Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On
Visitors can experience a festive celebration across Paisley town centre culminating in Santa and Renfrewshire's Provost switching on the town's Christmas lights. The day features live music from stages on Gauze Street and the Cenotaph, roving street performers like living snow globes and fantastical birds, and sparkling light tunnels in Dunn Square. Families can step inside a giant photo snow globe, ride funfair attractions, and browse food, drink, and gifts at the Big Feed market.
See more other Christmas activities near Paisley
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Free admission to the event. The Stick Man Storytelling Session is a separate session with a free place.
Hours
Event: 1:00pm–6:00pm. Main Stage: 1pm–6pm; performances at 1pm, 1.45pm, 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm. Cenotaph performances: 12.30pm–5.30pm; listed performances at 12.45pm, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm, 4.30pm and 5pm. Street performances: 1pm–5.45pm; Fantastical Winter Birds at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm; The Living Snow Globes at 1.15pm, 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.45pm, 4.30pm and 5pm; Bad Santas at 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm. The Art Department workshops and film screening: 3pm–6pm. Stick Man Storytelling Session: 3pm. Giant Snow Globe: 1pm–6pm. Funfair rides: 1pm–6pm. The Big Feed: 12noon–8pm.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Paisley town centre
Food & Drink
The Big Feed in Abbey Close sells food and drinks alongside artisan gifts.
Parking
Parking is available across Paisley town centre, though some locations may be affected by road closures. Recommended car parks are Piazza Shopping Centre car park and Horizon Car Park (Paisley Shopping Centre). Blue Badge parking is available at Paisley Centre and Piazza Shopping Centre car parks. Temporary road closures and parking restrictions will be in place.
Accessibility
Features a raised accessible viewing platform on Gauze Street beside the main stage, accessible toilets site-wide, and a mobile Changing Place on Cotton Street.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Take the train to Paisley Gilmour Street, then exit via County Square to reach the event site.
- If driving, allow for temporary road closures and parking restrictions; the Piazza and Horizon car parks are recommended.
- Book a free place via Ticketsolve for the Stick Man storytelling session, which is suitable for ages 0–5.
- Book in with The Art Department for its Christmas crafts workshops or festive film screening.
- Arrive early if you need seating at the raised accessible viewing platform, as seats are allocated first-come, first-served.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free admission to the event.
- The Stick Man storytelling session is for ages 0–5 and requires a booked free place.
- Skipinnish performs during the Christmas lights switch-on.
Links & Contact
Run by Paisley Is
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 contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the event suitable for children?
The celebration has activities for all ages. The separately booked Stick Man storytelling session is for children aged 0–5.
What can families do during the event?
Browse the Big Feed, enjoy funfair rides, visit the Giant Snow Globe, watch street performers, and take part in arts and crafts or a festive film screening.
Do I need to book for the Stick Man storytelling session?
Yes. Book a free place through Ticketsolve; the session includes singing, games, movement and creative play.
Where can I find food and drink?
The Big Feed in Abbey Close sells food and drinks, and cafés and restaurants are also available around the town centre.
What accessibility facilities are available?
There is step-free viewing on a raised platform beside the main stage, accessible toilets across the site, quiet spaces, and a mobile Changing Place. Blue Badge parking and mobility equipment hire are also available.
Browse Christmas in Paisley
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.