Manchester Christmas Lights Switch-On, Albert Square, 12 November

Wrap up warm for the official start of the festive season!

There are many things that herald the start of the festive season: the arrival of the Christmas Markets, the first time you hear a Christmas song, the optimistic arrival of Christmas cards in the shops… But nothing says Christmas like the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Every year, Albert Square hosts the biggest Christmas party in the North West as crowds gather to join in with the family fun, live music, special celebrity guests and fireworks to start the festive season off with a bang. There's no need for tickets – simply wrap up warm, grab your friends and get ready to have fun!