What’s On

Christmas Lights Switch-On

Free

From 5PM

The most wonderful time of the year kicks off on Thursday 17 November with Leicester’s Christmas Lights Switch-On. The Town Hall and city’s streets will be illuminated with over 16,000 sparkling LED lights, and a spectacular 46-foot tree decorated with twinkling lights and baubles will take centre stage at the Clock Tower.

There will be plenty to enjoy for all ages with traditional entertainment in Town Hall Square and catch a photo opportunity with festive friends.

A countdown hosted by BBC Radio Leicester will be played out on speakers across the city at 6.30pm to switch-on the Christmas lights, so you can see the streets come alight wherever you are!

We hope the kids have remembered all those Christmas cracker jokes because Green Dragon Square will be hosted by The UK Kid’s Comedy Festival with their pop-up Joke Spot! A chance for young ones to jump on the mic and tell their best festive gags!

During the evening there will be food, films in Green Dragon Square and music whilst costume characters and live entertainment roam the streets.

Gem 106 Festive Post boxes

Free

Children can post their letters to Santa in one of our special festive post boxes. They will get a special message as they post their letter and may also get a surprise from the Gem 106 breakfast show!

Festive post boxes are located at Town Hall Sq Grotto, Jubilee Sq ice rink, Humberstone Gate funfair and Haymarket Shopping Centre

Santa at Haymarket

Free

Santa will be at Haymarket shopping centre on Saturday 3 December to meet youngsters who have last minute present wishes. Santa will arrive at noon to meet children for free and will be making appearances throughout the afternoon.

On the Saturday, and throughout December, hundreds of shoppers will get an early present from Haymarket as part of its Seasonal Surprises Christmas celebrations. Staff will be giving out free gifts, ranging from chocolates to store vouchers.

On 3 December Mr Scrooge and Mr Scratchit will bring their carol singing carriage to the event to ruin everyone’s Christmas fun. The funny festive duo will entertain by performing singalong Christmas hits.

Fabulous vintage singer Jayne Darling will sing retro Christmas songs live to get everyone in the festive mood. And there will be lots of hugs from a pair of cuddly Brussel Sprouts who will be joined by glamourous Candy Cane stilt walkers.

The free fun runs from Noon until 4pm.

Jubilee Square Real Ice Rink

Preview sessions: Thursday 1st December 5pm – 9pm / Friday 2nd December 11am – 9pm

2022 will see the return of the 680 square-metre real ice rink to Jubilee Square. With its clear roof, skaters can show off their best moves, come rain or shine, under the Christmas wheel of light.

For all the details and to book your tickets visit Jubilee Square Ice Rink Site

With so much to get you in the Christmas Spirit, wrap up warm and celebrate in the City.

Christmas Wheel of Light

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Leicester’s Christmas lights from the 110-ft Ferris wheel. 

Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth on site. A ride is approximately 8 to 10 minutes.  There are 24 covered gondolas, each seating 6 people. Wheelchair access is available to one of the gondolas – assistance will be provided for anyone using this gondola.

Prices:
Standard £6
Small child (under 1.4m) £4.50
Family (2 adults + 2 Children or 1 adult + 3 children) £18

Times:
Mon – Thurs: 11am – 9pm
Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm

Billy Bates Fun Fair

Experience all the fun of the fair in the heart of the city this Christmas!  Bright lights and thrilling rides all add to the festive fun.

Paint to Pixel Christmas Edition

Free

Free Event

See Leicester’s Green Dragon Square in a whole new light, as it is transformed into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour.

A spectacular moving projection of 3D animated murals will transform the space into an illuminated wonderland, as it is projected into the square in this impressive, large-scale artwork presented by BID Leicester and created by Metro Boulot Dodo. This 20 minute special Christmas edition projection has a distinctly festive twist!

See the range of rotating seasonal murals from 4:30 – 10:30pm daily.

Outdoor Film Nights

Free

What better way to get in the festive mood than with a Christmas movie! To celebrate the start of the Christmas season there will be outdoor film nights at Green Dragon Square during the Christmas light switch on weekend. So, pull up a seat and settle down with some snacks and drinks to enjoy a family evening at the movies!

Wallace and Grommit short films – Thursday 17th November – from 5pm including The Wrong Trousers,
A Grand Day Out, A Close Shave and A Matter Of Loaf and Death.

Food and Drink vendors will be located in Green Dragon Square during film nights.

Free Event

Thursday 17th November (Switch On Night) – 5pm
Small Foot – Friday 18th November- 5.30pm
Ice Age – Saturday 19th November  – 5.30pm

On 18th & 19th we will be showing a Wallace and Gromit short film with the main film beginning at 6pm.

Food and drink vendors will be there on 17th from 12pm – 9pm

Traditional Nativity Scene

Free

Free Event

Mon-Fri 12noon – 6pm
Sat 11am – 6pm
Sun 11am – 4pm

Enjoy the tradition of Christmas at the delightful Nativity scene in Town Hall Square. In the stable you fill find May and Joseph and baby Jesus in a manger, who are joined by all the traditional characters. The scene is brought to life with lights and music and a recording of local school children telling the nativity story.

Santa in the Square

Free

Free Event

Monday – Friday: 12noon – 2pm & 3pm – 6pm
Saturday 11am – 2pm & 3pm – 6pm
Sunday 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm

Santa is coming back to Leicester and this time he is stopping in Town Hall Square! Magical memories are waiting to be made as children of all ages can visit Santa and his elf in the Christmas grotto. All those on the nice list will also receive a free gift! This is a truly memorable experience to add to your Christmas list.