Loughborough gears up for biggest Christmas Lights Switch-on yet
Christmas in Charnwood is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever as the borough council unveils its festive plans with the switching on of Loughborough’s lights due to take place on Friday, 27 November 2026.
Loughborough town centre will play host to a Christmas Village from Friday, 20 November in the build-up to the lights being turned on by the winner of the Council’s Light Up Loughborough competition and the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Colin Hamilton.
This year’s switch-on event will feature two stages of entertainment in Market Place and Devonshire Square, a big Ferris wheel, children’s characters and more.
It is part of a festive programme that also includes a Christmas Artisan Market on 20 November and extra markets in the run-up to Christmas.
Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s Lead Member for Housing, Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres, said:
"We're looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors for an evening of festive entertainment.
"With two stages, a Christmas Village, a Ferris wheel and attractions for all ages, this year's event promises to be our biggest and most exciting Christmas Lights Switch-on and festive programme yet."
The festive season gets underway on Friday 20 November when a Christmas Village returns to Devonshire Square, with food, drink and a series of rides and attractions. It expands into Cattle Market from 27 November, and the village will be there until 28 December.
Devonshire Square and the Cattle Market will be transformed into a Christmas Village, with a roller-skating rink, inflatable globe, Santa's grotto and a variety of festive attractions.
On 27 November, Loughborough Market Place will come alive from 4pm with a range of market stalls, festive refreshments and family attractions, with the lights being officially switched on at 6pm.
Entertainment will take place across two stages. The Main Stage in the Market Place will feature performances from Saffy and Freddie and Twist of Rock plus many more to be confirmed, while local radio station Fosse 107 hosts the event.
A second stage in Devonshire Square will offer family-focused entertainment throughout the evening, including appearances from Frozen characters Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf, Christmas Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and festive performances from some mischievous elves.
Other festive events include:
Christmas Artisan Market
Extra Christmas Market on Monday, 21 December
Christmas Eve Market
Carols at the Carillon.
The headline sponsor for this year's event is Loughborough-based solutions engineering company BRUSH.
BRUSH Group CEO, Nicolas Pitrat, said: “We are proud to continue supporting our local community and to play a part in this much-loved festive tradition. The Christmas Lights Switch-on is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together, support local businesses and create lasting memories for families across Loughborough.
"As a business with deep roots in the town, we are delighted to help make this special event possible and celebrate the community that has been part of BRUSH for generations.”
More information is available on www.discovercharnwood.com/christmas2026
Charnwood Borough Council News - Published: Thu 12th November, 2026
