Christmas arrives in Warrington town centre with a magical weekend planned, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November, when Warrington Unwrapped 2026 gets going. Organised by Warrington BID, the launch weekend brings an outdoor film screening, the Christmas Lights Switch-On, artisan markets and Winter Wonderland. It also kicks off a festive programme that runs through November and December.
Elf under the stars, Friday, November 13th
The weekend opens with a festive favourite. Elf is being shown outdoors at The Skittles at Market Gate from 7pm, so wrap up warm, bring camping chairs and blankets and someone who can quote every line.
Christmas Lights Switch-On, Saturday, November 14th
The Skittles at Market Gate hosts a full day of entertainment from 11am to 6.30pm. The lights come on at 6pm, with the Mayor and the day’s performers joining everyone on stage just before. Here is what’s on through the day.
- 11am – Warrington Vale Royal College students with Christmas carols and dances
- 1pm – PopVox
- 2pm – The Rock Choir
- 3pm – Singer and guitarist Daniel Taylor
- 3.30pm – Taylor Swift
- 4pm – The Grinch and Cindy Lou
- 4.20pm – Dua Lipa
- 4.50pm – K Pop Demon Hunters
- 5.20pm – Robbie Williams (tribute)
- 5.50pm – The Mayor and the day’s performers join the stage
- 6pm – Christmas Lights Switch-On
From 3pm to 6pm, walkabout characters will be out and about, from Optimus Prime and Bumblebee to Spiderman and Spidey Gwen, with Hulk and Thing and the Grinch and Cindy Lou also around. Santa makes an appearance, and so do a Christmas elf and a nutcracker.
Come along early and make an afternoon of it, then stay for the exciting moment the lights come on.
Christmas Artisan Markets, Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15th
Independent traders will be set up across Old Market Place in Golden Square, Bridge Street, Dolmans Lane and Time Square, selling handmade gifts. If you like to get ahead on your Christmas list, this is a good place to start.
Organised by Independent Street in partnership with Warrington BID, the markets are open on Saturday, November 14th from 11am to 7pm and on Sunday, November 15th from 11am to 5pm.
View the full list of traders who’ll be attending over the weekend here.
Winter Wonderland, from Friday, November 13th
Winter Wonderland opens at Time Square on Academy Street, with fairground rides, festive characters, and seasonal treats. It runs until Thursday, December 24th, so you can come back as many times as you like.
What comes next
The launch weekend is only the start. From Friday, November 27 to Sunday, January 3rd, 2027, Christmas at Golden Square brings a brand-new outdoor ice rink and the Grinch’s Whoville Grotto.
Shops, restaurants and bars across the town centre will be getting into the festive spirit throughout November and December, with special menus, party nights and events for all ages.
You can find all of the Christmas events on in Warrington town centre here.