This year’s Christmas Light Switch On has been moved to a Wednesday evening following requests from retailers to align with late night Wednesday trading in the city centre.
The Light Switch On is scheduled for Wednesday 22 November 2023 at 6.30 pm, with entertainment between 5.00 pm and 8.00pm.
The centrepiece of the festive decorations, a mighty 50-foot Christmas tree – from Kielder Forest in Northumberland – is due to arrive in the second week of November when it will take pride of place next to the Clock Tower.
Other highlights include a Christmas grotto, which will be built in Town Hall Square ready for Santa’s annual visit to the city. The traditional nativity scene will also return to the square in time for the big switch on.
The massive 110m-high Wheel of Light will return to illuminate Jubilee Square – as well as offering people the chance to see Leicester’s Christmas lights from a new perspective – from Friday 17 November.
The popular ice rink is also due to make its return to Jubilee Square from Thursday 7 December.
“The city centre looks its festive best with over 16,000 lights adorning the streets, shopping centres and Christmas tree at Clock Tower. It is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to market themselves and to showcase the brilliant city centre offer this Christmas,” said a spokesman for Leicester City Council.
A number of activities will take place at key locations around the city centre as part of the Christmas light switch-on, including brass bands performing in Town Hall Square, a live DJ set from the Haymarket balcony and the Bright Christmas light installation made up of 33,000 coloured LED lights at Highcross.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke said: “As soon as the lights start to go up across the city centre, Christmas doesn’t seem that far away. Our lighting team are once again working hard to make sure that Leicester looks magical in time for our big switch-on event.
“We look forward to welcoming people from around the city and the county for the start of our Christmas celebrations, and to enjoy all that Leicester has to offer over the festive season.”
Full details are available at Christmas In Leicester
