Plymouth will shine even brighter at this year’s City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-on

27th October 2026

Plymouth is set to sparkle this festive season as residents and visitors gather for the city centre's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On, on Thursday 12 November in the Piazza. Featuring live entertainment and brand-new festive light displays, the event will officially launch Christmas in Plymouth!

The switch-on event is organised by Plymouth City Centre Company, where visitors can enjoy live performances from local dance, theatre and singing groups from 4pm. The countdown begins from 6.25pm, when the city centre's Christmas lights are officially switched-on.

Leading the countdown to the switch-on will be the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Kevin Sproston, alongside Santa and special guests from Theatre Royal Plymouth, including Cinderella and Prince Charming from this year's pantomime, Eve Shanu-Wilson and Michael O'Reilly.

The evening will conclude with a live performance from local favourites Land of the Giants. Renowned for their energetic blend of funk, reggae, ska and rock, the six-piece band is expected to bring the celebrations to a lively close.

This year, the city centre, including the newly transformed Armada Way and water rill, will be shining brightly with brand-new festive lighting displays. A spectacular immersive illuminated canopy will transform the Piazza, featuring elegant sweeping lighting, animated star motifs and nearly 20,000 energy-efficient LEDs, creating a magical backdrop for the Christmas Market and Switch-On celebrations.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the display uses low-energy LED technology and incorporates decorative stars made from recycled plastic, demonstrating how festive lighting can be both eye-catching and environmentally responsible.

Visitors can also enjoy a magnificent 25ft real Christmas tree in Old Town Square, provided by Plymouth City Centre Company, and proudly sponsored by Costa Coffee Plymouth and Plymouth Citybus. The beautifully illuminated tree will provide a striking festive focal point throughout the Christmas period. Old Town Square will host live music and entertainment on selected Thursdays and weekends in the run-up to Christmas.

Steve Hughes, Chief Executive of Plymouth City Centre Company, said:"The Christmas Lights Switch-On is always a special evening for Plymouth, marking the start of the festive season and the beginning of late-night shopping in the city centre. We're delighted to be bringing even more entertainment to the event this year, alongside a spectacular real Christmas tree in Old Town Square, helping to create a fantastic atmosphere for residents and visitors alike."

Christmas Lights Switch-On Stage Programme

4.00pm - 4.15pm | Lipson Cooperative Academy
4.20pm - 4.35pm | Boringdon Primary School
4.45pm - 5.00pm | Razzamataz
5.10pm - 5.25pm | Stage Stars
5.35pm - 5.50pm | Plymkids
6.00pm - 6.20pm | Plymouth Performing Arts Academy
6.25pm - 6.35pm | Christmas Lights Switch-On
6.40pm - 7.45pm | Land of the Giants

The festivities across the city centre continue with Drake Circus and The Barcode also switching on their Christmas lights on Thursday 12 November, with plenty of entertainment to enjoy ahead of the switch-on.

The event also marks the start of Plymouth's late-night shopping period, with many city centre retailers remaining open until 9pm every Thursday from 12 November until 17 December.

Later in the season, the Plymouth Christmas Market will arrive in the city centre from 26 November to 20 December. Operated by event specialists Market Place Europe, the Christmas Market will feature over 50 international and local traders housed in charming, traditional chalets along Armada Way and New George Street.

Explore the all-new Crafter's Cove, a warm, atmospheric craft village featuring 20+ local artisans displaying handcrafted gifts, bespoke artwork, and unique creations. Also new for this year will be an integrated bar and performance area providing covered seating, so visitors can enjoy their food and drink and watch the entertainment and festive area, whatever the weather.

For more information, please visit the website: City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On - Visit Plymouth