Newcastle Christmas Light Switch On

Newcastle's Christmas Light Switch-On is back on Grey Street on Thursday 12 November, the city's traditional curtain-raiser to the holiday season. It's one of the biggest festive traditions in town, and this year it runs from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, with the lights themselves switching on at 7:00pm.

The evening fills the heart of the city with live music, festive games, panto fun and special guests, and Santa himself makes an appearance before the big moment. It's a family-friendly affair, though it does draw large crowds, so if you're heading down with kids in tow, it's worth keeping that in mind. The whole thing is free and no ticket is required.

One thing to have on your radar: the switch-on shares the date with the opening of the Newcastle Christmas Market, which runs alongside it. That means you can combine the two in one trip—catch the lights on Grey Street and then wander over to the market. Between the live music, the games, the panto bits and the market opening, there's plenty to keep you occupied before the lights actually come on.

So, the details again: Grey Street, Thursday 12 November, 6:00pm to 7:30pm, with the switch-on at 7:00pm. It's free, no ticket needed.