Christmas Light Switch-Ons in the North East 2026: The Big Family Guide
Last checked: 21 October 2026
Ready for Christmas countdowns, twinkling trees and an excuse to get everyone bundled into their winter coats?
This guide brings together Christmas light switch-ons across Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland, County Durham, Darlington and Teesside.
You’ll find the published 2026 dates below, followed by events where information still needs confirming and an area-by-area watchlist for further announcements.
Please check the organiser’s latest information before travelling. A published date doesn’t always mean the full programme is available, and outdoor events can change because of the weather.
North East Christmas Light Switch-On Dates 2026
Date | Event | Details currently published |
Saturday 7 November | Dalton Park | Festivities from 4.30pm; lights and fireworks at 6.30pm |
Thursday 12 November | Newcastle city centre | full 2026 programme awaited |
Saturday 14 November | Morpeth | Bridge Street activities from noon; |
Sunday 15 November | Spanish City, Whitley Bay | Event 4pm–6pm; tree lights at 5pm; ticketed |
Sunday 15 November | Darlington | Entertainment from 4pm; lights just before 5.30pm |
16–17 November, as listed | Darlington Sensory Switch On | 4pm–5.30pm; registration required; confirm attendance date |
Thursday 19 November | Sunderland | Keel Square; time awaited |
Friday 20 November | South Causey Inn | Arrival at 6pm; ticketed |
Saturday 21 November | Blyth | Market Place event listed 10am–6pm; countdown time awaited |
Sunday 22 November | Amble | Northumbria Police lists an event window of 5pm–7pm; organiser’s programme still to confirm |
Friday 27 November | Prudhoe | Council calendar date; programme awaited |
Friday 27 November | Chilton | Council calendar date; times to be arranged |
Saturday 28 November | Bedlington | Market Place, 2pm–6pm; lights at 5pm |
Saturday 28 November | Rothbury | Date announced by the Christmas lights group; programme to be confirmed |
Saturday 28 November | Middleton-in-Teesdale | Village switch-on at 4pm, following the Christmas fair |
Sunday 29 November | Durham Christmas Sparkle | Listed from 5pm; check final programme |
Christmas Light Switch-Ons in Northumberland
Morpeth Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 14 November 2026Location: Bridge StreetActivities: From noon
Morpeth Town Council has announced its Christmas Light Switch-On for Saturday 14 November, with family activities on Bridge Street from noon.
Check the council’s final programme for the exact countdown time, entertainment and any admission arrangements before heading into town.
Blyth Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 21 November 2026Location: Blyth Market PlacePublished event window: 10am–6pmExact switch-on time: Awaited
Blyth Town Council promises live entertainment, panto fun and performances, with the Christmas tree lighting as the evening’s highlight.
The published opening window covers the wider event, so don’t assume the countdown happens at 6pm. Check the final running order nearer the date.
Amble Christmas Lights Switch-On
Sunday 22 November 2026Location: Amble Town SquareCurrently listed window: 5pm–7pm
Northumbria Police’s local events calendar lists Amble’s Christmas light switch-on on Sunday 22 November, between 5pm and 7pm.
This provides a published 2026 date, but the police listing should not be treated as the complete entertainment programme or confirmation of the precise countdown time. Check the Christmas lights organisers’ announcements before travelling.
Prudhoe Christmas Lights Switch-On
Friday 27 November 2026Time and programme: Awaited
Prudhoe Town Council’s event calendar lists its Christmas Lights Switch On for Friday 27 November.
Keep an eye on the council’s updates for the exact location, event start time, countdown and entertainment.
Bedlington Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 28 November 2026Location: Bedlington Market PlaceEvent: 2pm–6pmLights: 5pmEntry: Free
Bedlington has a particularly useful programme for families looking for an afternoon of festive activities before the countdown.
West Bedlington Town Council’s autumn/winter 2026 newsletter lists live entertainment, children’s rides, face painting, an ice rink, market stalls and a visit from Santa.
The event runs from 2pm until 6pm, with the lights switched on at 5pm. The council says there is no need to book for the ice rink — just turn up.
Rothbury Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 28 November 2026Time and programme: Awaited
Rothbury Christmas Lights has shared a save-the-date announcement for Saturday 28 November 2026.
Check the group’s updates for the countdown time, gathering point and evening programme.
Christmas Light Switch-Ons in Newcastle and North Tyneside
Newcastle City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On
Thursday 12 November 2026
Newcastle City Council confirms Thursday 12 November as the date for the city’s 2026 Christmas lights switch-on.
Spanish City Christmas Tree Light Switch-On
Sunday 15 November 2026Location: Spanish City, Whitley Bay
Event: 4pm–6pm
Tree lights: 5pm
Entry: £5 per person; children aged two and under free
Spanish City’s own Christmas tree switch-on is a separate event from any town-centre lighting arrangements.
Christmas Light Switch-Ons in Sunderland
Sunderland Christmas Lights Switch-On
Thursday 19 November 2026
Location: Keel Square
Time: to be confirmed but usually from 6pm
Entry: Free; no booking required
Christmas Light Switch-Ons in County Durham
Dalton Park: Light Up the Park
Saturday 7 November 2026Location: Dalton Park, Murton Festivities: 4.30pm–8.30pm
Lights and fireworks: 6.30pm Entry: Free main event
Dalton Park gets the festive countdown started early with roaming entertainment, Steve and Karen hosting from 5pm, and the lights switch-on and ten-minute fireworks display at 6.30pm. Shopping and dining continue until 8.30pm.
South Causey Inn Christmas Light Switch-On Spectacular
Friday 20 November 2026Location: South Causey Inn, Stanley
Arrival: 6pm
Tickets: £26 adults; £19 children under 12
Guests arrive in the Durham Suite before heading outside with Santa for a surprise celebrity arrival, live Christmas songs from Charlotte Forman and the lights switch-on.
Afterwards, guests return inside for a turkey bap dinner and more live music. A welcome mulled wine or children’s mocktail is included.
Children’s tickets must be booked by telephone on 01207 235555. Adult tickets can be booked online or by phone.
Chilton Christmas Light Switch-On
Friday 27 November 2026Time and programme: To be arranged
Chilton Town Council’s calendar lists the Christmas Light Switch-on for Friday 27 November.
Although the calendar displays an 8am–5pm entry, the event description specifically says the times are to be arranged. Those calendar hours should not be used to plan your visit.
Middleton-in-Teesdale Christmas Lights Switch-On
Saturday 28 November 2026Village switch-on: 4pmChristmas fair beforehand: 11am–3pm at Middleton-in-Teesdale Auction Mart
Durham Christmas Sparkle
Sunday 29 November 2026
Start: Listed from 5pm
Location: Durham city centre; check final event arrangements
Life in Durham’s official events listings announce Durham Christmas Sparkle for Sunday 29 November 2026, with a 5pm start.
Check the organiser’s full programme for the precise countdown time, entertainment, finish time and gathering arrangements before travelling.
Christmas Light Switch-Ons in Darlington
Darlington Christmas Lights Switch-On
Sunday 15 November 2026 Location: Market Square
Entertainment: From 4pm
Lights: Just before 5.30pmEntry: Free
Darlington’s celebration features live music and special guests before the countdown, followed by fireworks.
The council lists a viewing area near the stage for wheelchair users and people with physical impairments. Use the application link on the event page to arrange a space.
Darlington Sensory Switch On
Currently listed for 16–17 November 2026Location: Joseph Pease Place
Time: 4pm–5.30pm
Entry: Free and ticketed; registration required
This event is designed for visitors who may find the main celebration overwhelming, with reduced noise and crowds.
More Events With Details Still to Confirm
Spennymoor Christmas Light Switch On & Grotto
Spennymoor Town Council lists a free Christmas Light Switch On & Grotto across 28–29 November 2026, with details to be confirmed.
The calendar does not yet explain which day contains the actual lights countdown or how the grotto sessions will work.
Gateshead: Trinity Square
A current Frisk Radio competition confirms plans for a 2026 Trinity Square Christmas lights switch-on, mentioning Trinity Elf, panto stars and presenters Andy and Steph.
Hexham
A local events article reports Friday 20 November 2026, but nothing confirmed yet
Ponteland
Rock Choir has a performance listing titled Ponteland Christmas Lights Switch On for Friday 27 November 2026 at 6pm.
Barnard Castle
A council agenda report recommended Friday 27 November 2026 for the next switch-on.
Alnwick
Friday 20 November, 7pm, Bondgate Within. The announcement says the switch-on is moving there because of works on the Northumberland Hall.
Bamburgh
Saturday 28 November 2026. Church service at St Aidan’s at 5.30pm; Christmas lights switch-on at 6.15pm.
More will be added when I have the details
Contact me to add your event
Tips for Visiting a Christmas Lights Switch-On With Children
Check the actual countdown time. An event can start several hours before the lights come on.
Look out for fireworks. Dalton Park and Darlington currently advertise them.
Pack for standing still. Warm layers, gloves and waterproof footwear can make the evening more comfortable.
Check tickets carefully. Some events are free, some require registration and others charge admission.
Plan toilets, viewing and your journey home. This is particularly useful with pushchairs, wheelchairs or younger children.
Check the organiser’s page on the day. Weather, timings and programmes can change.
