Between festive trails, the Frankfurt Christmas Market and Christmas Candlelight concerts, the whole city comes alive at this magical time of year. But nothing says, ‘the holidays have arrived’ quite like the sight of glittering, dazzling, twinkly Christmas light displays in Birmingham! So when do they all turn on? Well, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas lights switch-on events in and around Birmingham, so you can catch them all…
1. Edgbaston Village
Coinciding with the increasingly popular Artisan Market in Edgbaston Village, the Christmas lights will switch on Saturday, November 9. Kicking off the festivities first in the West Midlands, head down to Greenfield Crescent from 10am to find over 70 stalls of handmade gifts, festive food and drinks. At 3pm, the stage acts begin – with appearances from Santa, a ‘Frozen-inspired’ performance, Elmhurst Ballet School performance, and choirs singing Christmas carols. The Christmas lights switch-on will take place at 6pm.
2. Jewellery Quarter
There are over 100 jewellery-themed Christmas lights ready to glow up The Golden Square on November 15, alongside the city’s largest lighting feature – a 3m by 3m illuminated diamond ring! Plus, there are also two 30-foot Christmas trees and over 25 decorated festive windows for you to admire.
The Jewellery Quarter will also be home to street food, festive drinks and live music from 5pm. Then the lights will be switched on at 6pm, followed by a fireworks display from the roof of JQ Modern. There’s a reason the Telegraph rated it as one of the best switch-on events in the country in 2019. We can’t wait!
3. Harborne
Harborne High Street must be one of the most beautiful high streets in Birmingham during Christmas. Harborne Lights Up takes place on November 16, filling the area with live music, performances, food and drink from local businesses, and a special guest for the big light switch on at 6pm. Beforehand, make sure to check out The Harborne Market, from 10am – 3pm, followed by a mini market that will also keep providing festive treats during the later festivities. The family-friendly entertainment begins at 4pm.
4. Bournville
Bournville’s popular Christmas Festival and Lights Switch On takes over the Village Green on Saturday, November 30. This year’s event, running from 1pm to 6pm, will feature a Santa’s Grotto, choir performances, festive music performed by Bournville Carillon, delicious street food and a fun Christmas tree trail. But the all-important Christmas lights switch on is set for 5pm. You’ll also find market stalls lining Bournville Green, with local crafters at Bournville Parish Church too. There’s also the chance to buy gifts at Selly Manor Museum’s Handmade Christmas Craft Fair.
5. Colmore
The forty-stall Christmas in Cathedral Square market returns on November 13 until December 22. Taking place by Birmingham Cathedral on Colmore Row, the Christmas lights switch-on event will take place from 5:30pm to 8pm – with live music, performances by local choirs live music, and toasty drinks. But, even if you can’t make it, expect the area to light up with a festive cheer from then on!
What Christmas lights switch-on events are happening near Birmingham?
Dudley
Head to Dudley town centre on Saturday, November 25 for everything from balloon modelling and street performances to funfair rides and a Christmas market. From midday, you’ll also discover a pantomime, as well as Jessons School Choir and Nativity, before the Christmas switch-on at 5pm.
Kenilworth
Christmas lights switch on in Kenilworth at 6pm on November 29. Head to the High Street from 5pm to 8pm for entertainment, food and drink and children’s rides.
Leamington Spa
The Big Lights Switch on November 17 at The Parade in Leamington Spa will take place 2pm to 6pm. As well as celebrating Diwali, you’ll find a Yuletide market from 10am, fairground rides, and local artists performing on stage. The lights will switch on at 5.30pm outside the Town Hall.
Redditch
The Redditch Christmas lights switch-on will take place on Saturday, December 7, from 12–7:30pm, and feature a performance/meet-and-greet with JLS star Aston Merrygold. Plus, seasonal food and drink, a fun fair and artisan gifts for sale.
Sandwell
Sandwell has a bunch of Christmas Lights Switch-Ons this November, all with entertainment, music, stalls, and Christmas cheer, which we’ll fire off rapidly below:
- Crankhall Lane, November 15, from 4pm to 7.30pm (Switch-on at 5.15pm)
- Oldbury, November 15, 3pm to 6.30pm (Switch-on at 6pm)
- Langley, November 16, from 5pm to 7.30pm (Switch-on 5.30pm)
- Smethwick, November 21, from 5pm to 6pm (Switch-on at 5.45pm)
- Bearwood, November 22, from 5pm to 6pm (Switch-on at 5.45pm)
- Blackheath, November 22, from 5pm to 7pm (Switch-on at 6.45pm)
- West Bromwich, November 23 from 3pm to 6pm (Switch-on at 5.45pm)
- Tipton, November 29, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm (Switch-on at 6.15pm)
- Wednesbury, November 30, from 1pm to 6.30pm (Switch-on at 6.15pm)
Stratford-upon-Avon
Starting at 2pm on November 16, Stratford-upon-Avon’s light switch is at 5.30pm.
Tamworth
Taking place on the castle grounds, Tamworth’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On will kick off at noon featuring: a festive market, family funfair, food and drink stalls, live entertainment and “Tamworth Round Table’s Santa Sleigh”. The lights will be switched on at 5pm by the Mayor of Tamworth and Santa’s elves.
Wolverhampton
There are a few Christmas lights switch-on events in Wolverhampton too. The big festive lights celebration sees the fun start at 3pm on Saturday, November 16 in the city centre, but it’s not the only one:
- Wolverhampton City Centre, November 16, 3pm – 7pm (switch on 6pm)
- Wednesfield, November 21, 4.30pm – 7pm (switch on 6.30pm)
- Bilston, November 22, 4.30pm – 7pm (switch on 6.30pm)
- Tettenhall, November 23, 4.30pm – 7pm (switch on 6.30pm)
- Bantock, November 24, 4.30pm – 7pm (switch on 6.30pm)