Craig Revel Horwood reveals the exact moment Christmas begins

Forget the mince pies, Christmas adverts and Mariah Carey – nothing gets people feeling festive quite like seeing the Christmas decorations go up and the lights switched on.

New research, commissioned by Fox’s Biscuits, found that 83 per cent of people believe Christmas simply wouldn’t feel the same without festive lights and decorations. The survey of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas found that putting up decorations (35 per cent), the Christmas tree (35 per cent), and seeing the local high street Christmas lights switched on (19 per cent) are among the biggest signs the festive season has arrived. These come ahead of seeing the first festive advert on TV (17 per cent) and hearing a Christmas song for the first time (16 per cent).

The Strictly judge made a surprise appearance to kick-start festivities in Manchester | PinPep

placeholder image — The Strictly judge made a surprise appearance to kick-start festivities in Manchester | PinPep

To take the nation's love of festive decorations to a new level, Fox's Biscuits transformed a Manchester cul-de-sac into a spectacular Christmas wonderland – in just 24 hours. Grey Street was given a festive makeover with more than 20,000 twinkling Christmas lights, biscuit-inspired displays and festive installations, to bring a dose of Christmas magic to the local community, turning the street into a glittering festive spectacle. The display was switched on by Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood to kick-start the Christmas celebrations.

Christmas lights and wrapping presents are among the top things that get Brits in the Christmas spirit | PinPep

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.

“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!”

1 in 10 believe the festive season doesn't truly begin until seasonal snacks have been purchased | PinPep

More than a third (37 per cent) would love to see more Christmas lights in their local community, while 34 per cent want more festive markets and nearly a quarter (24 per cent) would welcome more carol singing. The research also found 51 per cent have attended a Christmas light switch-on in their local area, while 31 per cent said there's a house in their neighbourhood that goes all out with its festive decorations.

But aside from the decorations, 10 per cent believe the festive season doesn’t truly begin until they start indulging in seasonal treats. Biscuits are firmly on the menu, with 33 per cent buying Christmas biscuits, while 39 per cent make sure to share a biscuit or chocolate selection box.

As for when Christmas should officially begin, 22 per cent find November a perfectly acceptable time to feel festive, although 35 per cent said the first week of December is when they start feeling Christmassy. But the nation remains divided over how early is too early to embrace the festivities, as 48 per cent believe Christmas starts too soon and creeps earlier every year. More than a quarter (28 per cent) even insist it shouldn't even be mentioned before 1st December.

At the other end of the festive spectrum, two per cent get into the Christmas spirit as early as October, and one in 10 believe it’s never too early to start celebrating.

Nearly half think that Christmas celebrations start too early | PinPep

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!"