pm

Renfrew Christmas Lights Switch-On
A day of festive fun featuring Provost's carol service, an outdoor funfair and a fireworks finale.
Town centre, Renfrew, Sat 26 Nov, noon

Saltcoats Christmas Lights Switch-on
Santa Claus is coming to town and he's bringing all the fun of the fair and Saltcoats' twinkly Christmas lights with him. There is a Santa's Grotto, live festive music by school choirs, an artificial ice Rink and Disney characters.
Town centre, Saltcoats, Sun 20 Nov, 12.30pm