Christmas Lights Switch-On in South Shields 2026

The South Shields Christmas lights switch-on is South Tyneside Council's way of starting the season, and it happens in the Market Place, between the Old Town Hall, St Hilda's Church and The Word. It is a short, early-evening event, ideal for families on a school night, and it is the first of three switch-ons in the borough, with Jarrow and Hebburn following in the days after.

The date: not yet confirmed for 2026

As of 5 November 2026, South Tyneside Council had not published its 2026 switch-on programme. Local press has mentioned Thursday 19 November, but we have not been able to confirm that with the council, so treat it as unconfirmed until the council's Christmas in South Tyneside page is updated.

The switch-on has been on a Thursday evening in late November for the last few years:

• 2023: Thursday 23 November, 5pm to 6pm, in the Market Place (South Tyneside Council)
• 2024: Thursday 21 November, 5pm to 6pm
• 2025: Thursday 20 November, from 6pm, followed by Jarrow on 21 November and Hebburn on 24 November (Shields Gazette)

We will add the confirmed date and time here, and to our events calendar, as soon as the council publishes them.

What to expect

We are not going to guess at this year's line-up. In recent years the council has kept it short, around an hour in the Market Place in the early evening, ending with the town centre lights coming on. The 2026 entertainment and the guest who will switch on the lights have not been announced.

Best for:

Best for: a quick, early-evening family outing that marks the start of Christmas in the town centre.

Where to stand

The Market Place is a big open square around the Old Town Hall, so there is room for a good crowd. Arrive a little early if you want to be near the front. With small children, the edges of the square near St Hilda's Church or The Word make it easier to step out if someone gets cold or tired. The square is paved and can be slippery after rain.

Getting there and parking

South Shields Metro station is a short walk from the Market Place, with direct trains to Newcastle and a change at Pelaw for Sunderland. Many buses stop at the interchange beside the station. Our guide to getting around South Shields has the details.

If you are driving, there are several town centre car parks within a few minutes' walk; our South Shields parking guide lists them. The council has offered free festive parking in some past Decembers, but no 2026 scheme had been announced when we checked.

Accessibility

The council has not published accessibility information for 2026. The Market Place is level and paved, which helps, but it gets crowded in the middle, so wheelchair users may prefer a spot at the edge of the square.

Food and drink nearby

The Market Place and King Street have plenty within a couple of minutes' walk.

• Cafe Ross on Queen Street, just off the Market Place, is a good choice for a sit-down hot drink.
• On King Street, Caffè Nero, Greggs and Cooplands cover a quick coffee or something warm to eat.
• For a pint afterwards, The Steamboat on Mill Dam and the Alum Ale House on Ferry Street are a short walk down the hill towards the river.

Our best pubs in South Shields guide has more.

Making a night of it

The switch-on falls right at the start of the town's big festive run. The Customs House on Mill Dam opens its pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, on Friday 20 November, and The Word has A Christmas Carol on Saturday 28 November. South Shields Market trades in the Market Place every Saturday.

See Christmas in South Shields and Christmas markets in South Shields for the full season, and what's on this weekend for anything else.

If you miss it

South Tyneside Council usually holds separate switch-ons in Jarrow and Hebburn in the days after South Shields. In 2025 Jarrow followed the next evening and Hebburn the following Monday. The 2026 dates for both had not been announced when we checked. Our guide to things to do in Jarrow covers the town if you want to make a trip of it.

What is not confirmed yet

As of 5 November 2026, the council had not published:

• The date and start time (Thursday 19 November has been mentioned locally but is unconfirmed)
• The performers and the guest switching on the lights
• Any road closures or festive parking offer
• The dates of the Jarrow and Hebburn switch-ons

Know something about this year's South Shields switch-on that we have missed? Let us know via our contact page.