Alnwick Christmas lights switch-on 2026: Date, time and what to expect
Alnwick town centre is getting set for the festive period as plans are finalised for the Christmas lights switch-on.
Alnwick Christmas lights switch-0n is a community celebration featuring local entertainment, carol singing, independent markets and shops keeping late opening hours, and spectacular lights around the town centre.
This year the switch on is at 7pm on Friday, November 20 on Bondgate Within – involving over 200 separate display items and miles of shop lights with thousands of bulbs.
A 25ft tree will be located nearby on Market Place kindly donated by Northumberland Estates, accompanied by a Festive Market.
The lights are organised by local volunteers with the support of Alnwick Town Council and donations from local businesses and the wider community.
Town centre improvements are progressing well, with the scheme to enhance the historic Cobbles is well underway as well as additional improvements to Clayport Street getting started this week.
The works will be paused over the peak of the Christmas shopping period from December 7 – January 4.
Other major projects are set to begin in the New Year, with planned improvements to the new Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery at Northumberland Hall, and a newly refurbished bus station being finalised.
Northumberland County Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for Supporting Business and Opportunities and Chair of Alnwick Town Forum said: “It’s fantastic to see the famous Christmas Lights event is set to happen this year as we continue to improve the town.
”We are pleased to have helped the volunteers with logistical support and a few tweaks to allow for the ongoing improvements.”
Northumberland County Councillors for Alnwick Cllrs Gordon Castle and Martin Swinbank said: “The Christmas lights are an iconic feature so it’s great we have all been able to support the organisations and volunteers planning this year’s event.”
Cllr Geoff Watson, Mayor of Alnwick Town Council said: “The Christmas lights are a fantastic community celebration and we are pleased to back it again for all to enjoy.”
Kevin Nicholson, Chair of Alnwick Christmas Lights Committee, said: “We always receive tremendous support from all. Thank you to our volunteers and our sponsors for their help in putting on this year’s event.”