With Christmas around the corner and many ticking off gifts on their Christmas lists and to help people get in the festive mood, we've got a Christmas light switch-on round-up for the North East.
Sunderland
The event will take place on Thursday, November 16, beginning at Keel Square at 5pm where Disney Characters and Elves will be available for photo opportunities while the choir sings.
At 6pm Metro Radio’s Steve and Karen will welcome everyone to the switch-on alongside a performance from some Frozen characters.
There is additional entertainment from the band Khalysis and a visit from the cast of this year’s Sunderland Empire Pantomime. There will be many Christmas-themed games and many opportunities to win prizes and goodie bags.
The grand switch-on will happen at 7pm when Cllr Dorothy Trueman and two Sunderland Football Players will join the festive fun.
Ripon
The event will take place on Saturday, November 18 from 1pm at Ripon Market Square.
With free fairground rides from start to finish and Santa and his Reindeer available to visit until 4:30pm and live entertainment from 3pm-6pm it will definitely get you into the festive spirit. The light switch on is expected to occur at 5pm.
The event will take place Sunday, November 19 from 4pm at Market Square, with Metro Radio’s Steve and Karen hosting plenty of fun and music on the main stage.
The big switch-on will be done by Santa Claus himself and will culminate with a two-minute fireworks display at 5:30pm.
The event will also include an accessible viewing area for wheelchair users.
Middlesbrough
The event will take place on Sunday, November 19 from 12pm-6:30pm and will be an afternoon of music, entertainment and delicious treats.
With live performances from the North East Opera and many more. There is also the opportunity to snap a photo with the giant snow globe in Centre Square.
BBC Tees Gary Philipson will be hosting some games and chatting to Amelia Lily and Philip Green about this year’s pantomime before the big switch-on at 5:30pm.
Redcar
The event will take place on 26th November beginning at 2pm on Redcar High Street.
Make sure to wrap up warm and follow the illumination parade starting at 4pm to stretch out the festive fun from the civic centre to Redcar Town.
There is set to be over 200 participants with a variety of artwork, professional performers, and music artists.
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Saltburn
The event will take place on Saturday, December 2 at 2:30pm and will be an afternoon of events in Saltburn library, where Father Christmas will be available to meet families in his grotto for free before the switch on at 5pm.
Replacing the annual Christmas parade due to unexpected circumstances after the light switch on Father Christmas will travel around the town with the help of Saltburn Fire Service finishing at the Station Portico.
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