The nights are drawing in, the air’s getting crisper, and suddenly every cafe seems to smell more and more cinnamony. Of course, that can only mean one thing… Christmas is on its way! And here in Teesside, we know how to kick off the festive season in style and with a healthy dose of twinkling lights.
From Stockton’s sparkling high street to Darlington’s magical market square, towns across Teesside are gearing up to flick the switch on Christmas 2025. Whether you’re in it for the fireworks, the mulled wine, or the good old-fashioned family fun, there’s something to brighten everyone’s winter evenings.
Take a look at this blog post to find out everything you need to know about Teesside’s Christmas light switch ons in 2025 (listed in date order).
Darlington
When: The Darlington Christmas light switch on is on Sunday 16th November 2025.
Where: Darlington Market Square, DL1 5QA
Time: 4-6pm
Come down to Darlington Market Square to join in the free fun with live music and special guests from Darlington Hippodrome pantomime, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The festive entertainment starts at 4pm, presented by radio DJs Steve and Karen. Singers and a host of fairytale characters will also be on stage before Santa, supported by Darlington Round Table, counts us down to the big switch on. The switch on will take place just before 5.30pm followed by a short, celebratory firework display.
Ingleby Barwick
When: The Ingleby Barwick Christmas light switch on is on Friday 21st November 2025.
Where: Myton House Farm, TS17 0WB
Time: 4-6pm
Expect plenty of festive cheer at the annual Ingleby Barwick Big Light Switch On with children’s rides, hot food and drinks, carols by Ingleby Barwick Community Choir, and live music from a brass band. The event starts at 4pm and live entertainment from 5:30pm.
Hartlepool (Wintertide Festival)
Hartlepool are not having an official Christmas light switch on for the town. However, Wintertide Festival are a light switch on.
When: The Wintertide Festival Christmas light switch on is on Friday 21st November 2025.
Where: Town Square, TS24 0JE
Time: 5-5:30pm
The Light Switch On signifies the starting point for all programmed events of Wintertide 2025 to start, before the opening parade. The evening begins with the switch on of stunning illuminated artworks and Christmas lights, followed by the vibrant community parade that sets the festival in motion.
Middlesbrough
When: The Middlesbrough Christmas light switch on is on Sunday 23rd November 2025.
Where: Centre Square, TS1 2BF
Time: 12:15-6pm
Middlesbrough is bringing a bumper Christmas Light Switch On to the town. The event will start with a Christmas parade through the town centre, where crowds can gather to cheer on the colourful display of characters, including Frozen’s Elsa, Santa Claus and two of his favourite reindeer. Then Centre Square will be filled with market stalls and a jam-packed stage programme including local dance acts and a pop party with your favourite family-friendly hits. The lights will then be switched on at 5pm with a festive party to follow.
Redcar
When: The Redcar Christmas light switch on is on Sunday 23rd November 2025.
Where: Redcar town centre, TS10 3DE
Time: 12-6pm
The magical Winter Safari themed season kicks off in spectacular style in Redcar town centre. There’s plenty to enjoy throughout the afternoon with walkabout characters including The Grinch and Cindy Lou, a Christmas food and drink market and live music on the BBC Tees stage including the UK’s youngest crooner George Robinson. Hop aboard the Arriva bus for free Santa visits and seasonal crafts or climb into a giant Snow Globe before the switch on at 5pm.
Stockton
When: The Stockton Christmas light switch on is on Thursday 27th November 2025.
Where: Stockton High Street, TS20 1DR
Time: 5-7pm
Head to Stockton on Thursday 27th November from 5pm for the launch of Stockton Sparkles, with an evening full of live music and entertainment, hot food and drinks, and of course the Christmas light switch on at 6.30pm.
Billingham
When: The Billingham Christmas light switch on is on Saturday 28th November 2025.
Where: Billingham town centre, TS23 2LS
Time: 1-5pm
Head to Billingham Town Centre and Billingham Library for a day full of festive fun for the whole family including arts and crafts, letters to Santa, face painting and Santa’s grotto! The lights will be switched on at 5pm.
Saltburn
When: The Saltburn Christmas light switch on is on Saturday 29th November 2025.
Where: Saltburn Station, TS12 1AQ
Time: 2:30-6pm
Kick off the festive season in style as Saltburn lights up with its Christmas lights launch. This magical event promises fun for the whole family, with crafts, a parade, and, of course, Santa himself! The festivities begin with elves in the library from 2:30-4:30pm, helping Saltburn get ready for Christmas with fun Christmas crafts for all to enjoy. The excitement builds as the parade, featuring Santa, departs from Saltburn Fire Station at 5pm and makes its way to the Station Portico for the official lights switch on.
Yarm
When: The Yarm Christmas light switch on in on Sunday 7th December 2025.
Where: Yarm High Street, TS15 9AH
Time: 4-5pm
Yarm will be flickering to festive life on Sunday 7th December! Head to the High Street to see the lights being turned on, as well as hear some festive choral singing. It’s sure to put you in the Christmassy mood!
Which of these Teesside Christmas light switch ons will you be going to?
