The countdown to Christmas has begun as the dates for this year’s Wolverhampton lights switch on events have been announced.

There will be fun for all the family at a series of events across the city, with the city centre Christmas lights switch on taking place in Queen Square on Saturday 22 November.

The fun starts at 3pm with a funfair, a giant snow globe, face painting, food and drink and much more,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, 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.  

As part of Christmas in Wolverhampton, the city centre will also host a Christmas Market on Victoria Street on the weekend of 22 to 23 November and from Friday 28 November to Sunday 30 November, featuring local artists and crafters showcasing and selling their work.

The Christmas at Bantock Market will 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 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 5 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.

The full list of lights switch on events is as follows:

• Friday 21 November: Bilston, Church Street - event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on 6.30pm  
• Saturday 22 November - Wolverhampton city centre, Queen Square - event 3pm to 7pm, lights switch on 6pm
• Thursday 27 November: Wednesfield, High Street - event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on 6.30pm
• Friday 28 November: Tettenhall, Upper Green - event 4.30pm to 7pm, lights switch on 6.30pm  

To find out more about Christmas in the City of Wolverhampton, visit Christmas in Wolverhampton.