CHRISTMAS is here, and what's Christmas without reminiscing about festive days gone-by whilst tucking in to a delicious dinner?

The past year and a half have not been easy, and Christmas remains to be a difficult time for many people, so we want to spread Christmas cheer by sharing happy, Southampton Christmas memories. 

Celebrities turn on Southampton's Christmas Lights

In previous years excited revellers have braved the cold outdoors to watch a celebrity (or two) push the plunger, illuminating the city's sky with Yuletide joy.

Here are some celebrities and well-known faces who have taken on the mantle of switching on the city's Christmas lights. 

Brian Conley in Southampton in 2014

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Matt Le Tissier and Lional Blair in Southampton in 1996

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Francis Benali in Hythe in 2004

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Southampton Christmas displays - 1998

This year we have enjoyed sharing pictures of numerous, extravagant Christmas lights display across the city.

Well-lit winter wonderland displays in front gardens aren't a new phenomenon, residents have been adorning their homes with lights and festive inflatables for years.

With that in mind, let's remind ourselves of a few lovely displays from December 1998.

Daily Echo: Alan Draper Christmas lights - December 11, 1998.Alan Draper Christmas lights - December 11, 1998.

Daily Echo: Malcolm Slatter Christmas lights - December 17, 1998Malcolm Slatter Christmas lights - December 17, 1998

Another great display!

Daily Echo: Trevor and Mandy Jones Christmas lights - December 11, 1998Trevor and Mandy Jones Christmas lights - December 11, 1998

Santa takes to Southampton's skies!

Crowds watched open-mouthed as Santa and his reindeer soared through the sky over Above Bar Street - courtesy of a wire stretching from WestQuay shopping centre to the Bargate - in November 2016.

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We know what you're thinking, '2016 was only five years ago, why does this event constitute a mention in this article?'. 

Well, we're sure we are not alone in feeling like 2016 was a lifetime ago! 

The spectacular show took place shortly after the former mayor, Cllr Cathie McEwing, switched on the Christmas lights display two days prior.

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After the show in 2016, Santa invited children to join him at the large Advent calendar, where small treats were handed out.

Here's to hoping the man in red will return to Southampton next year.