Christmas in Middlesbrough begins with the Christmas Lights Switch-On in Centre Square on Sunday 22nd November, with live music, fireworks and free family activities.
The celebrations are set for a spectacular launch on Sunday 22nd November, with the ever-popular Christmas Lights Switch-On in Centre Square.
Lights Switch-On
Visitors to the town centre will be treated to live music, festive singalongs, a family film screening, food stalls and fairground rides, not to mention a stunning fireworks display after the lights are switched on and a host of free festive family activities.
Lantern Parade
The Magical Middlesbrough Lantern Parade on Sunday 13th December begins with festive food stalls and fairground rides in Centre Square.
The mystical twilight parade will then weave through the town centre led by SPARK! drummers and a host of community groups, school children and artists who have worked with Stellar Creates to produce magical glowing lanterns and larger-than-life creations for the parade's The Night Before the Night Before Christmas theme.
The finale will feature a festive outdoor disco, dancing and live music.
Snowman Trail and Panto
The Walking with The Snowman trail returns to the town centre from Monday 16th November until early January.
This year sees a competition with a nostalgic twist that asks people to dig out their favourite family selfies with the sculptures from over the years. The lucky winner will receive an impressive prize bundle.
No Christmas is complete without a panto, and this year it's Aladdin. Tickets are available on the Middlesbrough Box Office website.
Farm and Museum Events
Newham Grange Farm will be transformed over the festive period into a magical winter wonderland with an elf workshop, breakfast and story time with Mrs Claus and of course a visit to Santa's grotto. Tickets are available on the Newham Grange Farm website.
The Christmas Spectacular at the Dorman Museum is happening Saturday 5th December and Sunday 6th December, featuring two days of family activities plus food and gift stalls from local traders.
Free Parking
Free parking has been confirmed in all town centre Council car parks during the Christmas Lights Switch-On and the Magical Middlesbrough Lantern Parade, from 1 pm on both days.
There's also free parking from 3 pm at Captain Cook Square and MIMA car parks from 23rd November until 3rd January.
Events at a Glance
- The Snowman Trail: 16th November - 3rd January, town centre
- Christmas Lights Switch-On: 22nd November, 2 pm to 6 pm, Centre Square
- Christmas Spectacular at the Dorman Museum: 5th and 6th December
- Aladdin: 5th - 31st December, Middlesbrough Theatre
- Christmas at Newham Grange Farm: 5th and 6th December, 12th and 13th December, 19th - 24th December
- Magical Middlesbrough lantern parade: 13th December, 2 pm to 6 pm, town centre
What Organisers Say
Rachel Willis, Co-Director and Founder of Stellar Creates, said:
At its heart, the parade is about connection, celebration and the creativity that makes our communities thrive.
We hope residents and Middlesbrough visitors alike will join in the celebrations helping us to bring a little slice of magic to Middlesbrough this winter!
Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Education and Culture, said:
The build-up to Christmas is always a special time of year, and this year is set to be extra special.
Families are guaranteed a feast of fun and entertainment across the town, and we can't wait to welcome people to enjoy a brilliant programme of events.
More information on Christmas in Middlesbrough can be found on the We are Middlesbrough website.
Further announcements will be made in due course.
