As Christmas approaches, towns and cities around the UK are preparing for a very British celebration.

The switching on of a town’ s Christmas lights has become an increasingly competitive event over the years, with some councils (会议) spending lots of money to attract A-list famous persons to do the honors.

The American singer Mariah Carey flew to London in November to switch on the lights at one of the city’s biggest shopping centers, while Jim Carrey lighted Oxford Street and promoted his new film at the same time.

Traffic in the historic English city of Bath was brought to a halt as thousands of fans crowded to see the Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage conducted the switching-on ceremony.

Some celebrations do not go according to the plan, as was seen in Birmingham when dozens of people were injured as the famous British boy band JLS took the stage.

Not all towns can afford to bring in an internationally-known star, so many switchon ceremonies are handled by ex-TV talent show competitors.

Pantomime (圣诞童话剧) stars are also much in demand at this time of year, as they aim to promote their Christmas shows.

But if your council hasn’t got the budget to bring in a famous face, what are the cheaper alternatives?

A town in the west of England chose to let the public decide by giving their suggestions online. The result: a 21-year-old DIY store worker was given the honor.

“I was amazed and delighted to be asked,” said Scott Parker, “it’s just a special gift and not something I’d, ever thought about before.”

Palmer Park is the perfect place to host the first Reading Oktoberfest, which takes place 15-18 September 2016.

You can experience everything that makes Oktoberfest, held in a huge Beer tent. We'll have live music and DJs and thousands of people going crazy.

Thursday 15 September 17:00-23:30

Friday 16 September 17:00-23:30

Saturday 17 September 12:30-23:30

Sunday 18 September 12:30-19:00

With its riverside location, Ramsbottom Festival is one festival which can truly be called beautiful. Here you can enjoy a mix of music, great arts and family shows, as well as a variety of Great British and international food.

Ramsbottom Festival takes place 16-18 September 2016 at Ramsbottom Cricket Club, Bury, easily reachable by public transport from Manchester city centre.

The Willow Festival — the world's largest festival showing new and undiscovered live music bands and artists is coming to Dorset. Fun for all the family, the event also has a shopping area, a world food village, and plenty of activities for kids.

Tickets are just £10.00, which covers a come-and-go attendance for all three days.

It's our first ever family-friendly music festival, right here at River Cottage HQ in Devon.

On 17-18 September 2016, the farm will be filled with live music from popular bands in the UK. In between all that dancing you'll be able to watch shows from local craftspeople (匠人) and make your own piece of jewelry.

Tickets will cost you just £35, or £10 for children under 12 (babies under 2 go free).

Books That Celebrate Diverse Holidays and Traditions

It’s important to remember there are a diverse set of holidays available to explore. Below are a few books that help introduce children to different holiday cultures and traditions.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, illustrated by Ed Martinez

While helping her mother with Christmas celebration, Maria is tempted to try on her mother’s diamond ring. After getting caught up in the joy of the holiday and playing with her cousins, Maria realizes the ring is missing! That’s when she and her cousins come up with a plan to eat all of the tamales, in hopes of finding the ring.

Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford, illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger

This is a story about a little girl named Kayla who wants to see her older brother Khari come home so they can celebrate Kwanzaa together as a family. Khari is stuck at college when a snowstorm hits and his car breaks down. Will he make it home in time for Kwanzaa?

A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

This book is a funny, nostalgic tale of Christmas Eve afternoon through Christmas night in Wales, and is full of unique imagery and poetic prose. It will arouse a sense of familiarity for some young readers while introducing them to different aspects of Christmas traditions.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac

The word otsaliheliga is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. This is an amazing story that describes a journey through the seasons with a modern-day Cherokee family. Cherokee history and traditions are also woven into the story in a very kid-friendly way.