Christmas Lights Switch On in Coventry 2026
By Coventry Rocks · Published Published
There's nothing quite like the Christmas lights being switched on to get everyone into the festive spirit! From sparkling town centres and Christmas markets to live entertainment, festive stalls and visits from Father Christmas, there are some fantastic Christmas lights switch-on events happening in and around Coventry this year.
Christmas Lights Switch On in Coventry 2026
If you're looking for a Christmas lights switch on in Coventry, we've put together a guide to some of the best local events to visit in 2026. We've included locations across Coventry, as well as nearby towns and villages including Bedworth, Kenilworth, Rugby, Warwick and Leamington Spa.
Whether you're planning a festive family day out, looking for somewhere to take the children to see Father Christmas, or simply want to enjoy the countdown to Christmas, here are some of the best Christmas lights switch-on events near Coventry:
Coventry Festival of Christmas – Friday 13th November 2026
Royal Leamington Spa Christmas Lights Switch On – Sunday 15th November 2026
Bulkington Christmas Lights Switch On – Friday 20th November 2026
Bedworth Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 21st November 2026
Rugby Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 21st November 2026
Warwick Victorian Evening & Christmas Lights Switch On – Thursday 26th November 2026
Kenilworth Christmas Lights Switch On – Friday 27th November 2026
Wolvey Chapel Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 28th November 2026
Cubbington Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 28th November 2026
Whitnash Christmas Lights Switch On – Sunday 29th November 2026
Brinklow Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 5th December 2026
Brandon Christmas Lights Switch On – Sunday 6th December 2026
Balsall Common Lights Switch On – Date TBC
Christmas Lights Switch On Events in Coventry
Is There a Christmas Lights Switch On in Coventry City Centre?
Coventry city centre won't be hosting a traditional standalone Christmas lights switch-on event in 2026. Instead, the city is welcoming the festive season with its Christmas market, Big Wheel and Festival of Christmas celebrations.
The Christmas market and Big Wheel open on Friday 13th November, bringing plenty of festive atmosphere to Broadgate and the surrounding city centre. The Christmas lights will be illuminated for visitors, with the wider illuminations increasing after the Coventry Blitz anniversary on 14th November.
It's still well worth heading into Coventry city centre to enjoy the festive decorations, browse the Christmas market and soak up the atmosphere.
Location: Broadgate, Coventry, CV1 1LN.
Date: From Friday 13th November 2026.
Christmas Lights Switch On Events Near Coventry
Although Coventry city centre isn't holding a traditional switch-on this year, there are lots of fantastic events taking place just a short drive away.
Royal Leamington Spa Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
The Royal Leamington Spa Big Lights Switch On is a fantastic festive event, with a full day of entertainment, Christmas markets and family fun.
The Parade will be filled with festive stalls, where you can browse handmade gifts, crafts, local produce and delicious seasonal food and drink.
Live entertainment starts at 3pm, with performances from local musicians, entertainers and the Royal Spa Centre pantomime cast. The big moment arrives at 5.30pm when the Christmas lights are switched on, officially welcoming Christmas to Leamington Spa.
Date: Sunday 15th November 2026.
Time: Christmas market from 10am, entertainment from 3pm, lights switched on at 5.30pm.
Location: The Parade, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 4AT.
Bulkington Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
Get into the Christmas spirit at this festive community evening! There will be market stalls to browse, a funfair for the kids, hot food to keep you warm and live entertainment throughout the evening.
The highlight is the Christmas lights switch on at 6.30pm, so make sure you’re there to see the lights come on and kick off the festive season in style. Wrap up warm and bring friends and family along for a lovely night out.
Date: Friday 20th November 2026
Time: 4pm - 8pm | Lights switch on at 6.30pm
Location: 37 Leicester Street, Bulkington, Bedworth, CV12 9NQ
Bedworth Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
The Bedworth Christmas Lights Switch On is always a popular local event and a fantastic way to kick off the festive season with the family.
Taking place in Bedworth town centre, the celebrations include live music, entertainment, festive stalls, food and drink, funfair attractions and a visit from Father Christmas.
The main stage will be in All Saints Square, with entertainment starting at 3pm. The highlight of the evening is the official Christmas lights switch-on at 6pm, followed by a fireworks display.
There will also be entertainment inside Bedworth Covered Market, which will be open from 10am.
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026.
Time: Festivities from 3pm, lights switched on at 6pm.
Location: All Saints Square and Bedworth town centre, Bedworth, CV12 8LA.
Rugby Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
Head over to Rugby for an evening of festive entertainment at the town's Christmas Lights Switch On.
There will be plenty happening throughout the town centre, including live music, dance performances, fairground rides, seasonal food and drink stalls and a festive land train.
One of the highlights this year is a spectacular interactive drone and light show taking place above Rugby School, with two performances planned for the evening.
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm on North Street, with Father Christmas joining the Mayor of Rugby for the big countdown.
Date: Saturday 21st November 2026.
Time: 3pm–8pm, lights switched on at 6pm.
Location: North Street, Rugby town centre, CV21.
Warwick Victorian Evening & Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
Warwick's Victorian Evening is one of the area's most popular festive events and a lovely opportunity to enjoy a traditional Christmas celebration.
The town centre is transformed with Victorian-themed stalls, fairground rides, street entertainment, festive food and drink and live performances.
There will be plenty to see and do throughout the afternoon and evening, with visitors encouraged to dress up in their best Victorian outfits.
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 7pm, followed by further entertainment and performances.
It's a fantastic event for families and anyone who enjoys a traditional Christmas atmosphere.
Date: Thursday 26th November 2026.
Time: 3pm–9pm, lights switched on at 7pm.
Location: Market Place, Warwick, CV34 4SA.
Kenilworth Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
The Kenilworth High Street Christmas Lights Switch On is another lovely local event, bringing the community together to celebrate the start of Christmas.
Organised by Kenilworth Town Council alongside Old Town Community Events and the High Street Illuminations Committee, the evening will include musical entertainment, community stalls, festive food and drink and a visit from Santa.
Date: Friday 27th November 2026.
Time: 5pm–8pm, lights switched on at 6pm.
Location: High Street, Kenilworth, CV8 1LY.
Wolvey Chapel Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
Join the friendly village community at The Chapel in Wolvey for the Annual Christmas Fair and Lights Switch On! Browse the craft stalls, enjoy festive refreshments and meet the Alpaca Pals, with lots more festive fun along the way.
The evening kicks off with a carol sing-along and light switch-on at 5pm. Father Christmas will be visiting from 5.30pm - 6.30pm, so little ones can say hello and share their Christmas wishes.
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026
Time: 4.30pm - 6.30pm | Lights switch on at 5pm
Location: Wolvey Baptist Chapel, School Lane, Wolvey LE10 3LH
Cubbington Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
If you're looking for a smaller, community-focused Christmas lights switch-on, the Cubbington event is well worth a visit.
Taking place in the village, the celebrations will include hot food, a cosy bar and the magical moment when the Christmas tree lights are switched on.
There's also a fun land train running from the village centre to the bottom of Queen Street, taking visitors on a festive journey to the North Pole.
It's a lovely way to enjoy some Christmas magic with the family.
Date: Saturday 28th November 2026.
Time: 3pm–7pm, lights switched on at 5.20pm.
Location: High Street and Queen Street, Cubbington, near Leamington Spa.
Whitnash Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
The Whitnash Christmas Lights Switch On is another great community event taking place close to Coventry.
Hosted at the Civic Centre, the afternoon promises plenty of festive fun, including funfair rides, crafts, seasonal treats and the chance to meet Father Christmas.
The lights will be switched on at 6pm by the Mayor of Whitnash, making this a lovely event for families looking to enjoy a festive afternoon together.
Date: Sunday 29th November 2026.
Time: 3pm–6.30pm, lights switched on at 6pm.
Location: Whitnash Civic Centre, Acre Close, Whitnash, Leamington Spa, CV31 2ND.
Brinklow Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
Get into the festive spirit at Brinklow Christmas Market, with more than 50 gift, craft and food stalls spread across the village. Browse local crafts and food producers while enjoying a day of Christmas fun for all the family. Children can visit Father Christmas in the Christmas grotto from 12pm.
The festivities finish with the Christmas lights switch-on and carols at 3.30pm. With free entry, festive music and plenty of seasonal shopping, it's a lovely opportunity to enjoy the community Christmas celebrations.
Date: Saturday 5th December 2026
Time: 11am - 4pm | Lights switch on at 3.30pm
Location: Brinklow Village, Barr Lane, Brinklow, CV23 0LU
Brandon Christmas Lights Switch On 2026
If you're looking for a cosy village experience, why not visit Brandon? The Brandon Christmas Lights Switch On starts with a festive market. Head along to the market at the Royal Oak, which runs from 4.30pm until 9pm. Browse the stalls, pick up some festive treats and get into the Christmas spirit.
At 5pm, the village lights will be switched on at the Memorial in Brandon. Wrap up warm and bring the family to enjoy a lovely community celebration.
Date: Sunday 6th December 2026
Time: Christmas market 4.30pm - 9pm, light switch on at 5pm
Location: Royal Oak Brandon, Station Road, Brandon, Warwickshire CV8 3HR
Balsall Common Lights Switch On 2026
Date: TBC
Time:
Location: Station Road, Balsall Common, CV7 7FE
Tips for attending lights switch on events
Choose the event that's right for your family. Some events are busy, flashy events with lots of entertainment, fireworks and funfairs etc. If this would be overwhelming for your little ones, pick a smaller, village event.
Check road closures. Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth and Cubbington all close streets - it's wise to park further away and walk.
Fireworks warning. Bedworth and Nuneaton both finish with fireworks. Take ear defenders for small or sensitive kids, or find a quieter event.
Take Cash. Funfair rides and market stalls don't always take cards so it's useful to have cash on you.
FAQs
When are Coventry's Christmas lights switched on in 2026?
Coventry no longer holds a separate switch-on. The Festival of Christmas is on Saturday 21 November 2026; times haven't been announced yet. In 2025 the lights came on as part of the festival.
Are the Christmas lights switch-ons free?
Most Christmas switch-on events are free to attend, with some attractions carrying a small charge. Rugby's drone show is £5 a ticket.
When does Coventry Christmas Market open?
Coventry Christmas Market opens on Friday 13th November 2026, running until Sunday 3 January 2027, with the Big Wheel back in Broadgate.
Which switch-ons have fireworks?
Bedworth (after the 6pm switch-on) and Nuneaton (after the 6.30pm switch-on), according to the council.
More Christmas Events in Coventry
There are plenty of other ways to get into the Christmas spirit around Coventry, from festive markets and Christmas light trails to visits from Santa and family-friendly activities.
If you're planning some festive fun, take a look at our other local guides:
Christmas Events in Coventry: Discover festive activities and events taking place across the city.
Christmas Markets Near Coventry: Find local Christmas markets, handmade gifts and festive food.
Where to Buy Real Christmas Trees in Coventry: Find local garden centres and Christmas tree farms selling real Christmas trees.
Carol Concerts in Coventry: Find gorgeous local carolling events.
Tractor Runs in Coventry: Where to find tractor runs in Coventry and Warwickshire, raising money for great causes.
Visit Coventry Rocks for more local events, family days out and things to do in Coventry and Warwickshire.
We hope you find a lovely Christmas lights switch-on event to enjoy this year. Don't forget to wrap up warm, bring the family and enjoy a little festive magic!
