Don't miss the 12 best Christmas light switch-on events in Birmingham and the West Midlands

Here’s our round-up of local switch-on events:

1. Jewellery Quarter

Date: November 15

Highlights: Over 100 jewellery-themed Christmas lights, a giant 3m by 3m diamond ring, two 30-foot Christmas trees, and 25 festive window displays.

Activities: Street food, festive drinks, live music from 5pm, with a 6pm light switch-on followed by fireworks.

2. Harborne high street

Date: November 16

Highlights: Known as one of Birmingham’s most beautiful Christmas displays.

Activities: The Harborne Market runs from 10am-3pm, followed by family-friendly entertainment from 4pm. The big switch-on happens at 6pm, with food, drink, and local performances throughout.

3. Bournville Christmas Festival - Village Green

Date: November 25

Highlights: A Santa’s Grotto, Christmas tree trail, and live carolling by the Bournville Carillon.

Activities: Festive stalls, choir performances, and a switch-on at 5pm. Don't miss the handmade Christmas Craft Fair at Selly Manor Museum!

4. Christmas in Cathedral Square - Birmingham

Date: November 13 to December 22

Highlights: Located in Pigeon Park, this is a bustling Christmas market separate from the main one on Victoria Square.

Activities: Light switch-on from 5:30-8pm on November 13, with live music, choir performances, and warming holiday drinks.

5. Sandwell’s Christmas light switch-ons

Dates: Various from November 15 to November 30

Highlights: Nine different switch-on events across Sandwell, each with unique performances and Christmas stalls.

Key Locations & Times: Crankhall Lane: November 15, 4-7:30pm (Switch-on at 5:15pm) Oldbury: November 15, 3-6:30pm (Switch-on at 6pm) West Bromwich: November 23, 3-6pm (Switch-on at 5:45pm) More dates for Langley, Smethwick, Bearwood, Blackheath, Tipton, and Wednesbury.

6. Stratford-upon-Avon

Date: November 16

Highlights: Held on the castle grounds, this event offers a picture-perfect Christmas experience.

Activities: Festivities start at 2pm, with a big switch-on at 5:30pm, perfect for capturing the town’s magical holiday vibe.

7. Tamworth Castle Grounds

Date: November 25

Highlights: A festive market and a family-friendly funfair.

Activities: Food stalls, live entertainment, and a Santa Sleigh parade. The lights switch on at 5pm, led by the Mayor and Santa’s elves.

8. Wolverhampton’s Festive Lights

Dates: Various from November 16 to November 24

Highlights: Each neighbourhood event has its own unique local charm.

Key Events: City Centre: November 16, 3-7pm (Switch-on at 6pm) Wednesfield: November 21, 4:30-7pm (Switch-on at 6:30pm) Bilston, Tettenhall, and Bantock all host events with festive cheer.

9. Dudley Town Centre

Date: November 25

Highlights: Enjoy balloon modeling, street performances, and a pantomime show.

Activities: Festivities kick off at midday, with a Nativity play, choir performances, and a 5pm light switch-on.

10. Kenilworth High Street

Date: November 29

Highlights: Perfect for families with entertainment, food, and children’s rides.

Activities: Head over from 5-8pm, with the main lights turning on at 6pm.

11. Leamington Spa’s big switch-on

Date: November 17

Highlights: Celebrates both Christmas and Diwali in a grand event on The Parade.

Activities: A Yuletide market from 10am, fairground rides, and local performances lead up to the 5:30pm light switch-on outside Town Hall.

Date: December 7

Highlights: Special guest JLS star Aston Merrygold will be performing.

Activities: Runs from 12-7:30pm with seasonal food, drinks, artisan gifts, and a family-friendly fun fair.