Travelling from the North Pole, Santa is expected to arrive at the Saddlers Shopping Centre on Saturday 29 November, and can be visited between 11am and 4pm.

The visit from Santa coincides with Walsall town centre’s Christmas light switch on event taking place at The Bridge at 5.30pm.

“ It’s great to hear that Santa Claus is visiting us so early in the festive season – Walsall must be on the ‘nice list’!

All families are invited come down and say hello. Visiting Santa is completely free, no booking is required, and every child who meets Santa will receive a little gift to take home too. There’s even an opportunity for children to write and send their Christmas wishes to the North Pole for safekeeping from 29th November to 21st December. Four lucky children, who've been very good all year will receive a gift of their wish list in time for Christmas!

If you’re looking to for an afternoon filled with festive spirit, then why not come along to meet Santa before heading to watch the Christmas lights switch on. “

The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison

Santa is making two return visits to Walsall nearer to Christmas, on Saturday 6 and Saturday 13 December. More information about Santa’s visits can be found on the Saddlers Shopping Centre website: https://www.saddlersshopping.co.uk/news/santas-coming-to-saddlers/

Full line up of entertainment in Walsall on Saturday 29 November 2025:

• A Christmas lights switch-on at The Bridge by the Sister Dora statue at 5.30pm.
• An Illuminate light projection show transforming The Crossing at St Paul’s will run from 4.45pm to 5.30pm.
• A Walsall Festive Makers’ Market from 3pm to 8pm in the square at The Crossing at St Paul’s from 3pm to 8pm.
• Family fun and creative drop-in workshops at The Crossing, where visitors can make their own festive decorations.
• Over at the Walsall Leather Museum, visitors can create their own leather Christmas decorations for just £1.50 (11am–3pm, drop-in).
• A Christmas Makers’ Market at The New Art Gallery Walsall from 11am to 3pm. 

The 2025 festive market and Christmas lights switch-on is organised by Walsall Council and sponsored by AR Demolitions, in partnership with Walsall MakerFest Fringe, Urban Hax, and The New Art Gallery Walsall.

Walsall MakerFest Fringe is delivered by Walsall Council in partnership with Urban Hax CIC, The New Art Gallery Walsall, and the Walsall Cultural Compact. It is supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) through Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund: Round Three.