For many the turning on of the festive lights in their town or village across the city heralds the start of the Christmas festivities. These photos, plucked from the YEP archive, also focus on switch ons at shopping centres as well as satellite communities outside the LS postcode. READ MORE: The Leeds babies born on Christmas Day during the 1990s and 2000s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Morley
Leeds United striker Ian Rush light up Morley for Christmas in November 1996. | YPN Photo: YPN
8. Tadcaster
Rachael Suddaby, left, and Helen Firn at the switch on of the Christmas lights in the village of Towton near Tadcaster in December 1996. The pair were out with buckets collecting money from visitors to the lights to help towards the cost of the illuminations. | Graham Lindley Photo: Graham Lindley
9. Birstall
Birstall lights were switched on by Adele Wilson, the winner of the Mayor of Kirklees Christmas Card competition, in December 1996. She stood in for Coronation Street actress Tracy Brabin, who had been rushed to hospital. | YPN Photo: YPN
10. Rothwell
Joanne Walley took her two-year-old daughter to see the Rothwell town centre Christmas lights being switched on in December 1999. | YPN Photo: YPN
11. Dewsbury
Motorcycle racer Jamie Whitham is pictured with Stella O'Sullivan after the pair switch on the Christmas lights in Dewsbury in December 1997. | Keith Lawson Photo: Keith Lawson
12. Batley
Actress Tricia Penrose, who played barmaid Gina Ward in Heartbeat, switched on the Batley Christmas lights in November 1996. | Peter Thacker Photo: Peter Thacker