There will be plenty of fun for all the family at an event that will kick-off the festive season in Morpeth.

The Christmas Lights Switch On organised by Morpeth Town Council is taking place this year on Saturday, November 14 from noon.

Those who come along to the town centre can hop on funfair rides, get their faces painted, strike a pose in the snow globe, meet Santa Claus and take part in Morpeth’s festive town trail, all completely free.

There will be plenty of live music on the stage, with more than 200 local children taking part in acts across the day, and games throughout the afternoon from host Matt Bailey of BBC Radio Newcastle.

Children performing on stage at last year's Morpeth Christmas Lights Switch On event. Picture by Anne Hopper.

placeholder image — Children performing on stage at last year's Morpeth Christmas Lights Switch On event. Picture by Anne Hopper.

A selection of festive food vans will also be on hand throughout the day and at 3pm, all eyes will be on Rutherford & Co for its 2026 Christmas window reveal.

Just before 5pm, Santa and the Mayor will take to the stage alongside a lucky competition winner to push the button and officially light up Morpeth. Music from the Ellington Colliery Brass Band will round off the event.

Mayor of Morpeth, Dr Wendy Fail, said: “We know how tough it can be for families at this time of year, which is why we work hard to provide as many free activities as possible so that everyone can have a truly magical start to the festive season.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors, to the teams that put this event together and to all of our incredible businesses that work so hard to keep our town thriving.”

This year for Morpeth’s festive scavenger hunt, the Elf Door Trail will send families exploring the town centre in search of tiny elf doors hidden in the windows of participating businesses.

The trail launches on the day of the switch-on and runs until December 18.

Every completed trail sheet can be exchanged for a free children’s hot chocolate at the Pavilion Cafe, along with entry into a prize draw to win a family Christmas hamper.

Trail sheets can be picked up from The Pavilion, Rutherford & Co and all participating businesses, which will be listed on the town council’s social media pages.

The full line-up for the November 14 event will also be available on these pages.