Sunderland Christmas Lights Switch-On 2026

Sunderland's Christmas lights switch-on returns to Keel Square on Thursday 19 November 2026. Sunderland BID has confirmed the date and the venue for the annual event. The start time, the line-up and who will press the button have not been announced yet. This guide covers what is known so far and the practical side of the evening: getting there, where to stand and where to eat afterwards. It also lists a few things to do in the city centre the same week.

What is confirmed

Sunderland BID lists the switch-on for Keel Square on 19 November 2026 and says more information will follow. Keel Square is the open public space on the western edge of the city centre, close to High Street West, St Mary's Boulevard and the new City Hall. Last year's switch-on was a weekday evening event too, and the 2026 date is again a Thursday. Until the timings are published, check Sunderland BID or Sunderland City Council for 2026 times before you set off.

Look out for:

• the start time and the countdown time
• whether there are stage acts or children's entertainment before the lights go on
• any road closures or changes to bus stops around St Mary's Boulevard

Getting there

Keel Square is a short walk from Sunderland station, which is served by Metro and Northern trains. St Peter's Metro station is the other side of the Wearmouth Bridge and is a longer walk. Park Lane Interchange, the main bus station, is a walk across the city centre.

If you plan to drive, the city-centre multi-storeys fill early on busy evenings. Our parking guide covers the main car parks, and getting around Sunderland without a car explains the Metro and bus routes.

Best for: Arriving by Metro to Sunderland station is the simplest option for families from Washington, South Shields and Newcastle.

Where to stand

Keel Square is an open, paved space. With small children, arrive early and find a spot with a clear view of the stage and the square's lights. Keep to the edges if you have a buggy or wheelchair, as the centre of the square fills first. It is an outdoor event in late November, so dress for cold wind off the Wear.

Shopping before or after

The Bridges shopping centre is a few minutes' walk away and is open until 6pm on most days. Its seasonal World of Christmas shop has already returned for 2026, selling decorations. Santa's Grotto at The Bridges opens on 22 November 2026, three days after the switch-on, and runs until Christmas Eve. Check The Bridges for grotto times and prices.

Best for: Worth combining with an afternoon in town if you want to do some early Christmas shopping first.

Where to eat and drink nearby

Two places are close to the square:

• The Botanist is on Keel Square itself, a bar and restaurant serving food and cocktails that suits a group.
• Port of Call on Park Lane is a bar and grill over two floors, serving burgers, wings and flatbreads.

Booking is sensible on switch-on night. Our best restaurants in Sunderland and best pubs in Sunderland guides have more options.

Best for: Book ahead if you are a group of six or more, as city-centre places fill quickly once the lights are on.

The same week in the city

The Riverside Sunderland Christmas Market takes place a week earlier, on Thursday 12 November 2026, from 1pm to 7pm. Local vendors are spread across City Hall, The Beam and the Maker Building, all a few minutes from Keel Square. Our Christmas markets guide has the full list of 2026 markets and fairs.

The Fire Station and Sunderland Empire are both in the culture quarter around High Street West. The Empire's 2026 panto, a Peter Pan story, opens on 11 December. The Fire Station's December programme includes the Royal Northern Sinfonia winter tour on 29 November.

After the switch-on

The lights stay up through December. A walk along High Street West and Fawcett Street after dark is a calm way to see them once the switch-on crowds have gone. For everything else on over the season, see our Christmas in Sunderland guide.

Know of a Christmas event we have missed? Get in touch.