George Square is now illuminated with dazzling lights and festive spirit after the official Christmas lights switch on. 

The much-loved annual event took place on Sunday, November 17 and saw the City Chambers lit up with a light and projection show to launch the 2024 winter festivities. 

Almost 10,000 ticket holders watched the show which also included live performances from Scottish singer-songwriter Nathan Evans and SAINT PHNX.

Nathan EvansNathan Evans (Image: Craig Foy/SNS Group) The cast of the Pavilion’s panto Beauty and the Beastie also entertained the crowds and there was live music from Soul Nation Choir and On Repeat.

READ MORE: 'It's anarchic and I like that': Panto star on his Glasgow Christmas show

The city's Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren said: “The city lights switch-on signals the start of the festive season.

"It’s a hugely popular family-friendly event that never loses its magic. Capturing the essence and excitement of Christmas – whatever age you are.”

(Image: Craig Foy/SNS Group) Bowie@Breakfast presenters George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie hosted the event and joined the Lord Provost on stage.

George said: “It feels like the countdown to Christmas really has begun after another brilliant Christmas Lights Switch On, with the wonderful people of Glasgow.

"Cassi and I love this event and a special thank you Glasgow Life for inviting us to get involved every year, we wouldn’t miss it.”  

(Image: Craig Foy/SNS Group) Cassi added: “It’s such a brilliant festive event to be part of and it just keeps getting better and better.

"As well as the fantastic crowd I thought our old friends Nathan Evans and SAINT PHNX were superb.

"A big shout-out also goes to the Beauty and the Beastie cast, Soul Nation Choir On Repeat and of course our Clyde 1 winners."

READ MORE: Glasgow's Lord Provost lends a helping hand as Christmas countdown begins

The winners in question were 15-year-old Reighgan Thomson and 11-year-old Rudi Thomson, who had the honour of pressing the magic button to bring the night to a luminous conclusion. 

Reighgan and Rudi Thomson with Lord ProvostReighgan and Rudi Thomson with Lord Provost (Image: Craig Foy/SNS Group) Reighgan said: "That was the most, magical, marvellous night ever, I loved it, and now I can’t wait for Christmas.

Glasgow’s Christmas lights switch-on is the latest phase of the city's festivities, with the Christmas markets at St Enoch Square opening on Saturday, November 9.

The George Square markets are expected to open this Saturday, November 23, with the City Chambers lights as a glittering backdrop. 

(Image: Craig Foy/SNS Group) The City Chambers will be illuminated with state-of-the-art lighting and a 360-degree laser projection show and every evening, a 30-minute light show will repeat from 3.30pm until 10pm.

These shows will feature six different themes inspired by the North Pole, an enchanting Elves Workshop, playful themes from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Santa and his reindeer, and classic snowy landscapes.

Rotating snowflakes and vibrant lollipop swirls will also paint the City Chambers in a wash of colour to highlight the unique architecture of the building. 

There will be interactive buttons on the lampposts outside the City Chambers on George Square that will allow people to light up the pavement with candy canes, snowflakes and reindeer hooves.