Christmas light switch-ons in the North

Merseyside

Liverpool ONE Chavasse Park

When: Sunday 6 November
Nearest station: Liverpool Lime Street

Chavasse Park’s illustrious Christmas tree will again be lighting up the dark nights of Liverpool with its neon lights. Liverpool One also has plenty of festive events on throughout November and December, providing a Winter Wonderland for the whole family to get involved in. Check out the full range of Christmas activities on the Liverpool page. 

Lighting up Liverpool

Knowsley

Families can enjoy a number of Christmas light switch-on events across Knowsley this festive season, including:

• Huyton on Friday 13th November, 3pm to 7pm (nearest station: Huyton)
• Prescot on Saturday 14th November from 3pm to 7pm (nearest station: Prescot)
• Kirkby on Friday 20th November, 4:30pm to 7:30pm (nearest station: Headbolt Lane)

Knowsley is the place to be in Merseyside for a sensational festive switch-on this year. Enjoy the live entertainment as well as a range of delicious food in a more intimate setting than the large cities, with special festive guest appearances from Santa, the Grinch, and Arctic Explorers.

Switch on in Knowsley

North & West Yorkshire

Skipton

When: Sunday 29 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, the events start from 10am, giving you plenty to enjoy throughout the day. Events like the Santa Fun Run and the Christmas market will be available. Make your way to Skipton with ease on a Northern train and enjoy a whole day of Christmas fun.

Celebrate in Skipton

Horsforth

When: Saturday 5 December
Nearest station: Horsforth

Another local, community-led project, the Horsforth light switch-on makes its popular return after a successful last few years. The switch-on will happen at the end of a full day of fun, including live music, Santa's Grotto, special guests, food & drink, and of course a Christmas market. Horsforth is a great way to enjoy a festive spectacle with small village vibes that build a great community. 

Highlight the season in Horsforth

South Yorkshire & Derbyshire

Rotherham

When: Saturday 14 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 Winter Wonderland. 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. There's plenty more to see too, like the 'National Elf Service', 'Star Bears', and acrobatics. 

Get festive in Rotherham

Dronfield

When: Friday 27 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 in the Library Gardens. There will be plenty of things to do as well, with festive fairground rides and a Christmas tree festival at the Parish Church. 

Festivities in Dronfield

East Yorkshire

Bridlington

When: Friday 27 November
Nearest station: Bridlington

A very special Christmas light switch-on in Yorkshire, Bridlington is offering plenty to do with a range of rides kids are sure to adore. There will also be festive events and food on offer as the town enters a full festive swing. Become a part of the night sky this Christmas and help light up Bridlington!

Light up Bridlington

Hull

When: Thursday 19 November
Nearest station: Hull

With a range of performers, the Hull Christmas light switch-on is nothing short of spectacular. The entertainment for the evening should begin at 5pm, with the lights being flicked on sometime after, 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.

Christmas lights in Hull

Tyne and Wear 

Newcastle

When: Thursday 12 November
Nearest station: Manors

Continuing on from its success in previous years, Newcastle is kicking off its Christmas celebrations on November 12th this year on Grey Street. There'll be plenty for all the family to enjoy with live entertainment, food and special radio guests. Plus, in early December Durham starts its  three-day Christmas festival, which is only a 15-minute train journey away!  

A very Newcastle Christmas

Bishop Auckland

When: Friday 20 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 set over 150 acres and has some of the largest installations in the country, some standing over 30 metres high. 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 £16.50 for children.

Wander through a Wonderland

Christmas Light Switch-Ons in the North

Get into the swing of Christmas with a range of Christmas Light Switch On 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. Plus, save on booking fees when you book your tickets via the Northern App. Travelling by train regularly? Consider a railcard for savings on all your journeys; a family railcard  offers 1/3 off adult tickets and 60% off kids.