Christmas Lights Switch-On event
- Sunday 22 November, 2pm to 6pm at Centre Square
Middlesbrough will be merrier and brighter than ever on Sunday 22 November.
Get into the Christmas spirit at the town’s annual free outdoor Christmas lights switch-on event starting at 2pm on Sunday 22 November in Centre Square.
From 2pm you can bundle up, bring your blankets and a camping chair and watch a cosy Christmas film on the big screen.
Visitors will also be treated to stalls selling hot food, drinks, sweets and Christmas gifts plus festive fairground rides. There are loads of activities and workshops to drop into throughout the afternoon.
The Snowman Trail
Various locations around the town centre
A favourite Middlesbrough Christmas tradition. Trail maps will be available to pick up from MIMA or Holiday Inn Express from Monday 16 November. Collect yours and find all 12 Snowman sculptures around the town centre. Be sure to take some photos and enter The Snowman and Me competition for the chance to win one of the epic prize bundles.
Santa bus
Centre Square, drop in between 2pm – 6pm
Hop on board the free Santa bus – brought to you by Arriva. Come and meet Santa in his grotto on wheels and receive a little Christmas gift for free too! No need to book, just drop in, meet the elves and do some crafts while you wait.
Snow globe
Centre Square, drop in between 2pm – 6pm
Free to visit, pop along and snap a selfie in our giant snow globe. Snowball fights are fully encouraged!
Christmas Kaos Funk Fairies
Get ready for a festive takeover as Urban Chaos’ Funk Fairies bring the sparkle, mischief, music and a whole lot of Christmas joy!
Expect festive anthems, spontaneous Christmas dance-offs, photo ops, bubbles, sparkles, surprise moments of snow, and plenty of opportunities to join the party.
Workshops
Decorate your own bauble with Curious Arts:
MIMA, drop in between 2pm – 5pm
Horsebox crafts with Side Quest:
MIMA garden, drop in between 2pm – 5pm
Make a winter headdress with Curious Arts:
Holiday Inn Express, drop in between 2pm – 5pm
Storytime with the Winter Queen (free hot chocolate, cookie and a book):
Holiday Inn Express, drop in at 3pm, 4pm and 5pm
Stage show
The fun ramps up with an on-stage show led by our house band with festive singalongs and games, and performances from Musinc and The Avenue School Choir – talk about festive fuzziness! A BSL interpreter will be signing throughout the stage show.
The big Christmas lights switch-on will be at 5.30pm followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Keep your eyes peeled for timings and (very!) special guests coming soon!
We ho-ho-hope to see you there!
Parking
Free parking has been confirmed in all town centre Council car parks during the Christmas Lights Switch-On from 1pm. There’s also free parking from 3pm at Captain Cook Square from 23 November until 3 January.
Please note: MIMA car park will be closed as part of the traffic management arrangements for the Christmas Lights Switch-On and the Magical Middlesbrough Lantern Parade events.
