There’s something about that first sparkle of Christmas lights, isn’t there? You feel it before you see it — that little fizz of excitement that tells you the season’s officially on its way. And if you’re ready to lean into all things merry and bright, Northampton’s Christmas Lights Switch On 2025 arrives on Saturday 22nd November, taking over Market Square from 12pm–6pm with a full day of free festive entertainment.
Taking over Market Square from midday until 6pm, the event packs in a full-on festive feast — and the best part? It’s completely free. You can wander in at any point (mulled wine optional but highly encouraged) and instantly find yourself surrounded by music, entertainment and that unmistakable early-Christmas buzz.
A day full of festive fun
The schedule is gloriously busy — the sort that keeps you saying “oh, let’s just pop over there next.” With local host John Griff holding the reins, the stage becomes a rolling showcase of live performances. Meanwhile, little ones can dive into creative chaos with festive arts and crafts led by The Wild Tribe and Lemonpop Workshops, or hop aboard Northampton Transport Heritage’s bright red bus for cosy storytelling sessions.
And if you’re someone who believes December is simply the season of sparkle, you’ll be right at home at the Christmas Silent Disco. (Yes, it’s exactly as delightfully odd as it sounds.)
You’ll also find stalls brimming with handmade gifts, festive goodies and local treats — the ideal shortcut to completing your Christmas list without panicked last-minute shopping. And for grown-ups? The VandB Festive Bar is on standby with mulled wine and speciality beers that taste exactly like winter should.
A panto-packed afternoon
Things get even livelier at 4.15pm when a star-studded set of panto performers spills onto the stage. Expect cast chat from ‘The All New Adventures of Peter Pan’, led by a familiar CBeebies presenter, followed by a sneak peek of The Deco’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’, featuring a well-known face from EastEnders.
It’s the kind of joyful chaos you only get at a proper British Christmas event — a bit of panto magic, a bit of glitter, a whole lot of fun.
The big moment
At 4.55pm, the square gathers for the moment everyone’s been waiting for. The Mayor of Northampton will hit that all-important switch, joined by Santa himself and a group of brilliant female sports stars from around the county. The lights go on, the crowd cheers, and just like that, Northampton sparkles.
But don’t wander off too quickly — The Funk Odyssey Band keeps the energy going with a headline set full of funk, soul, disco and a sprinkling of festive favourites.
More festive magic across town
If you fancy stretching out your Christmas outing, you’ll find more seasonal treats nearby. Santa’s Grotto opens in the Grosvenor Centre the very same day, running throughout December for just £2 per family, with proceeds supporting Northamptonshire Toy Library and Rockin’ Roadrunner.
And from 4th December, Market Square becomes a winter wonderland with a real covered ice rink open daily until 4th January — a partnership between West Northamptonshire Council, Northampton Town Council, Northampton Town Centre BID and Discover Northamptonshire.
Tune your radio to NLive’s 24-hour Christmas station on 106.9FM, and you’ve officially got yourself the full festive package.
The takeaway
If you’re looking for that first moment — the one that nudges you gently into the season — this is it. Head to Northampton’s Market Square, take in the music, the lights, the laughter, the community, and let yourself feel a bit of that magic.
Because Christmas doesn’t start on the calendar.
It starts when you feel it.
Find out more about the swtich on here.
It’s also competition time!
Take part in Northampton Town and NNPulse’s Christmas Competition to WIN a Family Ticket to see The Deco Theatre’s 2025 Christmas Panto Beauty and the Beast.
