Christmas events set to bring cheer to Market Harborough

The popular annual event will take place on The Square in Market Harborough on Friday 18 November 2022 from 5pm with the actual switch on taking place at 6.30pm. The Christmas tree will be lit up on the night and is once again being kindly provided by Market Harborough Building Society. There will also be festive illuminations shining on The Square, Church Street, the Indoor Market and on The Symington Building in Adam and Eve Street, in Market Harborough town centre.

The Christmas tree will this year be finished with baubles decorated by local primary school children providing a unique feature for visitors to admire during all hours of the day.

We warmly welcome special guests including the Rock Choir singing Christmas favourites and Panto Dame, Martin Ballard from De Montfort Hall’s production of Cinderella, to entertain the crowds. Pop along to see Santa Clause with his sleigh and Scout helpers and enjoy the sounds of Harborough FM who will be providing top tunes and broadcasting the switch on live on air.

Several businesses including the Market Harborough Building Society, The White Company, Randalls, Quinns Bookshop and Barker Fleming Home, will be opening late that night so you can browse Christmas gifts and treats. Soak up the atmosphere at the much-loved Christmas Food and Drink Fair which will be on The Square all day from 10am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 18, 19, 20 November 2022 offering delicious, mulled wine, hot chestnuts and many more winter warmers to enjoy.

Please note that to ensure safety for everyone attending the switch on, the roads will be closed from 5pm until 7pm at the junction of Northampton Road and St.Mary’s Road and also at the junction of the High Street and Coventry Road.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “Christmas is the perfect time to come together and celebrate whilst supporting our wonderful range of local independent businesses and retailers, with a range of gifts to suit all pockets. This is just one of a number of exciting free events planned across the district in the lead up to Christmas and I’m sure they’ll all be a roaring success.”     

Updated 17 November 2022: Please note that Martin Ballard won’t be at the light switch-on due to ill health.