Saturday (15 November) featured a day of Christmas themed family fun
topped with an appearance from Santa and Mrs Claus who joined new Lord
Provost Rosemary Fraser as they switched on the lights from the roundel
at King Street.

This came after a parade led by the City of Stirling Pipe Band, the
Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band and the 1st Raploch Scouts and
Beavers.Earlier in the day, revellers in Stirling City Centre were able to enjoy
meeting a cast of familiar Christmas characters and street performers
and peruse the Stirling Christmas Farmers Market, taking place on the
same day as the switch-on event for the first time.The Strathcarron Singers Choir and The Tolbooth Voices Choir also helped
bring Christmas cheer as they led the crowds in a carol singalong.Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Susan McGill said: "Our Christmas Lights
Switch On event continues to attract big numbers to Stirling city
centre, bringing communities together to find some festive joy."The nights may be getting darker but thanks to Santa and his helpers,
Stirling will be shining brightly throughout this Christmas period."Local businesses and traders will have benefitted from the increased
footfall to the city centre ahead of this busy season. We're looking
forward to welcoming residents and visitors alike in the coming weeks as
minds begin to focus on getting Christmas shopping done and to also
enjoy the many festive events taking place throughout the Council area.