Christmas lights switch ons are a great chance to take the kids to see Santa, possibly meet a celebrity, indulge in some festive food and drink and perhaps sing a Christmas song or two. Normally free events, they offer families the opportunity to feel festive without spending a fortune.
Birmingham city centre is looking super festive. We have the German Christmas Market, the pretty Christmas in Cathedral Square market, Ice Skate Birmingham, the Big Wheel and the Snowdog Trail all in place to get you feeling Christmassy.
If you love a good lights switch on, we've rounded up some of the biggest and best taking place across the region plus listed dates of some smaller events too. It may be worth checking their websites or social media for updates to avoid disappointment.
Read more: Christmas 2023 events you'll want to book tickets for now around Birmingham
Poll: Which Christmas events are you visiting this year?
Cathedral Square Light Switch on
Cathedral Square Christmas lights switch on will take place on Wednesday November 15 from 6pm to 9pm. Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Glynn Purnell will once again be pressing the button to illuminate the Christmas tree.
He will be joined by Birmingham Children’s Hospital mascot Bertie, cast members from Birmingham Stage Company’s production of Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas, ahead of their two performances at Symphony Hall (28 December), and cast members from Birmingham Rep’s magical Christmas show Little Red Riding Hood (7 December to 6 January) including CBeebies presenter Nisha Anil.
Enjoy live music from local artists, roaming street acts, the Snowdog Art Trail, and traditional crafts, ornaments and gifts from an array of independent West Midland businesses plus a selection of pop-up food and drinks vendors, as well as the return of the much-loved Pigeon in the Park pub. Find out more via the Colmore Business District website.
Listen to our Brummie Mummies 2023 Christmas Podcast here:
Jewellery Quarter Lights switch on
There will be lights, fireworks and live music on November 17 in Golden Square in the Jewellery Quarter for the special Christmas lights switch on. The fun starts from 5pm and there will be two 30ft Christmas trees to enjoy.
The lights will be switched on at 6pm, immediately followed by a fireworks display from the roof of JQ Modern. Look out for the Jewellery Quarter Window Trail in the run-up to Christmas. Find out more here
Redditch Christmas Light Switch-on
Peter Andre is switching on the Redditch Christmas lights on Saturday November 25. The I'm A Celebrity star has said he will meet with fans at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre from 3pm to 4.30pm before performing on stage as part of the switch on.
Festive activities will get underway from 11am and there will be a Festival of Light parade from 4.45pm leading up to the main Christmas Extravaganza Show at around 6pm in Market Place.
There is also a Santa grotto at the shopping centre where children can take 'a festive journey through a Christmas Tree Farm' before meeting Santa. Find out more and book grotto tickets here.
Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Lights Switch On
Stratford-upon-Avon lights switch on takes place on November 18 and it's set to be the town's 'biggest ever'. There will be entertainment all day from 10am to 7pm.
Look out for a giant snow globe and ice cave plus live music, roaming performers and fairground-style games. Christmas market stalls offering unique gifts and festive food and drink will also be at the bottom of Bridge Street and on Waterside as well as the regular Rother Street Market.
The big switch-on, at 5.30pm, will be carried out by Father Christmas, supported by Stratford Mayor Councillor Kate Rolfe. You can also catch Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas as they ride through town in their horse-drawn carriage. Little ones can get their faces painted, or have a glitter tattoo at various locations around the town centre.
Cheltenham Christmas Light Switch on
Cheltenham gets very Christmassy each year with twinkling lights illuminating the streets, a festive gift market and an ice rink. There's also a free Elf Trail too.
The lights switch on takes place from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday November 16 if you fancy a drive out for something different to kick off your Christmas celebrations. There will be choirs singing, roaming festive characters and figure skaters on the ice rink. You can warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate at The Garden Bar’s Winter Wonderland café. Find out more via the Visit Cheltenham website.
Additional Christmas lights switch ons
- Edgbaston's light switch on takes place in Greenfield Crescent on November 11
- Leamington Spa’s Big Lights Switch on is on November 19
- Kenilworth Christmas lights switch on is on November 24 on the High Street and on November 26 at the Kenilworth Centre
- Wombourne Civic Centre lights switch on is on November 24
- Bournville Christmas Market and Light Switch on is on November 25
- Dudley Lights switch on takes place on November 25
- Wednesbury Christmas lights switch on at Friar Park on November 25
- Tamworth Castle Grounds light switch on is on November 26
- Christmas Lights switch on at Bantock House, Wolverhampton on November 26
- Bewdley Christmas lights switch on is on December 2
- Christmas Lights switch on at Northycote Farm, Wolverhampton on December 2
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