*Community Celebration Features Free Activities, Live Music, and Enchanting Fairies and Elves Themed Parade*
Ashington Town Council is delighted to announce the return of the much-anticipated Christmas Light Switch-On and Lantern Parade, promising a truly magical start to the festive season for the whole community.
*Event Details*
The spectacular celebration will take place on Thursday, 13th November 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM along Station Road (one-way section) and at the Masonic Hall on John Street.
As well as funding from Ashington Town Council’s events budget, this year’s activities are part of Northumberland County Council’s Animating Ashington Autumn/Winter Festival - a programme of events across the town being funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and North East Combined Authority, with the North East Combined Authority as lead authority.
*FREE Christmas Activities at the Masonic Hall*
From 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, families can enjoy completely free Christmas activities at the Masonic Hall, including a hands-on lantern making workshops, face painting with Sam from Jelly Beanz and story corner with Hennie the Hedgehog author Chris Elliot.
These creative sessions will help children prepare for the evening’s magical Fairies & Elves Themed lantern parade while getting into the festive spirit. There is a £50 voucher for the best dressed elf and fairy and all children taking part in the Parade will receive a certificate and memento of the event.
Get into the Christmas spirit with a wonderful selection of free activities for all the family! Drop in anytime between 3pm and 5pm to enjoy crafts, treats, and festive fun before the lantern parade begins at approximately 5.15pm.
Ashington Asda - Collect your free raffle ticket for Asda’s Christmas Hamper from the ladies on the RVS stand, also pick up a Children’s Christmas activity booklet
Ashington Co-op - Warm up with complimentary non-alcoholic mulled wine and mince pies. Create Christmas decorations
Ashington Sea Cadets -
Ashington Swimming Club - Decorate delicious biscuits
Ashington Town Football Club - Create your own Christmas cards
Ashington Veterans & Elders Institute - Collect mini hoglet kits near our story corner. Meet author Chris Elliot promoting her latest book featuring the further adventures of Hennie Hedgehog
Central Northumberland Family Hubs -
Climate Action Wansbeck -
ESCAPE Family Support - make your very own Angel for your Christmas tree to take away
Friends of Ashington Community Woods - will be making wooden tree ornaments
Mortal Fools - join our brilliant guest artist Pui Lee, to make your very own ’Peg Doll’ Elf or Fairy. Participants can express themselves through their designs and bring their characters to life - anything goes, from a Punk Fairy to a Cheeky Christmas Elf!
Reiverdale Scout Group - Make lanterns for the Christmas Light Switch-On lantern parade (starting approximately 5.15pm)
Repurposful CIC - Crafty Christmas goody bits for you to take away and make your own decorations
RVS Social Care - Browse and purchase beautiful, knitted toys to raise vital funds for the RVS. Choose from a selection of jigsaws - free or available for a small donation
The Sewing Machine Guy - have a go at making a waterless snow globe
Wansbeck Community Links - Make Christmas candle holders (LED candles included!) Enjoy other festive Christmas crafts
William Purvis - Visit the memorial tree and write a Christmas remembrance message on a special tag. Help yourself to sweet treats
Wansbeck Valley Foodbank - make paper garlands with Clare from Wansbeck Valley Foodbank to take away for your Chritsmas Tree
All activities are free unless otherwise stated. Perfect for families and visitors of all ages!
*Live Entertainment*
Join us for an enchanting evening of live entertainment hosted by the ever-popular Paul Skerritt, a firm favourite at Christmas light switch-ons, who will be keeping spirits bright from 4pm to 7pm. The festivities kick off with talented local singer Clare Drysdale from Ashington, followed by the fabulous Helix Arts, showcasing their wonderful autistic performers. The YMCA Performers from the Sound Futures programme will then take to the stage before the magical John Street Lantern Parade sets off from outside the Masonic Hall at 5:15pm, winding its way to the main stage area. As the lanterns arrive, Rev Sam and Rev Chris will give a special switch-on blessing, before Paul leads everyone in a joyful community sing-along. Watch out for Pudsey Bear mingling amongst the crowd to crown the best dressed elf and fairy, before the star of the show switches on the Christmas lights at approximately 6.15pm. The celebration continues with more festive entertainment until 7pm, making this a truly memorable start to the holiday season.
*Fairies and Elves Themed Lantern Parade*
The highlight of the evening will be the enchanting Fairies and Elves themed lantern parade. Children are encouraged to dress as fairies and elves, with prizes awarded for the best dressed participants in each category. Every child taking part will receive a special certificate and memento to commemorate this magical evening.
*The Festivities Continue*
The celebration doesn’t end with Thursday’s light switch-on! Families are encouraged not to miss Friday 14th November’s 12 Days of Christmas Themed Market, running from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM, featuring a very special guest appearance by Mrs Claus herself. The Market is being organised by Money Tree Crafters and Traders.
*Building Community Spirit*
“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring this magical celebration to Ashington,” said Cllr Mark Purvis, Business Chair of Ashington Town Council. “The Christmas Light Switch-On and Lantern Parade represents the very best of our community spirit.
From the free activities for families to the beautiful performances by our local choir, this event showcases what makes Ashington such a special place to live.”
The event promises to be a wonderful opportunity for families, friends, and neighbours to come together and officially welcome the Christmas season with joy, creativity, and community pride.
*Get Involved*
All activities are free of charge, and families are encouraged to arrive early to make the most of the lantern-making workshops and festive activities.
For more information, visit www.ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk or contact Ashington Town Council at 01670 624521
