The fun starts at 3pm with a funfair, a giant snow globe, face painting, food and drink and much more. Get set for a full afternoon of entertainment that you won't want to miss with the lights switch on as the finale.
A popular children’s character will be on hand throughout the day to keep everyone entertained before performances from Bilston Operatic Company and highly acclaimed international swing and jazz vocalist Andrew Bourn, who will perform festive hits old and new. They will then be joined by the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Craig Collingswood, some of the stars of this year's Grand Theatre pantomime, and Father Christmas, to switch on the lights at 6pm.
The city centre fun is not the only festive celebration in Wolverhampton, as Christmas lights will also be switched on at Wednesfield, Tettenhall and Bilston, with Father Christmas and the Mayor of Wolverhampton doing the honours, plus entertainment from local artists and Wolverhampton’s very own Dicky Dodd.
The full list of lights switch-on events is as follows:
As part of Christmas in Wolverhampton, artisan food and gifts, mulled wine, toasted marshmallow, free face painting and a Ferris wheel are some of the exciting things on offer at a new Christmas market arriving in Wolverhampton.
The market takes place on 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 November 2025 on Victoria Street between 10am-8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 10am-4pm on Sundays.
Visitors will be able to have a go on the Ferris Wheel, enjoy a mulled wine, cider or hot chocolate, have a toasted marshmallow and browse the food and gift stalls on offer including local artists, handmade gifts, specialist chocolate and sweet treats.
The Christmas at Bantock Market will also take place on Saturday 6 December between 11am and 3pm.
An enchanting and free 3D projection show, which first arrived in Wolverhampton in 2023, will also return this November, transforming St Peter’s Church with a ‘Lights in the Night’ show.
The spectacle will project onto the church, celebrating the rich history, heritage, and diversity of the City of Wolverhampton. The show will play on a loop every five minutes and you will be able to spot key highlights such as running wolves and exploding locks as the city’s past is presented in a 3D light animation.
The light projection show takes place on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November between 6pm and 9pm.
Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs, and Skills said: “There is so much on offer in our city this year as part of the Visit Wolverhampton this Christmas campaign.
“The Christmas Light Switch Ons are always a favourite with our residents, as it signals the start of the festive period for a lot of families. These free events are the perfect way to get into the festive spirit, so I encourage everyone to come a long and have a look at what’s on offer.”
You can find out all the information you need about these Christmas activities at https://www.visitwolverhampton.com/
The Christmas events are part of a wider city events programme which is funded by the council, commercial sponsorship and with £71,350 support of the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Wolverhampton based not-for-profit Health Cash Plan provider Paycare has been announced as headline sponsor for this year’s Christmas events including the lights switch-ons, City Centre Christmas market and light projection show.
The Wolverhampton Christmas Market will return to Dudley Street from 12-18 December between 10am and 5pm each day. There will be an array of products on offer from local and international vendors, including unique artisan creations, one-of-a-kind handmade treasures, novelty items, affordable stocking fillers, toys and much more.
More information can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/wolverhamptonchristmasshoppingmarket/?locale=en_GB
The Enjoy Wolverhampton BID team are hosting Santa’s Ice Palace this December, a Christmas experience guaranteed to melt even the frostiest of hearts. Running from 15-23 December, the Ice Palace will transform part of the Mander shopping centre into a glittering winter wonderland filled with snow-dusted trees, shimmering lights and all things Christmassy. Families can step inside to meet Santa himself, share their Christmas wishes, and take home an age-appropriate gift — all for just £5 per child.
Santa’s Ice Palace will open daily from 10am to 5pm, with late-night openings until 6.30pm on 20, 22 and 23 December. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/events/782313184428056/782313214428053/
Santa is also making a stop in Bilston. He will be in his grotto every Saturday from 22 November, then every day from 20 December. Entry to see Santa is £5 per child and each child that visits will receive a present. The Grotto will be located at Bilston Indoor Market.
