Some events have passed, but scroll down to see switch-ons in Hull & East Yorkshire that haven’t happened yet!
Parliament Street, York: Thu 16 Nov @ 10:00am – 7:00pm
Technically not in East Yorkshire, but worth talking about! As with last year, York won’t be hosting a traditional light switch-on; instead there will be a soft launch at the start of the York Christmas Market, which will run from Thursday 16 November to Friday 22 December 2023.
Flemingate, Beverley: Fri 17th Nov @ 6:45pm
Beverley’s light switch-on is scheduled for 6:45pm this year, in the midst of a celebration event starting at 5pm including a Nordic “Christmas Tipi” bar, late-night shopping, a variety of food and drink, and funfair rides. The switch-on will be immediately followed by a seven-minute firework display set to music, and the headline act featuring Nadine Coyle from the iconic girl group, Girls Aloud. Also performing on stage will be the official UK number one Taylor Swift tribute artist, Katy Ellis, the All for One Choir and Linkage College Choir, performing Christmas classics, and the cast of Talegate Theatre’s Pinocchio.
Bridlington: Sun 19 Nov @ 5:30pm
Bridlington’s light switch-on will take place at 5:30pm at King Street Market, accompanied by a celebration and food market running from 11am, with Santa and BBC Look North’s Peter Levy as special guests. The food market will feature local, national, and international cuisine, plus artisan food, street food, seafood, real ale and lots more, with gluten-free and vegan options available. The market will also include a range of retail stores.
The Square, Hessle: Fri 24th Nov @ 6:30pm
As part of Hessle’s Christmas lights switch on, a Christmas market event will take place from 5pm. The event will feature staged performances in The Square, food stalls, rides, and market stalls along the Weir. The lights will be switched on at 6.30pm, by the Town Mayor of Hessle, Cllr John Bovill and Father Christmas.
Market Place, Hedon: Fri 24th Nov @ 6:30pm
Hedon’s light switch-on in the Market Place will take place at 6:30pm, coordinated by the 676th Hedon Mayor Councillor Di Storr. The switch-on event will be running from 5pm until 9pm, featuring costumed characters, giant stilt walkers, children’s rides, the Army Cadets band and the Christmas singers and entertainment. Christmas stalls will line the streets and stores will take part too.
Newbegin, Hornsea: Fri 24th Nov @ 6:30pm
Details are still sparse regarding Hornsea’s light switch-on, but according to Hornsea & District Chamber of Trade’s Lights Night Facebook page, it looks like it will be taking place at 6:30pm this year, on Newbegin near Hornsea Museum. The switch-on event will start at 6pm and end at 8pm. There will also be an emporium of crafts open from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at St Nicholas Parish Hall.
St. Andrew’s Church, Kirk Ella: Sat 25th Nov @ 4:00pm
Kirk Ella and West Ella Parish Council are hosting another light switch-on this year. The lights will be switched on by 4-time European Medalist Fin Clark, GBR U21 Compound Archer, ranked #1 Junior Archer in GB, accompanied by a choir of children from Kirk Ella St. Andrew’s Community Primary School.
Cave Castle Hotel, South Cave: Sat 25th Nov @ 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Cave Castle Hotel are hosting a Christmas Market & Lights Switch-On, with live entertainment, food vendors, a fireworks display, alpacas and donkeys, and much more, running from 3pm to 8pm. The celebration supports Mission Christmas, a Cash for Kids charity event dedicated to raising funds and collecting gifts for underprivileged children, ensuring they have a present to open on Christmas morning.
The Star Inn, Willerby: Thu 30th Nov @ 6:45pm
Willerby Parish Council’s Christmas Tree Switch On event will run from 6pm on Thursday 30th November at the Star Inn at The Star Inn, Main Street, Willerby. The event will feature the U3A Ukulele Band playing festive favourites, mulled wine & mince pies, live festive music from Larks Duo, Disney’s Frozen Elsa & Bauble the Elf, and West Hull FM. The lights are to be switched on between 6:45pm-7pm.
Town Centre, Driffield: Fri 1 Dec @ 7:00pm
Driffield’s switch-on will take place on 1 December 2023 at 7pm. As in previous years, they will also be hosting the Dickensian Christmas celebration with plenty of activities planned starting at 1pm, including a small funfair on George Street extending into Middle Street South. Father Christmas will arrive in his Grotto to meet the children at 43 Market Place at 4pm, and in addition, face painting by Fun Packed Parties will be provided. Expect interviews with the Mayor and Santa, performances under the Plaza of Light, and much more too!
Cottingham: Sun 3 Dec @ 10:30am – 4:30pm
Details are sparse regarding Cottingham’s Christmas festival and whether there will be a light switch-on this year, but from the Cottingham Council website and Facebook, it looks as though the Cottingham Christmas Festival 2023 will be taking place on Sunday 3rd December 2023, from 10:30am to 4:30pm, hosting around 80 stalls, food outlets, children’s rides, music, and more. Keep an eye out for more details regarding the lights, but for now it looks like it might be the same as last year; no official switch on, the lights will be on as soon as they are all up.
Hull’s stunning Christmas lights were switched on by Hull-born football legend and Former England Women’s Football Captain Dr Carol Thomas, alongside the Lord Mayor, Cllr Kalvin Neal.
Queen Victoria Square came alive with stunning light and sound installations on Thursday 16 November, with a 50 ft spruce sponsored by KWL forming the centrepiece for the event.
Entertainment got underway at 5pm, with Hull DJ Darren Lethem playing host from Hull City Hall balcony to introduce live performances to entertain the crowds.
Hull’s State of the Arts Academy provided local talent with vocalists singing Christmas songs from 5:30pm.
Dr Carol Thomas and Lord Mayor were joined by a very special guest straight out of the North Pole, in switching on the lights at 6:45pm.
The light switch-on included a firework display (weather dependent) over Queen Victoria Square as well as a festive lighting display across Queen Victoria Square.
