JOIN the crowds as a town starts its countdown to Christmas.

Eastleigh will be switching on its festive lights on November 22 alongside a variety of family activities.

A Christmas lights procession from 5.15pm will see residents walk through the town ending with the switch on and a firework display.

Father Christmas and the Mayor of Eastleigh Tony Noyce will lead the way and it is hoped that local children will walk along with paper lanterns or a light up costume.

The event will also include a Santa’s Grotto, a climbing wall, an animal farm, face painting, music, charity stalls.