The festive season is just around the corner, and the Christmas Lights Switch On in Liverpool is one of the most anticipated events of the year. From Liverpool city centre to Southport and St Helens, towns across Merseyside are preparing to shine bright with their own festive celebrations.
Here’s your full guide to where and when you can catch the Christmas Lights Switch On events across Liverpool and Merseyside this November.
Liverpool City Centre
The Christmas Lights Switch On in Liverpool city centre will officially take place on Thursday 13 November, with festive displays illuminating the city’s main shopping streets. The Church Street Christmas Tree — a real 50ft pine adorned with thousands of LED lights — will be installed and lit up a week later on Wednesday 20 November.
Liverpool ONE
From Friday 7 November, visitors can enjoy a 25-metre Christmas tree on Chavasse Park, sparkling reindeer and bauble installations, the return of Bar Hütte, and family-friendly rides.
Christmas in Liverpool officially begins with Liverpool ONE’s Christmas Toy Parade on Saturday 15 November — a magical event produced by Walk the Plank that brings the city’s streets to life with dancing toys, twinkling lights and festive fun.
Over 100 local children will take part in the joyful procession, featuring handmade props designed by young people from Claire House Children’s Hospice. Parade times are 1pm, 3pm and 5pm, and it’s a free event for all ages. The Toy Parade also marks the start of Liverpool ONE’s full festive transformation.
Plus, Festive Fun Thursdays begin on 20 November, with illuminated penguins, “carol-oke,” and interactive games to keep the celebrations going.
Gateacre
The Gateacre Christmas Tree Light Switch-On takes place at Gateacre Brow on Saturday 22 November from 4pm to 5pm, featuring live music from the Wall of Sound Choir and a visit from Santa Claus.
Huyton
The Huyton Christmas Switch-On lights up Huyton Village Centre on Friday 14 November, from 3pm to 7pm. Hosted by Claire Hannah, the event features The Ragdolls (a Jersey Boys tribute band), appearances from Santa, The Grinch, and Olaf, plus more festive fun for all the family.
Kirkby
Kirkby Town Centre’s Christmas Light Switch-On will be held on Friday 21 November from 4pm to 7pm, featuring performances from Livin’ Joy (Dreamer), Urban Cookie Collective (The Key, The Secret), and Dene Michael of Black Lace. Expect a night of throwback party hits and festive cheer.
Prescot
Prescot Town Centre celebrates its switch-on on Saturday 15 November, from 3pm to 7pm, hosted by Claire Hannah and featuring The Dolly Popz. Expect plenty of family fun with appearances from Santa, The Grinch, and acrobatic elves.
St Helens
St Helens Town Centre will hold its Christmas Light Switch-On on Saturday 29 November, featuring Christmas markets, live performances, festive music, and a funfair.
Moreton
Moreton in Bloom will host the town’s Christmas Light Switch-On on Saturday 15 November, complete with a Christmas market, live music, and festive characters. The official switch-on at Moreton Cross Roundabout takes place at 5.15pm.
Southport
Southport is set to dazzle with more than 20,000 lights and a 60ft Christmas tree outside The Atkinson. From 11am on Saturday 15 November, the town will host live shows, a new musical light show, and a Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave with Cream legend Paul Bleasdale, ahead of the official switch-on at 7pm at The Grand.
