- FREE Festive afternoon of family-friendly entertainment, walkabout characters and live performances
- Family entertainment starts at 12 noon, live acts from 2pm
- Christmas lights switch-on at 6.30pm
Tamworth is getting ready to welcome the festive season with a spectacular day of Christmas entertainment, family activities and seasonal fun at the town’s annual Christmas lights switch-on.
The celebrations will take place on Saturday 28 November 2026 at Tamworth Castle Grounds, with festivities beginning at 12 noon and building up to the official Christmas lights switch-on at 6.30pm.
Visitors can step into the festive spirit and enjoy a packed programme for the whole family, including the chance to meet Santa in his grotto and spot walkabout characters, including the Grinch.
From 2pm, the stage will come alive with performances from local acts, providing entertainment throughout the afternoon as the countdown to the big switch-on gets underway.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to soak up the Christmas atmosphere, with Barker’s Family Fun Fair and food and drink available throughout the festivities.
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement, leisure and heritage, said: “The Christmas lights switch-on is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together and celebrate the start of the festive season in Tamworth.
“There will be plenty to enjoy throughout the day, from Santa and live entertainment to the family fun fair, before we come together for the big lights switch-on at 6.30pm.
“We hope residents and visitors will join us at the Castle Grounds and enjoy everything Tamworth has to offer as we begin the countdown to Christmas.”
Families can also make a full day of their trip into the town, with Ankerside Shopping Centre hosting a Christmas toy fair from 9am until 6pm on the same day.
People attending the event are encouraged to consider using public transport where possible. Tamworth Castle Grounds is around a 10-minute walk from Tamworth Railway Station, which also has a taxi rank, and just over a five-minute walk from the main bus terminus.
Visitors travelling by car can use nearby council-run car parks or Ankerside Shopping Centre car park, which is next to the Castle Grounds. Please note: Castle car park will be closed for the event.
The Tamworth Christmas lights switch-on 2026 is free to attend, additional charges applicable for stall purchases and Santa’s grotto. For more information, visit the Tamworth Borough Council Christmas lights switch-on webpage: Christmas Lights Switch On | Tamworth Borough Council