Morpeth Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026

The Christmas lights switch-on is the one afternoon of the year when the whole of Morpeth seems to turn up on Bridge Street at once. Morpeth Town Council has confirmed the 2026 event for Saturday 14 November, with entertainment from 12pm and the lights going on at 5pm. This guide covers the timings, what is on, and how to get there and back without spending half the evening in a queue of traffic.

For the rest of the season, from Santa visits to carol services, see our wider guide to Christmas in Morpeth.

When and where

The Morpeth Christmas Light Switch-On takes place on Bridge Street, the main shopping street running from the Telford Bridge end of town up towards the Clock Tower and the Market Place. According to the Town Council's announcement, the key times are:

• 12pm: festivities start on Bridge Street
• 3pm: Rutherford & Co reveals its Christmas window
• 5pm: Santa and the Mayor switch on the lights

The council has not published a ticket price, and the event has been run as a free family day in recent years. If you have a question about access or facilities on the day, the council's office is on 01670 514314 or info@morpeth-tc.gov.uk.

What is on

The afternoon is built around families. The council lists funfair rides, face painting, photos in a snow globe and a visit from Santa.

On the stage, BBC Newcastle's Matt Bailey hosts a line-up of local school choirs and dancers, Rock Choir, The Overthinkers and the Ellington Colliery Brass Band. The Ellington Colliery band is a familiar name at Morpeth's switch-on, having also played the town's celebrations in previous years.

Rutherford's window reveal at 3pm is a small but well-loved tradition. The family-owned department store has been trading since 1846, and its festive window is one of the town's signs that Christmas has properly started.

The council has not mentioned fireworks, a market or food stalls for 2026. Earlier switch-ons in Morpeth, organised with Sanderson Arcade, ran over several days with a festive market and a closing firework display, but the current format is a single afternoon. Check the Town Council's page and social channels nearer the day for the full programme and any late additions.

Best for:

Best for: a free afternoon out with children, building up to the countdown at 5pm.

The Elf Door Trail

Running alongside the switch-on, the Town Council's Elf Door Trail is in the town centre until 18 December, following an elf door design competition for young artists. The council has said more details will follow, so it is worth picking up the trail while you are in town on the day.

Road closures

Bridge Street is also the A192, so the event needs a temporary road closure. In 2024, Northumberland County Council's order closed around 245 metres of Bridge Street between the roundabout at the Telford Bridge end and Newgate Street, along with part of Newgate Street. The 2026 order had not been published when we wrote this. Expect a similar closure for most of the day, and check Northumberland County Council's traffic notices or the Town Council before you set off.

Parking

Morpeth's council car parks are free with time limits, but they fill quickly on switch-on day. Stanley Terrace, behind Sanderson Arcade, is closest to the action but has a three-hour limit with a free parking disc, which is tight if you arrive at noon and stay for the lights. Staithes Lane is the long-stay option, around five minutes' walk from the town centre, and Gas House Lane near Carlisle Park is another alternative. Our guide to where to park in Morpeth has the full list.

Getting there by train or bus

Leaving the car at home is the easier option. Morpeth station is on the East Coast Main Line, with Northern trains to and from Newcastle taking around 15 to 20 minutes, and the town centre is within walking distance of the station. Morpeth Bus Station is off Manchester Street, a short walk from the Market Place. Services may be diverted while Bridge Street is closed, so check Traveline North East for live times. Our guide to getting around Morpeth has more on routes.

Making a day of it

If you arrive early, the Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum on Bridge Street is free and a good way to warm up for half an hour, and the shops and cafés along Bridge Street and Newgate Street stay busy all afternoon. Looking further ahead, our guide to Christmas markets in Morpeth covers the December farmers' market and festive markets nearby.

Spotted something on the 2026 programme we have missed? Get in touch and we will update this guide.