Father Christmas to switch on Hexham's Christmas lights 2024

Hexham’s Christmas Lights event is taking place on Friday, November 22 from 4.30pm.

There’s lots of fun on offer with the town’s Christmas light switch on, festive music, Christmas food and drink, late opening from lots of the town’s shops, and the launch of a new Elf Trail. The event is being organised by Hexham Town Council with Hexham Community Partnership.

Approximately 50 students from Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School will perform at the bandstand from 4.30 to 5.30pm.

Festive smiles at the Hexham Christmas Lights event in 2023 (Image: Hexham Community Partnership) This will include a show choir and orchestra led by Laura Tindall, curriculum leader of music for both schools.

Father Christmas will arrive at 5.30pm on his sleigh with support from Tynedale Lions and Wylam Garage. Character mascots from Hexham Youthy will distribute sweets and collect donations for their charity.

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Shoppers at Hexham Christmas Lights 2023 (Image: Supplied)
Mayor Derek Kennedy and Father Christmas will turn on the lights in the park at 5.40pm and then lead everyone to the Sitka Spruce Christmas Tree donated to Hexham by EGGER UK.

Cllr Kennedy said: “Thank you to EGGER for its generous support, which has become a wonderful tradition since it began in 2009. Getting a tree that size safely installed is a complex procedure and we thank all of those involved.”

Shoppers at Hexham Christmas Lights event last year (Image: Hexham Community Partnership) Once the Christmas Tree switch-on has taken place, Prudhoe Community Band will play festive tunes under The Shambles.

The Hextol Foundation charity will sell mulled wine, mince pies and festive bakes in the Market Place whilst Hexham Abbey opens its doors for carols and hot chocolate.  

Many of Hexham’s businesses will offer late opening on November 22 with some offering special discounts and treats for shoppers such as sparkling wine.

Hexham’s traders are also launching a new Elf Trail. Laura Dodds, who runs Lore gift shop and Obscuria Pottery Studio with her husband Steven, is organising it.

Laura said: “For 2024, the businesses have come up with the idea of an Elf Trail for adults and kids. More than 35 traders are taking part - they’ll all put in a gift to be won for the big prize hampers. The first 20 kids to return their forms will win a mini elf.”

Entry forms for the trail can be collected from Lore on Market Street, which is open seven days a week in the lead-up to Christmas.