Christmas Lights Switch-Ons 2026
When the Christmas lights go on in 121 UK towns and cities: 65 have announced the date and time so far, each taken from the council's or town centre's own page. We add the rest as they publish.
Most switch-ons are free and outdoors, with music and stalls through the afternoon and the lights at dusk. Several towns hold their Christmas market the same day.
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Lights Switch-Ons in London
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Regent Street, closed to traffic from 5pm to 9pm | Thu 5 Nov | traffic-free event from 5pm to 9pm | Regent Street is closed to traffic for the evening, with in-store experiences from shops on the street. Christmas market: Mayfair Christmas Market, Skate Leicester Square and Christmas Market |
| London The Piazza and surrounding streets of Covent Garden | Thu 12 Nov | Live festive performances and a countdown to the button push, opening the Theatre of Christmas season. Christmas market: St Martins Christmas Market, Skate Leicester Square and Christmas Market |
Lights Switch-Ons in the South East
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Tunbridge Wells Royal Victoria Place | Sat 14 Nov | 4.30pm festive fair from 11am | Part of the Christmas Kick Off day: festive fair with funfair rides, a Santa parade from 5.15pm to 6.15pm and a final show at 7pm. Christmas market: The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Market |
| Newbury Market Place, Newbury | Sat 14 Nov | 6:30pm festive entertainment from 9am | Charter Market and gift fairs, live music and performances, Nativity Petting Farm, festive funfair, and Santa's Grotto at the Waterside Centre. |
| Windsor Castle Hill, Windsor | Sat 14 Nov | from 1pm | Performances from local schools, choirs and community groups, children's rides, food and drink and Christmas market stalls across the town centre. Switched on by The cast of Theatre Royal Windsor's pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, lead the countdown. Christmas market: Christmas Market by The Market Garden Windsor |
| Maidstone Jubilee Square | Thu 19 Nov | Christmas market: Leeds Castle Christmas Market | |
| Winchester The Broadway, Winchester | Thu 19 Nov | just before 6.30pm events from 4:20pm | Live acts from local schools, choirs and community groups, plus a giant inflatable snow globe and a Santa sleigh in Middle Brook Street from 3pm. Switched on by Local Heroes nominated by the public (names not yet given). Christmas market: Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market |
| Fareham Bandstand, West Street (pedestrianised area) | Sat 21 Nov | 5:30pm events from 10am, running until 7pm | Funfair rides, market stalls, food and drink, community stage performances and free children's activities; no fireworks. Switched on by The Mayor of Fareham, panto characters and Santa. |
| Maidenhead Maidenhead town centre (listing address: Town Hall, St Ives Road) | Sat 21 Nov | just before 6pm events from 11am; main stage from 3pm | Christmas market, funfair rides, live music all day, then a fireworks display after the countdown (weather permitting). Christmas market: Maidenhead Christmas Lights Switch-on and Festive Market |
| Beaconsfield | Fri 27 Nov | 4.30pm to 7.30pm | |
| Banbury Banbury Market Place, in front of the Town Hall on Bridge Street | Sun 29 Nov | 11am | Live music and dance on the main stage, funfair rides, a fireworks display and a visit from Father Christmas; the Banbury Winter Market runs alongside. Christmas market: Banbury Winter Market |
Lights Switch-Ons in the South West
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth The Piazza, Armada Way | Thu 12 Nov | New city-centre lights, including an illuminated canopy over the Piazza and lighting on the redeveloped Armada Way. Christmas market: Plymouth Christmas Market | |
| Plymouth The Barbican and Sutton Harbour | Sat 14 Nov | events 12pm to 6pm, lights on in the evening | Free family activities and entertainment, plus traders selling local handmade goods. Christmas market: Plymouth Christmas Market |
| Taunton Taunton town centre, across North Street and East Street | Sun 22 Nov | 6pm events from 10am | Market stalls, live entertainment and family attractions through the day, with extra fairground rides often from the Saturday before. Christmas market: Taunton WinterFest, Hestercombe Christmas Market |
| Falmouth The Moor | Thu 26 Nov | 7pm | A parade led by Kernow Pipes & Drums from Events Square, followed by carols and performances from local schools and choirs. Switched on by A community nominee chosen by residents (not yet named; nominations are open). Christmas market: Falmouth Festive Weekend |
| Marlborough | Fri 27 Nov | St Peter's Christmas Market 1pm to 8pm | A Christmas market, street entertainment and the lights switch-on. Christmas market: Marlborough Christmas Markets |
| Trowbridge Trowbridge Town Park | Fri 27 Nov | A lantern parade of willow lanterns on the theme of the natural world, a DJ set and snow machine, food traders in the Avenue of Trees and a Christmas market in the Civic. Switched on by The winner of the Mayor's Christmas card competition. Christmas market: Trowbridge Christmas Market | |
| Cam High Street | Sat 28 Nov | event runs 2pm to 5pm | Community stalls and an unnamed surprise promised for this year. |
| Cheltenham Pittville Pump Room, Pittville Park | Sat 28 Nov | A Christmas market weekend: evening market on Friday 27 November, lights switch-on with live entertainment on Saturday 28 November, and a family market on Sunday 29 November. Christmas market: Cheltenham Christmas Market | |
| Bridgwater | Sat 28 Nov | Entertainment, market stalls, fairground rides and family activities across the town centre. Switched on by The Mayor of Bridgwater, joined by a local young person chosen from public nominations (not yet named). |
Lights Switch-Ons in the East of England
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Station Square | Thu 12 Nov | 6.30pm events from 4.30pm until 7pm | Festive quizzes and giveaways, live music, an illuminated bauble for photos and a walkabout by LED circus performers. Switched on by Hosted by Josh Lovatt; local band The Los Amigos play. Christmas market: Mill Road Winter Fair, Christmas in Cambridge |
| Colchester Mercury Theatre, then along Colchester High Street | Sat 14 Nov | parade starts at 5pm | A parade with local schoolchildren, illuminated costumes, giant festive characters, stilt walkers and live music. Christmas market: Colchester Christmas Market |
| Southend-on-Sea Victoria Circus, Southend High Street | Sat 14 Nov | 6pm market stalls open from 9am; events from 12pm | A day of festive market, community performances and roaming entertainment, with a seafront fireworks finale at 7.30pm. |
| Ipswich The Cornhill | Sun 15 Nov | 6.45pm event from 4pm to 7.30pm | Live music, seasonal entertainment, the Regent Theatre panto cast (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves) and a countdown led by Suffolk Sound. Switched on by The Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne. Christmas market: Ipswich Town Hall Christmas Fayre |
| Cambridge Market Square | Sun 15 Nov | 5pm events from 12pm until 5.30pm | Stage with local dance, theatre and choir acts from midday, crowd games and giveaways, and LED-costume performers. Switched on by Hosted by Josh Lovatt; the switch-on team is on stage for the lights (no guest named). Christmas market: Christmas in Cambridge, Mill Road Winter Fair |
| Bury St Edmunds Town centre: Cornhill and Buttermarket | Thu 19 Nov | event runs 3pm to 8pm | Stage performances from local groups, Santa and his elves, charity and gift stalls, fairground rides and the Snow Lion, Red Queen and Polar Bear characters. Christmas market: St Edmundsbury Cathedral Christmas Market |
| Peterborough Cathedral Square | Fri 20 Nov | 7pm events from 5pm | Live music and acts from 5pm, finishing at 7:30pm; St John's Church in the square stays open until 9pm as a quiet space with refreshments and toilets. Switched on by Hosted by Boomerang Radio (no guest named for the switch-on itself). Christmas market: Peterborough Cathedral Christmas Craft & Gift Market |
| St Neots Market Square, St Neots | Sun 29 Nov | events from 12pm to 6pm | Live performances from local groups, Christmas stalls, a funfair, food and drink, and a countdown to the lights coming on. |
| Ely Ely Cathedral | Sun 6 Dec | 5.15pm (event listed at 17:15) | A service of song and prayer sung by the Choristers, counting down to the lights and ending with a blessing of the tree. Christmas market: Ely Cathedral Christmas Gift & Food Fair |
Lights Switch-Ons in the East Midlands
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leicester | Wed 18 Nov | Christmas market: Leicester Cathedral Christmas Market, Leicester Christmas Market | |
| Chesterfield Chesterfield Market and Rose Hill, outside the Town Hall | Sun 22 Nov | 5.30pm council listing says events from 11am; Destination Chesterfield says town centre entertainment from 12pm; stage show at 4.30pm | A new Christmas market, fairground rides, walkabout entertainment, live music and dance on stage, and an apres-ski style bar. Christmas market: Chesterfield Christmas Market |
| Derby Derby Market Place | Sat 28 Nov | listed at 5.30pm | Live entertainment, community performances presented by Smooth Radio and a lantern parade by Surtal Arts; it also launches Festive Derby. Christmas market: Derby Festive Markets |
| Newark-on-Trent | Sun 29 Nov | ||
| Beeston | Sat 5 Dec |
Lights Switch-Ons in the West Midlands
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telford New Row, Telford Centre | Thu 12 Nov | 4pm | The Tree of Light raises money for six local charities, and visitors can dedicate a light in memory of someone. |
| Stratford-upon-Avon Town centre; roads closed include Bridge Street, High Street, Henley Street, Wood Street, Meer Street and Union Street | Sat 14 Nov | Christmas market: Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Markets, Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Lights Switch-on Market | |
| Shrewsbury The Square, Shrewsbury | Wed 18 Nov | from 4:30pm | Christmas market: Gander Christmas Market |
| Wolverhampton Bell Square, Victoria Street | Sat 21 Nov | 6pm events from 3pm, running to 6.30pm | Free face painting, fairground rides and games, character appearances, stage performances and a Father Christmas meet and greet. Christmas market: Wolverhampton Christmas Shopping Market |
| Lichfield Lichfield city centre, Market Street | Sun 22 Nov | event listed 5pm to 8pm | Christmas market: Lichfield Christmas Fayre |
| Warwick Market Place | Thu 26 Nov | 7pm events from 3pm to 9pm | Victorian market, themed rides and entertainers, a Christmas tree display of over 50 trees at St Mary's Church with a short carol service, and a Best Victorian Costume Competition at 7.30pm. Christmas market: Warwick Victorian Evening |
| Bridgnorth | Fri 27 Nov | ||
| Kenilworth High Street, Kenilworth | Fri 27 Nov | 6pm event listed 5pm to 8pm | Festive entertainment and food and drink from local businesses; High Street road closures from 3pm to 10pm. |
| Tamworth Tamworth Castle Grounds | Sat 28 Nov | 6.30pm events from 12 noon | Winter wonderland day with Santa's grotto, reindeer, stage acts from 2pm, a funfair and Christmas market stalls. |
Lights Switch-Ons in Yorkshire
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doncaster Market Square, with the Wool Market and Corn Exchange nearby | Sat 14 Nov | 7:30pm event starts at 4pm | Live music from Dene Michael of Black Lace, the Yorkshire Grinch, a carousel and a fireworks display at the switch-on. |
| Hessle Hessle Square, Prestongate and The Weir | Fri 27 Nov | 6.30pm 4.30pm until about 7.30pm | Staged performances, a Christmas market, street food, rides and entertainment. Switched on by Father Christmas, with the Hessle Town Mayor. |
| Horsforth Town Street | Sat 5 Dec | Music performances, a festive market on Town Street, a Santa's grotto in the museum and other family activities. |
Lights Switch-Ons in the North West
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darwen Darwen Town Centre Square (the page text also calls it Market Square) | Sat 14 Nov | ||
| Stockport Stockport town centre | Sun 15 Nov | 4.45pm free shows from 12pm to 5pm | More than 200 performers and over 50 free shows across the town centre, ending in a parade of over 100 drummers before the lights go on. Christmas market: Stockport Town Hall Christmas Fayre |
| Keswick | Wed 18 Nov | Christmas market: Keswick Victorian Fayre | |
| Nantwich Nantwich Town Square | Fri 20 Nov | 7pm music and festive market from 3pm | Live music from 3pm, a festive market along Churchyardside, late-opening traditional market and a live Dua Lipa tribute act from 6pm. |
| Preston Flag Market | Sat 21 Nov | event gets under way from 5:30pm | Live music headlined by East 17, a visit from Santa, Preston North End Women players and a preview of the Cinderella pantomime. |
| Chorley Chorley town centre | Sun 22 Nov | 10am to 6pm in the town centre | A Christmas market in the town centre the same day. Christmas market: Chorley Christmas Lights Switch On and Christmas Market |
| Rochdale In front of Rochdale Town Hall | Sun 22 Nov | 5.30pm fire festival each evening 5pm to 8pm, 20 to 22 November | Part of the three-night Ignite Fire Festival, with fire displays, an immersive night-time trail called BODY, hot food and mulled wine on sale; the switch-on follows a countdown. Switched on by Father Christmas, with the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale. |
Lights Switch-Ons in the North East
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle upon Tyne Grey Street | Thu 12 Nov | 6pm to 7pm | Christmas market: Northumbria University Christmas Market and Tree Lighting, Newcastle's Christmas Market |
| Newcastle upon Tyne Lime Street (market at 51 Lime Street) | Fri 13 Nov | from 4pm; Christmas market 4pm to 8pm | Late-night shopping at Ouseburn's independent shops, free goodies and drinks, and a Christmas market (entry £2 on the door). Christmas market: Northumbria University Christmas Market and Tree Lighting, Newcastle's Christmas Market |
| Darlington Market Square | Sun 15 Nov | just before 5.30pm events from 4pm | Free entertainment, live music and special guest appearances, then a firework display once the lights are on. |
| Newcastle upon Tyne Ouseburn Farm | Thu 26 Nov | 4.30pm open late 3pm to 6pm | Animal feeding, mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies and festive songs from the Folk Choir. Switched on by The page hints at a special guest but does not name one. Christmas market: Northumbria University Christmas Market and Tree Lighting, Newcastle's Christmas Market |
| Durham Durham Market Place | Sun 29 Nov | event listed 5pm to 6.15pm | Live music, street performers and seasonal attractions in the city centre. Christmas market: Durham Christmas Festival |
Lights Switch-Ons in Scotland
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paisley Abbey Close and the town centre streets, main stage on Gauze Street | Sat 14 Nov | 6pm events from 1pm | A free afternoon of live music, community choirs, street theatre, a funfair and festive activities, ending with the switch-on to music from Skipinnish. |
Lights Switch-Ons in Wales
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff | Thu 12 Nov | Christmas market: Cardiff Christmas Market, Cardiff Victorian Christmas Market | |
| Newport Charles Street and Commercial Street (main stage); John Frost Square for the switch-on and laser show | Sat 14 Nov | events from 2pm until 5.30pm | Live music all day, fairground rides, costume characters, face painters and Santa, finishing with the switch-on and a laser light show. Switched on by Celebrity guests with the Mayor of Newport, Councillor Deb Harvey; the page says the headline acts will help the Mayor press the button but does not name them yet. Christmas market: Newport Winter Wonderland |
| Oswestry Bailey Head | Thu 19 Nov | around 6.30pm from 4pm | Carols, festive entertainment, food and drink and a special guest (not named). |
Lights Switch-Ons in Northern Ireland
| Town | Date | Lights On | What Else |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast Belfast City Hall | Sat 14 Nov | 6.30pm to 7.30pm | The Lord Mayor is joined on stage by local artists and performers; music and animation across the city, activities at 2 Royal Avenue and the Christmas market are listed alongside. Christmas market: Belfast Christmas Market |
| Lisburn Market Square, Lisburn | Thu 19 Nov | listed 6pm to 8pm | Christmas market: Lisburn Christmas Market |
| Derry | Fri 20 Nov | A procession through the streets with festive characters and Christmas-themed mobile installations. Switched on by Santa. Christmas market: Derry Christmas Market, Guildhall Craft Fair |
Not Yet Announced
These towns had not published their 2026 switch-on when we checked. Each links to the page we are watching.
- Keighley
- Swanage
- London
- Aberdeen
- Aberystwyth
- Altrincham
- Ambleside
- Barnsley
- Bath
- Bedford
- Beverley
- Biddulph
- Bournemouth
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Brighton
- Bristol
- Chelsea
- Chester
- Coventry
- Eastleigh
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Gloucester
- Buxton
- Guildford
- Hamilton
- Holt
- Hull
- Inverness
- Lancaster
- Leamington Spa
- Leeds
- Lincoln
- Lytham
- Manchester
- Middlesbrough
- Milton Keynes
- Milton Keynes
- Norwich
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- London
- Reading
- Rugby
- Settle
- Southampton
- Southport
- St Albans
- Stafford
- Swansea
- Thornbury
- Torquay
- Warrington
- Wimborne Minster
- Worcester
- Yeovil
Make an evening of it: Christmas markets near you, Christmas light trails and Santa experiences.