Christmas is coming to Warrington, and from Friday, November 13th to Sunday, 15th, Warrington Unwrapped 2026 gets underway with a three-day celebration across the town centre, organised by Warrington Business Improvement District (BID).
The opening weekend kicks off a Christmas programme that will bring festive events and family activities to the town centre throughout November and December. In 2025, the Christmas Lights Switch On returned for the first time in six years, and this year’s programme will ensure it’s bigger and better than ever.
Here is what is happening and where to be.
Friday, November 13th – Elf under the stars
The celebrations begin with an outdoor screening of Elf at The Skittles, Market Gate. It is a chance to watch a much-loved Christmas film beneath the night sky.
Wrap up warm and bring a camping chair and a blanket. You can also pick up food and drink from town centre businesses to enjoy while the film is on.
Saturday, November 14th – Christmas Lights Switch On
The day of entertainment is also at The Skittles, Market Gate. Live performances and activities start at 11am. The main switch-on show follows at 5pm, and Warrington’s Christmas lights come on at 6pm.
Christmas Artisan Markets
The Christmas Artisan Markets return for the weekend with independent traders selling handmade gifts and festive food. You will find them on Bridge Street, Dolmans Lane and Buttermarket Street.
Organised by Independent Street in partnership with Warrington BID, the markets are open on Saturday 14 November from 11am to 7pm and on Sunday 15 November from 11am to 5pm.
Winter Wonderland at Time Square
Winter Wonderland is planned to open at Time Square on Friday, November 13th and will run until Christmas Eve. Expect fairground rides and festive characters, with mulled wine and Bailey’s hot chocolate to keep the cold out.
Warrington Market and Cineworld are both close by, so it is easy to turn a visit into a full day out with some Christmas shopping and a trip to the cinema.
The opening weekend is just the beginning
Golden Square has announced a brand-new outdoor ice rink in Old Market Place, opening on Friday, November 27th and running into the New Year. A Whoville-themed grotto featuring the Grinch and Cindy-Lou opens from Saturday, November 28th.
Shops, restaurants, bars and independent businesses across the town centre are also getting into the Christmas spirit, with seasonal menus, special offers and festive activities throughout November and December.
Supporting town centre businesses
Andrea Morley, Warrington BID Project Manager, said the weekend is about bringing people into the heart of the town. “Christmas is such an important time for our town centre businesses,” she said.
“From finding those special gifts to catching up with friends over food and drinks, there’s so much to discover right on our doorstep. We hope Warrington Unwrapped gives people even more reasons to spend time in the town centre this Christmas.”
Keep up to date
More entertainment, events and special offers from town centre businesses will be announced in the coming weeks. For the latest information and event listings, visit the Warrington Unwrapped Christmas pages on the We Are Warrington website and follow We Are Warrington on social media.