Christmas magic is coming to Formby Village as the big Christmas lights switch on returns on Thursday 19th November!

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun in Formby, and one of the biggest and most eagerly anticipated events in the village calendar is just weeks away!

Formby Village is getting ready to sparkle once again as the much loved Christmas Lights Switch On returns on Thursday 19th November 2026, promising a wonderful afternoon and evening filled with festive entertainment, fairground rides, music, community celebrations and a very special visit from Father Christmas himself!

Organised by Formby Parish Council, this traditional community event brings thousands of people together to celebrate the beginning of the festive season, and this year’s celebrations promise something for the whole family to enjoy.

Formby Village comes alive for Christmas

Every year, the Christmas Lights Switch On transforms the heart of Formby into a wonderful festive celebration, with families, friends and neighbours gathering to enjoy the atmosphere.

Last year’s event attracted huge crowds, with Chapel Lane becoming a bustling pedestrian area filled with excited children, families enjoying the fairground and visitors soaking up the Christmas spirit.

In previous years, the celebrations have extended along Chapel Lane and Brows Lane, with fairground attractions reaching towards Formby Pool.

The event traditionally involves temporary road closures through the village to make way for the festivities. Details of this year’s traffic arrangements have yet to be confirmed.

Father Christmas is coming to Formby!

One of the biggest highlights for younger visitors will undoubtedly be the arrival of Father Christmas!

Santa will be there at 3.30pm, giving children the opportunity to come along and meet the man himself.

It’s a wonderful chance for families to begin their Christmas celebrations and make some lovely festive memories.

Fairground fun from 3pm until 8pm

The festivities get underway at 3pm, when the fairground rides open for five hours of excitement.

From traditional family favourites to rides for those looking for a little more adventure, the fairground has always been a popular part of Formby’s Christmas celebrations.

With the village filling with festive excitement, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the atmosphere before the big switch on.

Live entertainment begins at 4pm

The Christmas celebrations continue from 4pm, when a fantastic programme of live entertainment begins on stage.

Local school choirs, community choirs, drama groups and dance schools will be performing throughout the event, showcasing some of the wonderful talent we have here in Formby.

There’s always something particularly special about hearing local children singing Christmas songs as the village prepares for the festive season.

The entertainment programme will finish with DJ Alex, helping to keep the celebrations going.

The big moment arrives at 7pm!

At 7pm, the moment everyone has been waiting for finally arrives as Formby’s Christmas lights are officially switched on!

As the countdown begins, families and friends will gather together to watch the village illuminate with beautiful Christmas lights.

It’s a magical moment that marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Formby and one that so many families look forward to every year.

For many local people, the Christmas Lights Switch On has become a treasured family tradition, with generations returning year after year to share in the celebrations.

A wonderful community tradition

The event is about much more than simply switching on the Christmas lights.

It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate our wonderful village and enjoy an evening filled with festive spirit.

It’s also a fantastic opportunity to support the shops, cafés, restaurants and businesses that make Formby Village such a special place.

Whether you’re bringing the children to meet Father Christmas, enjoying the fairground rides, watching the local performers or simply soaking up the Christmas atmosphere, there is something for everyone.

Everything you need to know

Event: Formby Village Christmas Lights Switch On 2026

Date: Thursday 19th November 2026

Location: Formby Village

3pm to 8pm: Fairground rides

3.30pm: Meet Father Christmas

4pm: Live stage entertainment begins, featuring school choirs, local choirs, drama and dance schools, finishing with DJ Alex.

7pm: The big Christmas lights switch on

Organised by: Formby Parish Council

Further information about any road closures and traffic arrangements will be shared when confirmed.

Christmas in Formby starts here!

A huge thank you to Formby Parish Council for organising this wonderful community event and helping to bring the magic of Christmas to our village once again.

So get Thursday 19th November in your diary, wrap up warm, bring your family and friends and get ready for a fantastic evening!

There’s nothing quite like Christmas in Formby Village, and we can’t wait to see it sparkling again!

Will you be joining the celebrations this year?