Christmas in Wilmslow 2026
Christmas is coming to Wilmslow with festive markets, live entertainment, family activities, fairground rides and the return of the town’s popular Christmas light trail.
The celebrations begin on Saturday 21 November, when the town centre will host a full day of seasonal activities leading up to the Christmas lights switch-on.
Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026
Start your day  at 10am with a walk around the artisan market, where you can browse a range of stalls and start the Christmas shop.
From approximately midday, the stage in Bank Square will feature performances from singers, choirs and other live acts throughout the afternoon. Children’s activities will also take place in Bank Square, with further timings and programme details to be announced.
Festive walkabout characters will appear around the town centre during the day, including the popular polar bear. There will also be fairground rides, with children’s rides located behind Jones Homes and a larger ride for older children and teenagers between O2 and Ryman.
The town’s Christmas lights are expected to be switched on at approximately 5pm–5.15pm, bringing the day’s celebrations to a sparkling conclusion.
Date: Saturday 21 November 2026
Activities begin: 10am
Stage entertainment: From approximately midday
Lights switch-on: Approximately 5pm–5.15pm
Location: Wilmslow town centre and Bank Square
The complete entertainment programme keep an eye on updates on the events page.
Wilmslow’s Way Brighter Light Trail 2026
The festive light trail will also return, illuminating locations throughout Wilmslow from 21 November 2026 until 4 January 2027.
This year’s trail will feature new light installations near Hästens and at Little Lindow, opposite Zumuku, alongside displays at familiar locations across the town centre.
Several local businesses are supporting the trail, including Costa Coffee, The Mucky Pup, The Wine Cellar, Piccolino and Langricks.
A digital map is also being developed to help visitors follow the trail and discover each installation. Plans are being explored for an interactive competition that would allow visitors to scan a QR code, take a festive selfie and upload their photograph for the chance to win a prize. Full details will be announced once confirmed.
The complete entertainment programme keep an eye on updates on the events page.
Christmas on Grove Street 2026
The celebrations continue on Sunday 6 December with the first Christmas on Grove Street event, sponsored by Costa Coffee.
Grove Street will host a day of festive family entertainment, including a Christmas market, live music, singing, a choir and seasonal street performances.
Visitors can also look out for the Grinch, step inside a festive snow globe and enjoy Christmas food and drink while exploring the town’s shops.
Date: Sunday 6 December 2026
Time: 10am–4pm
Location: Grove Street, Wilmslow
The complete entertainment programme keep an eye on updates on the events page.
