It's the last few days of autumn and winter is just around the corner.

Thankfully, so is Christmas!

Town centres and businesses in Richmond are busy putting up their Christmas lights to spread a little festive cheer in the community.

As we reported, Be Richmond are hosting the switching-on ceremony for Richmond town centre which residents can watch from the comfort of their own home.

Christmas lights switch-on 2020 plans in Richmond town centre

What's happening where you live

Twickenham – The Mayor switched on the lights over the weekend of November 14

Richmond – There will be an online event residents can livestream on November 26 from 6pm

Whitton – Lights switch on November 27 with the first Festive Friday from December 4

East Sheen – A tree will be in place by November 30 with lights above the shops

Teddington – Lights will be turned on from December 3

East Twickenham – Lights will be turned on from December 4

Barnes – A Christmas festival is planned December 11 from 5-8pm, but this is to be confirmed depending on any restrictions that may be in place

Hampton – Shops are being decorated with festive lights.

Christmas cards contest

Richmond's young artists are also encouraged to help design the Mayor and council leader's Christmas cards this year.

The Christmas cards will be sent to groups, businesses and charities that the council and Mayor has worked with throughout the year.

There will be three winners and runners up selected for each. The winning entry will have their design featured on the cards, with the runners up printed on the back. Winners will receive an artistic prize.

Art submissions can be by children aged 5 to 11 years, who live or go to school in the borough. Entries must be an original image in A5 format (just fold an A4 sheet in half), and should be created using colours, with no glitter or stuck on materials.

Designs should be submitted to: Mayor's Christmas Card Competition, Mayor's Office, York House, Richmond Road, Twickenham, TW1 3AA. Or email to [email protected] by 5pm on Friday (November 20).

Entries must include the entrants name, age, phone number, address and school on the reverse of the design.

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