Market Harborough’s Christmas lights switch-on moves to a Saturday

The change to this popular event, organised by Harborough District Council, is to enable more people to attend without rushing home from school or work and gives them the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping beforehand.

The festivities will take place on Saturday 18 November 2023 from 5pm with the switch-on of the lights taking place at 7pm. The Christmas tree will be lit up on the night and is being sponsored by Market Harborough Building Society. It will once again be dressed with baubles decorated by local primary school children providing a unique feature for visitors to admire during all hours of the day.

Free street entertainment will be provided by stilt walkers, fire breathers and jugglers. Santa Clause will be putting smiles on children’s faces and Harborough FM will be broadcasting your favourite Christmas songs as well as broadcasting the switch on live on air.

Businesses will be opening late, and the much-loved Christmas Food and Drink Festival returns on The Square from Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 17, 18, 19 November 2023.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “It’s very important that people know about the change of date for the Christmas lights switch-on event early so they can make a note to come along with their friends or family to join the festivities, perhaps combined with some shopping or a visit to one of the town’s fantastic cafes or restaurants.”

More details of Market Harborough’s Christmas lights switch-on will be shared soon. In the meantime, Harborough District Council is interested to hear about local Christmas events happening across the Harborough district. Please email business@harborough.gov.uk