Shropshire Christmas Lights Switch On 2023

Given the amount of people who looked up the Bonfire Night listings, I thought a Shropshire Christmas lights directory was in order! It’s handy to find everything in one place and in date order I think, so you can plan your free time. I suspect that more events will come to light as we go through November. If you spot anything I’ve missed please add it in the comments below and I’ll keep the list as up to date as I can.

I haven’t found any information for Clun yet. Give me a shout if you see it!

Thursday 16th November

• Oswestry, The Bailey Head – 4pm – 7pm – Entertainment from local performers and school children, stalls and food to browse. Possibly even a visit from the Big Man in Red. Lights switched on around 6.30pm.

Saturday 18th November

• Dawley – Event runs 12-6pm.

Wednesday 22nd November

• Shrewsbury – due to the tragic events in Shrewsbury the switch on event was cancelled by the town council. The lights will be switched on quietly and without ceremony over the next few days.

Thursday 23rd November

• Albrighton – Switch on at 6pm – Lots of entertainment, rides, Santa’s Grotto, stalls and such to enjoy.

Friday 24th November

• Bridgnorth – Entertainment on stage from local children then professional performers. Lights on at 6pm. Finishes at 8pm.
• Ellesmere – From 4pm with tree lighting ceremony at around 5.45pm, 6pm. Lots of activities happening – Christmas market, grotto, Santa on a narrowboat, lantern parade, entertainment and late night market.
• Malinslee – 3pm-6pm – Entertainment includes a UV silent disco and 360 degree photo booth, plus free rides for the kids. At the Malinslee Centre with fireworks to close at 6pm.
• Newport – 5pm – 8pm – Entertainment, parade and switch on in the Square around 6pm.

Saturday 25th November

• Church Stretton – Craven Arms – 5pm – 8pm – Santa, entertainment, stalls, fairground rides & children’s entertainment. Road closures 11am – 7pm. Switch on time not released at the time of writing.
• Ironbridge – Lights on at 7pm with a firework display immediately afterwards. Entertainment starts at 4.30pm including a lantern parade across the bridge. Santa will be at The Little Christmas Shop.
• Ludlow – Lights switched on at 5pm. Loads going on in town during the day – craft fair, makers market, Santa’s grotto, Castle light trail. Events are running all weekend long as part of the Ludlow Winter Festival.
• Madeley – Visit Santa at the lights switch on, along with rides, stalls and entertainment. Advertised 10-5pm.
• Market Drayton Festival of Lights – Events from 10am, switch on at 5pm. There will be a market, children’s activities, live music and more through the day.
• Oakengates – 2pm – 7pm – Entertainment on the stage throughout, lights on at 6pm. Free fairground rides for children.
• Shifnal – 2pm – 8pm – Lights, entertainment and Christmas market. Switch on at 6.30pm.
• Wellington – 2pm – 5pm – Road closures from 3pm. Activities in the square, All Saints Church and All Saints Parish Centre. Lights on at 5pm. Festive films at the Orbit. Late NIght Market from 5pm.
• Whitchurch – 12pm – 6.30pm – Christmas market in the Bullring. Entertainment outside the civic centre from 12pm, followed by lantern parade at 4pm and switch on at 5pm, the church bells will ring from 6pm and there will be food and drink stalls in the High Street.

Sunday 26th November

• Donnington – 1pm – 5pm – Entertainment on the stage, Santa, funfair and nativity scene with real animals! On the Parade. Lights presumably at 5pm…

Monday 27th November

• Arleston, Shawbirch & Brooklands – Santa and the Mayor of Wellington will be visiting Shawbirch at 5pm, Brooklands at 5.30pm, Arleston at 6pm – children are invited to bring their letters to Santa and have some chocolate. I don’t know how you are supposed to know exactly where to go if I’m honest!!

Friday 1st December

• Wem – Light switch on as part of the Wem Winter Festival weekend with a craft and food market.

Saturday 2nd December

• Bishop’s Castle – 6pm – 10pm – High Street.
• Much Wenlock Christmas Fayre – 10am – 5pm – 150 stalls, fake snow and entertainment finished with a candlelit procession and carols in the square. No mention of lights going on but it sounds nice anyway.