Join in the festive fun this year

Santa will be bringing some festive cheer to Darlington when he turns on the town’s Christmas lights on Sunday 17 November.

Come down to the Market Square to join in the free fun with live music and special guests on the festive main stage from 4pm. The big switch on by Santa, supported by the Round Table, will take place just before 5.30pm followed by a short, celebratory firework display. There will be an accessible viewing areas for wheelchair users – for more information about this email [email protected]

Our lighting team has been busy installing lights around the town centre and will be putting the finishing touches to the town’s Christmas tree in time for the big switch on.

The switch on marks the start of a host of free festive fun in the town centre, including the annual Christmas tree trail with community groups and schools designing and decorating trees in shop widows around the town centre.

The popular ice sculpture trail returns on Saturday 7 December with free to enter competitions and lots of great photo opportunities.

Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said: “The Christmas light switch-on marks the start of the festive season for many Darlington residents. It is a fantastic, family fun and free event, and I hope as many people as possible come along to soak up the fabulous atmosphere.”

There are more details of our Christmas events at enjoydarlington.co.uk and on our social media pages.