Festive celebrations in the capital officially got underway at the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Thousands of people turned out to see Douglas light up.

Festivities included brass bands and choirs of carollers, along with dancing and Santa’s Grotto.

There was also a guest appearance from this year’s Aladdin panto cast.

Some people were even lucky enough to get coated in fake snow.

It was also the first night of late night shopping, with large crowds sticking around to look for Christmas presents in local shops.