There’s something magical about Staffordshire at Christmas, when towns and villages begin to sparkle with festive lights, bringing communities together to celebrate the start of the season.
From bustling town centres to smaller village celebrations, Christmas light switch on events are a wonderful opportunity to enjoy festive entertainment, support local businesses and get into the Christmas spirit with family and friends.
To make sure you don't miss out, we've gathered details of Christmas light switch on events taking place across Staffordshire, including dates, times and what you can expect at each celebration.
So wrap up warm, grab a hot chocolate and find out when the Christmas lights will be switched on near you!
Stafford Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 21st November 2026 | Lights switched on at 5pm
Stafford's Christmas lights switch on returns to Market Square with live music, street entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display. The festivities begin at 12 noon with a community walking parade from Tipping Street, followed by entertainment throughout the afternoon. Stars of Stafford Gatehouse Theatre's Aladdin pantomime will join Father Christmas and the Mayor of Stafford Borough to switch on the lights at 5pm, with more live music afterwards. Around 10,000 visitors are expected, so arrive early to enjoy the celebrations.
Bradwell Christmas Lights Switch On
Thursday 19th November 2026 | Festivities from 5pm
Bradwell is getting ready to celebrate Christmas with an evening of festive entertainment and family fun. Starting at 5pm, visitors can enjoy a craft fayre, performances from local choirs and dance troupes, live music from an accordion band, a fun fair and food vans serving tasty treats. Of course, Santa will also be making a special appearance to help spread some Christmas cheer!
Newcastle Christmas Lights Switch On: Light Up Castle!
Sunday 22nd November 2026 | Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Centre
Newcastle-under-Lyme is getting ready for a magical day of festive celebrations as Light Up Castle returns! Visitors can enjoy live music across two stages, the Castle Artisan Market, festive competitions, family activities and a funfair. The Grinch will be making an appearance, alongside a roaming elf car offering a direct FaceTime call to Father Christmas, North Pole Mail and a town-wide elf trail. With giveaways, entertainment and a fireworks display, there's plenty of Christmas cheer for the whole family to enjoy!
Madeley Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 28th November 2026 | Festivities from 1pm | Lights switched on at 5.15pm
Madeley is getting into the Christmas spirit with an afternoon of festive fun organised by Madeley Parish Council. Taking place at The Madeley Centre, visitors can enjoy a Christmas market, Santa's grotto, Christmas crafts and plenty of seasonal activities for the whole family. The celebrations run from 1pm until 5pm, before everyone gathers for the Christmas lights switch on at 5.15pm.
Wolstanton Christmas Lights Switch On
Thursday 3rd December 2026 | Festivities from 5pm | Lights switched on at 6pm
Wolstanton is bringing some Christmas magic to Morris Square with an evening of festive celebrations for the whole community. Running from 5pm until 7pm, visitors can enjoy Christmas carols, meet Father Christmas and tuck into tasty treats from food stalls including La Piccola Pizzeria and The Archer. The highlight of the evening will be the Christmas lights switch on at 6pm, bringing everyone together to celebrate the festive season.
Burslem Park Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday 28th November 2026 | 7pm to 9pm | Burslem Park
Burslem Park is getting into the festive spirit with an evening of Christmas music, carols and seasonal treats. Visitors are invited to celebrate the lighting of the park's second Christmas tree while enjoying hot chocolate, turkey and stuffing baps with all the trimmings. The event runs from 7pm until 9pm, bringing the community together for a cosy evening of Christmas cheer.
Benfleet Place Seasonal Christmas Lights, Longton
Saturday 5th December 2026 | Lights switched on at 5.30pm | Display until 2 January 2027
Benfleet Place in Longton is bringing Christmas cheer to the community with its annual charity Christmas lights display. Located at ST3 2RU, the house will be transformed with colourful decorations, festive characters and lights dancing to music. Visitors can look out for Santa's reindeer, an ice skating bear, a sleigh pulling pooch and a cheeky elf. The display will be switched on at 5.30pm on 5th December and will run until 2nd January, raising money for children's charity Caudwell Children. Donations can be made in cash or online via JustGiving.
Bromsberrow Way Christmas Lights, Meir Park
Saturday 28th November 2026 | Bromsberrow Way, Meir Park
Residents of Bromsberrow Way in Meir Park are spreading Christmas cheer with their annual festive lights display, raising money for Dougie Mac. Each year, neighbours decorate their homes with Christmas lights, bringing a little festive magic to the community while supporting a much-loved local charity. Fundraising has supported Douglas Macmillan Hospice and, since 2021, Dougie Mac Children’s Services. Visitors who enjoy the displays can show their support by donating through the official JustGiving page.
Cheadle Christmas Lights Extravaganza
Saturday 21st November 2026 | Festivities from 2pm | Lights switched on at 5pm
Cheadle High Street is getting ready for an afternoon of festive fun with its Christmas Lights Extravaganza, running from 2pm until 6pm. Visitors can enjoy live music, fairground rides, food and drink, trade and charity stalls. Creative Cheadle's Santa's Grotto at the Tudor Nook will also be open from 11am, with bookable visits until 1.30pm and a queuing system from 2pm until 4pm. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm, with free parking available at Tape Street and Well Street car parks.
Stoke Town Christmas Lights Switch On
Friday 20th November 2026 | 6pm to 8pm | Stoke Minster
Stoke Town is getting ready to sparkle with a festive evening at Stoke Minster, bringing together music, Christmas crafts and local businesses. Visitors can enjoy performances from Penkhull Village Brass Band and the Staffordshire Choirs Association, browse local artisan stalls and take part in Christmas crafts with B-Arts. Refreshments will also be available, with local businesses joining in the celebrations. The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Joan Bell, will be attending the Christmas lights switch on, helping to bring some festive cheer to the heart of Stoke Town.
Leek Christmas Lights Switch On
Friday 20th November 2026 | Lights switched on at 6.30pm
Leek is getting ready to celebrate the festive season with an evening of Christmas entertainment for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy stalls, fairground rides, music and Santa's Grotto, with Moorlands Radio also joining the celebrations. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6.30pm, bringing a little festive sparkle to the town centre and plenty of Christmas cheer for visitors of all ages.
Birches Head Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 12th December 2026 | 4pm to 7pm | The Green, Widecombe Road, ST1 6ST
Birches Head is getting into the festive spirit with a Community Christmas Tree Extravaganza, organised by Birches Head & Northwood Volunteers Community Group and Chit Chat 4 U All. This free event promises an afternoon of Christmas entertainment, stalls and special appearances from Santa's friends. Children can also enjoy a free visit to Father Christmas and receive a complimentary gift. With plenty of festive fun for the whole family, it's a lovely opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate the season.
Smithfield Gather & Glow, Hanley
Wednesday 2nd December 2026 | From 4pm | Smithfield, Hanley
Smithfield in Hanley is bringing some festive warmth to the city centre with Gather & Glow, a community celebration organised with B Arts. Starting at 4pm, visitors can enjoy an evening of music, food, hot drinks and festive lights, bringing people together to celebrate the Christmas season. With a focus on community and togetherness, it's an opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent.
Uttoxeter Christmas Lights Switch On and Cracker Night
Thursday 26th November 2026 | Festivities from 4pm
Uttoxeter is getting ready for a bigger and brighter Christmas celebration as the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch On joins forces with the popular Lions Cracker Night. Visitors can enjoy festive market stalls, fairground rides, live music, food and drink, and a special appearance from Father Christmas. Organised by Uttoxeter Town Council and Uttoxeter Lions, with support from East Staffordshire Borough Council, the celebrations begin at 4pm, bringing the community together for an evening of festive fun and Christmas cheer.
Longton Exchange Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 5th December 2026 | Festivities from 11am | Lights switched on at 4.30pm
Longton Exchange Shopping Centre is getting into the festive spirit with a day of Christmas entertainment, family fun and special guests. Starting at 11am, visitors can meet the Grinch, Cindy Lou, K-pop Demon Hunters and other familiar characters, alongside enjoying Warwick's Fun Fair and the Longton Artisan & Cultural Fair. The celebrations will continue throughout the day before everyone gathers for the Christmas tree lights switch on at 4.30pm.
Lichfield Christmas Lights Switch On
Sunday 22nd November 2026 | Festivities from 10am | Lights switched on at 5pm
Lichfield is getting ready for a festive day of Christmas celebrations, organised by Lichfield City Council. Visitors can browse the festive market along Minster Pool Walk from 10am until 6pm, before enjoying live music in Market Square from 2pm. There will also be children's rides, free face painting, table top football, Birds of Prey and a chance to visit Father Christmas. The highlight of the day will be the Christmas lights switch on at 5pm, bringing a festive glow to the city centre.
Rugeley Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 28th November 2026 | Festivities from 11am | Lights switched on at 6pm
Rugeley is getting ready for a full day of festive celebrations, organised by Rugeley Town Council. Visitors can enjoy a Christmas market, Santa's Grotto, funfair rides, food vendors and entertainment across two stages, alongside a winter wonderland globe and snow globe. The festivities begin at 11am, with the countdown to Christmas starting at 5.50pm before the big Christmas lights switch on at 6pm. The evening will finish with a fireworks finale at 6.45pm, bringing the celebrations to a spectacular close.
Tamworth Christmas Lights Switch On
Saturday 28th November 2026 | Festivities from 12 noon | Lights switched on at 6.30pm
Tamworth is getting ready for a magical day of festive celebrations at Tamworth Castle Grounds. Visitors can explore a Winter Wonderland, meet Father Christmas in his grotto, see reindeer and festive characters, and enjoy Barker's Family Fun Fair. There will also be Christmas market stalls, food and drink, and live entertainment, including local choirs, a Miss Rachel tribute show and community performances. The festivities begin at 12 noon, with the Christmas lights switched on at 6.30pm. Visitors can also explore the Christmas Toy Fair at Ankerside Shopping Centre and the Antiques, Collectors and Flea Market in St Editha's Square earlier in the day.
Burton Christmas Lights Switch On
Sunday 22nd November 2026 | Festivities from 2pm | Lights switched on at 5pm
Burton upon Trent is getting ready for an afternoon of festive celebrations in the Market Place, with a Christmas market, Santa's Grotto, fairground rides and plenty of food and drink. Visitors can enjoy performances from Burton Concert Band and live entertainment on the main stage. Father Christmas and Mayor Monica Holton will switch on the Christmas lights at 5pm, accompanied by a fireworks display. The celebrations run from 2pm until 6pm, with the fair continuing into the evening and live music from Joel Foster and his band.
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