Warrington’s much-loved Christmas Lights Switch On is back, bigger and brighter than ever, with a full evening of live entertainment, family fun and festive surprises.
After six years away, families and visitors can once again gather to see the town centre sparkle with dazzling new lights and Christmas trees. The free event will take place on Saturday, November 15th, from 6pm to 7pm, marking the start of a full season of festive events and entertainment across Warrington.
Adding an extra sprinkle of star power to the celebrations, CBBC’s Hacker the Dog will take to the stage to help Santa countdown to the big switch on. Known for his quick wit and cheeky humour, Hacker has clocked up sixteen years of live television, worked with some of the world’s biggest names and recently became presenter number 44 on Blue Peter.
Andrea Morley, Warrington BID Project Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have the Christmas Lights Switch On back in Warrington for the first time since 2019. We wanted to create something really special for families, and Hacker’s involvement makes it even more exciting. The new lights, trees and decorations will bring the town centre to life and kick off a brilliant run of festive activity, with lots more events and celebrations still to come throughout the season.”
The decorations have been brought to life through a three-year partnership between Warrington Business Improvement District (BID) and Warrington Borough Council, working with the same creative team behind Oxford Street’s world-famous displays.
Golden Square will host the main show, featuring six performances including a musical theatre spectacular with songs from Wicked, Matilda, Mamma Mia, The Greatest Showman and The Lion King. Families can also join in a festive Santa-oke singalong to close the evening.
Ian Cox, Centre Director at Golden Square, said: “The Switch On is always one of the most special dates in the calendar and we’re really proud to be bringing it back this year. It will be an amazing evening of live entertainment and festive fun that sets the tone for everything else happening in the town this Christmas.”
The Switch On lights the way for Warrington Unwrapped, opening a seven-week celebration of festive moments. Visitors can look forward to Christmas Markets across three weekends in November, along with a packed programme of entertainment at Warrington Market. Bar Hütte also returns to Golden Square with its alpine Christmas village, featuring cosy huts, festive drinks, karaoke and live music. Over in Time Square, families can enjoy ‘The Grinch in Whooville Grotto’ running through November and December. And with plenty more surprises still to be revealed in the run-up to the big day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For more updates on festive events and activities across the town centre, head to https://wearewarringtonbid.co.uk/warrington-unwrapped-2025/.