Warrington Unwrapped got underway at the weekend with the Christmas Light Switch On at Golden Square marking the start of the six-week festive campaign.
Crowds enjoyed the lights and entertainment, and there’s plenty more planned over the coming weeks. From the Independent Street Christmas Markets to family activities, live performances, and seasonal moments across the town centre, Warrington is set for a busy festive period.
Andrea Morley, Warrington BID Project Manager, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people in the town centre over the weekend enjoying the lights and entertainment. Warrington Unwrapped brings together everything that makes the town special at this time of year, from our shops and restaurants to the markets and community activities.
“There’s lots to enjoy over the coming weeks, and it’s great to see families and visitors supporting local businesses.”
This coming weekend, the Independent Street Christmas Markets return, taking over Market Gate, Buttermarket Street, Bridge Street and Dolmans Lane. More than seventy stalls will offer art, crafts, food, drink and vintage finds from local makers and independent traders.
Lisa Cowley, founder of Independent Street, said: “The Christmas Markets are always a highlight of the year. The traders put so much into everything they make, and it’s wonderful to see the streets full of people shopping local, trying great food and enjoying the atmosphere.”
Golden Square continues the festivities with Bar Hütte, the alpine Christmas village, which returns from Friday, November 21st through to Sunday, December 28th. Visitors can enjoy festive drinks, karaoke huts and live music under the Christmas lights.
Christmas characters will also appear across Golden Square, including dancing Christmas trees, Sprout and Pudding, Sugar Plum Fairies and friendly Polar Bears, giving visitors unexpected festive moments and photo opportunities.
Ian Cox, Centre Director at Golden Square, said: “The Switch On was a brilliant start to the season. Between Bar Hütte, our performers and our retailers adding their own sparkle, the town feels full of Christmas spirit. It’s great to see so many people out enjoying everything the town centre has to offer.”
Over in Time Square, families can visit The Grinch in Whooville Grotto, a brand new festive experience where visitors can meet The Grinch, take part in interactive fun and receive a Grinch teddy. Time Square will also host a fun fair this weekend, with rides, Bavarian sausages, toasted marshmallows and other seasonal treats. Christmas characters will pop up throughout Time Square too, providing plenty of festive photo opportunities for families.
While there’s plenty happening this weekend, Warrington Unwrapped continues throughout November and December, with special events extending into early January.
Local businesses are also helping to bring the season to life, with workshops, family activities and themed evenings across the town. Shoppers can enjoy bath bomb workshops at Lush, wreath-making at Costello’s Bar with La Beau Fleurs, comedy bingo and themed nights at The Cookhouse, and a Wine and Crisps tasting or Sunday Lunch with Santa at Vandal Warrington.
Children can take part in NatWest’s Advent Colouring Competition in November and the Spot the Elf challenge in December.
The festive programme also includes a series of performances taking place at venues across the town centre, from Soup Productions’ annual pantomime Pantoville to Christmas Voices Christmas Brass and the Christmas Gala Concert. In January, families can enjoy the pantomime Beauty and the Beast, starring Anne Hegerty and Jake Quickenden.
Andrea added: “With so much happening across the town centre, now is a great time to get out, explore and make festive memories. Gather your family and friends, and we’ll provide the festive magic.”
For the full programme of events and activities, visit https://wearewarringtonbid.co.uk/warrington-unwrapped-2025/ or follow We Are Warrington on social media.