Dublin's Christmas lights will go on on Sunday November 19th - but organisers have announced a new way of doing it this year.

Instead of staged events, as were held in the past, this year they are creating a procession of light that will illuminate the entire city from 5.30pm.

Two processions will parade through the streets as all of the festive lights, and O'Connell Street’s Christmas Tree, will be switched on.

Starting at the St Stephen's Green end of Grafton Street and the Capel Street end of Mary Street, performers will lead both processions through the streets before joining up on O'Connell Street.

Here the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mícheál Mac Donncha, will switch on the lights of the 40ft Christmas tree.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Mayor Mac Donncha said: "Dublin city is a truly magical place at Christmas.

"This year to officially start the festive season, Dublin City Council in partnership with DublinTown is delighted to bring you a stunning cross city Procession of Light that will finish on O’Connell Street where I will turn on the lights of the Christmas tree."

As part of the programme, Dublin City Council will also host a free family Christmas event called ‘Smithfield Lights’ on Sunday, November 26th.

Also, on December 11th, the Mansion House will open the traditional Live Animal Crib to the public.

DublinTown CEO, Richard Guiney, said: "This Christmas season DublinTown will continue the tradition of erecting stunning Christmas lights on 30 streets in the city centre.

"Over the past number of years, we have seen a huge surge in the popularity of the lighting ceremonies with people of all ages.

"This year we are delighted to work with our partners in Dublin City Council to create something very different, one cross-city event."

More information on all the events happening in Dublin over the Christmas period can be found here

Dublin At Xmas 2017 from DublinTown.ie on Vimeo.