Mid Canterbury is set to glow brighter than ever this Christmas when the district's annual Nights of Lights festival kicks off in November.

Carols, lights, gifts, music and holiday movies will all feature across the free month-long festival in the lead up to Christmas starting off with the headline event, Light Up the Night in Baring Square East on Friday 27 November.

Light Up the Night will bring all of the family favourites enjoyed in 2019, complete with Santa gift giveaways, Christmas carols, food vendors and a visit from Santa and his elves before the town's giant Christmas tree lights up.

The following week (Thursday 3 December), Buskers Night will fill the Ashburton CBD with music for a magical late-night shopping experience.

The popular outdoor Movie Night will then take over Baring Square East on Friday 11 December, showcasing festive films for all the family to enjoy.

Residents will also get to experience a night-time Festive Walk along East Street each night from 20 November until 5 January.

Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown says the free festival is all about celebrating the magic of Christmas with family and friends.

"Nights of Lights brings together the Christmas traditions we all treasure at three exciting events as well as a nightly Christmas town feature. It's a chance to share in the excitement of the festive season with your loved ones and this year's festivities are sure to be another standout celebration.

"Make this Christmas extra special by coming along to the Nights of Lights festival."

For more information about Nights of Lights, visit nightsoflights.nz. More details for each event will be released in coming weeks.​​​