The temperature has dropped, frost has crept upon the window sill, and every blanket you own has emerged from the depths of your cupboard – it’s Christmas time. If you aren’t quite feeling Christmasy yet, then why not head along to a Christmas light switch on in the North this winter? With hot chocolate (and mulled wine), tasty food, and the all-important dazzling lights on display, there’ll be Christmas cheer abound at each of these fantastic festive events!
Merseyside
Chavasse Park
When: 8th November
Nearest station: Liverpool Lime Street
Chavasse Park’s illustrious Christmas tree will again be lighting up the dour nights of Liverpool with its neon lights. Exclusive to this year, the switch-on ceremony will also allow your little ones to experience a range of fairground rides, including a carousel.
And don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of food to feast on with the German grill as you watch the tree push the dark of night away.
St Helen’s
When: Keep an eye on their website for more details!
Nearest station: St Helen's Central
St Helen’s has been hosting its Christmas switch on since the 1950s. From its humble beginnings as a few fairy lights, it has evolved into a brilliant display of lights across the town centre, illuminating the buildings all around. Along with the dazzling display, there’ll be a host of rides, food trucks, and musical acts to dance the night away. Even if you don’t live in the area, St Helen’s promises to be a fantastic event.
North Yorkshire
Skipton
When: 24th November
Nearest station: Skipton
Although not the first thought in many people’s minds when searching for a Christmas light switch on, the market town of Skipton puts its all into creating a spectacular show of lights, local music artists, and Christmas cheer.
The lights are switched on at 5pm; however, there’s plenty on throughout the day, such as the Santa Fun Run and the Christmas market. Make your way to Skipton with ease on a Northern train and enjoy a whole day of Christmas fun.
Horsforth
When: 7th December
Nearest station: Horsforth
Another local, community-led project, the Horsforth light switch-on makes its popular return after a successful last few years. Although not much is known about the event right now, we do know it’ll last for 7 hours, from 12-7pm, making it a full day of fun. It will also include a Christmas market featuring local craftsmen and all the mulled wine you could possibly want. Stay tuned to their socials to find out more about this event.
South Yorkshire
Rotherham
When: 16th November
Where: Rotherham Central
Hosted by the Rotherham city council, this Christmas light switch on won’t just include live music from popular local artists but also a variety of street theatre productions to keep you entertained throughout the hours before the lights illuminate the town centre. The event will also have the usual Christmas market fitted out with a range of local traders, with the lights flicked on at 6pm by the mayor of Rotherham.
Dronfield
When: 29th November
Nearest station: Dronfield
Another intimate and local event, the Dronfield Christmas light switch on begins at 4pm and runs until 8pm with the lights being switched on right after a performance from the local school choir at 6pm. Santa will also be stopping by the Civic Hall to spread some Christmas joy and hear any wishes you may have.
North and East Yorkshire
York
When: 14th November
Nearest station: York
Often dubbed “England’s most festive city”, there are more than a few reasons to visit York for the start of the festive season. The light switch on symbolises the beginning of all the festivities in York, with the Christmas market beginning the same day, as well as a range of events taking place throughout the month leading up to Christmas.
The light display consists of 160,000 bulbs across the city of York, lighting up historic buildings all the way through to Spring. There’s no other Christmas light switch-on needed around York this year.
Hull
When: 21st November
Nearest station: Hull
With a host of special guests appearing and a range of performers, the Hull Christmas light switch on is nothing short of spectacular. The entertainment for the evening begins at 5pm with the lights being flicked on at 6.45pm, promising a short but very sweet event for you and the whole family. If quick, action-packed events are for you, then visit Hull this Christmas.
Tyne and Wear
Newcastle
When: 12th November
Nearest station: Manors
After outdoing itself last year with record profits, Newcastle’s Christmas bonanza will be back bigger and better than ever. Get your Christmas celebration started in the toon with what the Newcastle council is describing as a “fun-filled event for all the family”. Partake in a host of different themed activities and games that’ll swing you right into the Christmas spirit. It also symbolises the beginning of festive fun throughout the city, with the festive market not far behind the lights.
Bishop Auckland
When: 22nd November
Nearest station: Bishop Auckland
If you’re looking for something a little different, Bishop Auckland is once again bringing back its AGLOW events which show off an impressive and dazzling array of lights. AGLOW is home to 22 different illuminations and has some of the largest installations in the country. Start out from the Palace and make your way through glittering pathways of lights. This event is sure to be a dazzling sight for all involved, with tickets available from £13.75 for children.
Get into the swing of Christmas with a range of events across the North of England that are guaranteed to create memories for you and yours. No matter where you find yourself travelling to this Christmas season, you’ll find good deals with Northern.
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Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.