Illustration of Santa in a red knitted suit reading a paper list with a small child beside a lit tree and fireplace (Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On)

Darwen Christmas Lights Switch On

Crowds gather in Market Square to mark the start of the holiday season with the town's annual lights switch-on. Visitors can enjoy live music, dance performances, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the square. Festive market stalls also offer food and drink alongside holiday shopping.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

discoverdarwen.co.uk

When

Tickets

Free event.

Hours

All day.

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Darwen Town Centre

Food & Drink

Food and drink are available as part of the event.

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Darwen Market Square · Croft Street, BB3 1BH, Darwen Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and festive-season visitors

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Dress warmly for a day outdoors in Market Square, where the crowds gather for live entertainment and the countdown to the lights.
  • Arrive with time to browse the market stalls for food, drink and festive shopping before the lights go on.
  • Make a day of it and shop for gifts and stocking fillers at Darwen's independent shops and Darwen Market.

Links & Contact

Run by Blackburn with Darwen Council

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens at the switch-on?

Crowds gather in Market Square for music, dance, live entertainment, family activities and the countdown to the lights going on.

Is it a good day out for families?

Yes. It's a free, family-friendly event, and thousands of families come to Darwen each year to welcome the start of the festive season.

Is there food, drink and shopping?

Yes. There are markets, food and drink at the switch-on itself, and Darwen's independent shops and Darwen Market are close by for Christmas gifts.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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