What’s On

Christmas Wheel of Light

Benefit from a bird’s eye view of Leicester’s Christmas lights from the 110-ft/35m high Ferris wheel.

Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth on site. A ride is approximately 8 to 10 minutes.  There are 24 covered gondolas, each seating 6 people. Wheelchair access is available to one of the gondolas – assistance will be provided for anyone using this gondola.

Prices:

Standard £7
Small child (under 1.4m) £5
Family (2 adults + 2 Children or 1 adult + 3 children) £20

Times:

Monday-Friday: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday: 12pm – 10pm
Sunday: 12pm – 10pm

Billy Bates Fun Fair

Experience all the fun of the fair in the heart of the city this Christmas!  Bright lights and thrilling rides all add to the festive fun.

Christmas Lights Switch-On

Free

From 5pm to 8pm

The most wonderful time of the year kicks off on Wednesday 20th November with Leicester’s Christmas Lights Switch-On.

The Town Hall and the city’s streets will be illuminated with over 16,000 sparkling LED lights, and a spectacular 47 foot tree decorated with twinkling lights will take centre stage at the Clock Tower.

There will be plenty to enjoy for all ages with traditional entertainment in Town Hall Square. Live brass bands will be playing your favourite festive tunes, the nativity scene will be on show!

Costumed characters join us for some fun photo opportunities, Billy Bates Funfair will be on Humberstone Gate and Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Leicester’s Christmas lights from the 35m high Ferris wheel of light in Jubilee Square.

Discover all the lights in the city and follow the Lights Switch-On trail, starting at 6pm on the Haymarket balcony with live festive DJ sets and special guest appearances, blasting beats down from the Haymarket Balcony with the 6.30pm countdown to the illumination of the lights.

The Haymarket Shopping Centre, The Highcross and St Martin’s will be hosting their own events to mark the switch on that same evening. Illuminated LED drummers will lead you from one location to the next! So don’t miss the Lights Switch-On trail as Leicester lights up!

At 7.15pm follow the drummers to Highcross to see their festive lights.

At 7.45pm the drummers move to St Martin’s for their Lights Switch-On.

Haymarket Shopping Centre
4.30pm – 6.30pm

Haymarket will sparkle brightly this festive season with new Christmas lights on the Mall and a hint of nostalgia too – look out for the return of an old favourite!  There will be two hours of activity. Santa will appear, enjoying the musical entertainment and a pair of stunning LED Stilt-walking angels will light up the occassion. The event starts at 4.30pm with entertainment until 6.30pm and the big countdown to the Haymarket switch on.

Highcross Shopping Centre
Christmas Lights Switch-on experience is to be confirmed.  Watch this space!

St Martin’s Square

Follow the illuminated drummers to St Martin’s who will switch their lights on at 7.45pm

Town Hall Square Illuminations

Free

Town Hall Square will be different in 2024 and lit up as you’ve never seen it before.

A flurry of Christmas trees and the traditional nativity scene will be installed for lights switch-on on 20th November. Plus, new for 2024 will be a new Christmas lighting installation to animate the square.

More information coming soon!

Traditional Nativity Scene

Free

Enjoy the tradition of Christmas at the delightful Nativity scene in Town Hall Square. In the stable you will find Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus in a manger, who are joined by all the traditional characters. The scene is brought to life with lights and music and a recording of local school children telling the nativity story.

Festive Wreath Making

Pam from Cherry Bank Studio will demonstrate how to create a fresh wreath using local foliage including ever greens such as firs, ivy, holly and eucalyptus all enhanced with dried seed heads, fruits and cones finished off with a beautiful hessian or raffia bow.

No previous experience is necessary, but we do ask you bring your own gloves and snippers please. In previous years some people have brought personalised objects like bells, small wooden initials and tree decorations for the centre of the wreath. Please feel free to follow this tradition!

Cost £35

Enlightened Leicester at Christmas

Brand new trail for 2024!

Abbey Park will become an enchanting outdoor light trail as its transformed into an illuminated world. With bright installations and interactive elements, Enlightened Leicester will be a magical experience for the whole family.

Abbey Park Leicester

5pm to 8.30pm daily

Guildhall Christmas Craft Fair

Enjoy a unique Christmas shopping experience in the beautiful medieval Guildhall; with a real fire, Christmas tree in the historic courtyard and Quirky events. There will also be a taste of Christmas with mince Pies, mulled wine & cider!

There will be lots of exciting and original stalls selling handmade arts and crafts from local artists and makers. It’s a brilliant chance to buy a special gift for your family & friends.

Adults £1/Children free

11am-4.30pm

Christmas Wreath Making

Make your own fabulous Christmas wreath in the magical surroundings of Leicester Guildhall.

You will learn how to make a traditional fresh wreath using local foliage including ever greens such as firs, ivy, holly and eucalyptus all enhanced with dried seed heads, fruits and cones finished off with a beautiful hessian or raffia bow.

First session: 11am – 1pm
Second session: 2pm – 4pm

All materials are included, and no experience necessary.

Please bring your own gloves and snippers. In previous years some people have brought personalised objects like bells, small wooden initials and tree decorations for the centre of the wreath. Please feel free to follow this tradition!

Cost £35

Santa’s Saturday at Haymarket

Free

The Haymarket will be hosting their annual Santa Saturday on Saturday 7 December.

Families can meet Santa for free and pass on present requests. The entertainment will include Santa’s Sleigh pulled by a pair of cheeky elves. The Wish Fairies will appear and there will be seasonal live music from fabulous vintage singer Jayne Darling.

Times From 12pm

Entry/ticket costs free

Other Haymarket events during the festive period include:

• Throughout November and December there will be extending trading hours – check the website for more details.