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What’s On

Christmas in Leicester promises to be full of magical moments – packed with festive activities, celebrating the best the city has to offer!

From ice skating on a real ice rink, taking a ride on the 35m high Wheel of Light, to exploring the festive light trail at Enlightened Leicester at Abbey Park or enjoying the Christmas spirit at the Clock Tower.

There is plenty to entertain the whole family throughout the festive season from enjoying traditional pantomimes and world-class shows to watching blockbuster films at the cinema. And if that’s not enough there are also exhibitions, craft fairs, carol services, fantastic competitions and much more!

What's On

Christmas Lights above Leicester high street leading to the clock tower
Wednesday 20th November City centre, various locations

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

A crowd of people watching the Wheel of light at Jubilee Square in Leicester On the trail
Friday 8th November 2024-Sunday 5th January 2025 Jubilee Square

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

A ride at the Billy Bates Fun Fair for Christmas in Leicester On the trail
Friday 8th November 2024-Sunday 5th January 2025 Humberstone Gate

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.

Santa and Haymarket Shopping Centre
Saturday 7th December Haymarket Shopping Centre

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.
Visit Santa’s Saturday at Haymarket Site