Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has declared that Christmas does not officially begin until the lights go on, as he switched on a festive display in a Manchester cul-de-sac transformed into a Christmas wonderland in just 24 hours.
The display on Grey Street featured more than 20,000 twinkling lights, biscuit-inspired displays and installations designed to bring Christmas magic to the local community. The switch-on was carried out by Revel Horwood to kick-start the celebrations.
Research reveals festive traditions
Research commissioned by Fox's Biscuits, which surveyed 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, found that putting up decorations (35%) and the Christmas tree (35%), along with seeing local high street lights switched on (19%), are the biggest signs the festive season has arrived. This comes ahead of seeing the first festive advert on TV (17%) and hearing a Christmas song for the first time (16%).
A poll found that 83% say Christmas would not feel the same without festive lights and decorations.
Craig Revel Horwood's verdict
Craig Revel Horwood said: "Darling, it's clear Christmas doesn't officially begin until the lights go on, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with a street full of sparkle."
He added: "I've seen some fabulous Christmas displays in my time, but seeing Grey Street transformed with thousands of twinkling lights really is something special. Christmas is all about spreading a little magic and bringing people together, and that's exactly what we've done here. Seeing the whole community come together to celebrate has been wonderful. Now that's how you do Christmas!"
Public desire for more festive displays
More than a third (37%) said they would love to see more Christmas lights in their local community, while 34% want more festive markets and nearly a quarter (24%) would welcome more carol singing.
The research also found that 51% have attended a Christmas light switch-on in their area, while 31% said there is a house in their neighbourhood that goes all-out with festive decorations.
And it is not just the lights — 10% believe the festive season does not truly begin until they start indulging in seasonal treats. Biscuits are firmly on the menu, with 33% buying Christmas biscuits, while 39% make sure to share a biscuit or chocolate selection box.
When should Christmas begin?
As for when Christmas should officially begin, 22% said November is an acceptable time to feel festive, although 35% said the first week of December is when they start feeling Christmassy.
But the nation remains divided on how early is too early, with 48% believing Christmas starts too soon and creeps earlier every year. More than a quarter (28%) even insist it should not be mentioned before December 1.
At the other end of the spectrum, 2% get into the Christmas spirit as early as October, and one in 10 believe it is never too early to start celebrating.
Scott Perry, a spokesperson for Fox's Biscuits, which will also be giving one lucky homeowner a festive makeover to transform their property into a show-stopping Christmas wonderland, said: "Christmas is all about those little moments that make the season feel special, and there's nothing quite like seeing the decorations go up and the lights come on to get everyone feeling festive. Our research shows just how much we love the traditions, community connections, treats and special moments that make this time of year so magical. That's why we wanted to go one step further this year and give Grey Street a festive glow-up to remember. It's safe to say, Christmas has officially arrived on Grey Street!"
