Rugby Christmas Light Switch On

Join us on Saturday 21 November from 3pm  – 8pm for a festive feast of family fun in the heart of Rugby town centre. Enjoy music, dance, fair rides, and a selection of seasonal food and drink on offer.

A spectacular interactive drone and light show will take to the skies from The Close at Rugby School to kick off Rugby’s festive celebrations at 5pm and 7pm. At 6pm, Father Christmas joins the Mayor of Rugby, Cllr Nooria Sayani, in North Street to switch on Rugby’s Christmas lights.

Indulge in the true taste of Christmas! With a variety of food and drink stalls serving up all your holiday favourites. From sizzling bratwurst to hot roasted chestnuts and decadent hot chocolate, there’s a delicious treat for everyone to enjoy.

Join us for a lineup of vibrant live festive music and high-energy dance routines. Brimming with community spirit, the event showcases a dynamic selection of live music and local dance acts filling the air with holiday cheer.

15:05 – The Ocho Rios Steel band
16:00 – Rugby Town Concert Band
16:45 – Raga & Rhythm Dance Academy
17:10 – The BIG Sing
17:50 – Santa and the Mayor join us on stage
18:00 – Light Switch On
18:10 – Rock Choir
19:00 – PQA Rugby & PQA Daventry
19:35 – Impact Dance

Please note that the timings and programme are subject to change.

All aboard the Santa Express!

The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and we’re bringing the festive magic straight to the Rugby Christmas Light Switch-On on Saturday 21st November. Hop on our free magical Christmas Land Train and enjoy a festive ride through the town centre as it sparkles with holiday cheer. It’s the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere, see the stunning lights, and make unforgettable memories with the family!

You’ll find the festive land train outside the Churchside Arcade.

Turn up the joy, turn down the noise. Pop on a pair of wireless headphones, choose from three music channels and share a dance with family and friends. The Silent Disco Project CIC brings people together through music, movement, and a little festive magic.

You’ll find the Silent Disco in the Percival Guildhouse Gardens beside Rugby Art Gallery & Museum.

Christmas has always been a time to sit around the fire, warming up from the ice and snow outside, and tell each other stories. From heart-warming traditional tales of far-off frozen lands to a Christmas ghost story, there is nothing better than gathering around and listening to a tale or two as the sun sets and the long nights begin. Join award-winning storyteller, Tom the Tale Teller, as he regales stories fit for a winter’s afternoon, which will entertain and delight the whole family, young and old, inside his cosy Tale Telling Tent.

You’ll find Tom the Tale Teller in St Andrew’s Church Garden’s beside the church on Church Street.

Have you ever had your mind tickled and rubbed your eyes in disbelief at strange and wonderful optical Illusions? Come and treat yourself to gazing in wonder at the incredibly impossible realities painted by your very own local artist Beccy Roberts. A number of large-scale optical illusions and Trompe L’oiel pictures to brighten your world and tease your mind. And if you’re feeling arty, please come and pick up a paintbrush and help Beccy to finish the last painting by adding some of your very own hand painted Stars. All for free!

You’ll find all of this on Sheep Street near The Rugby Hotel.

Looking for a fun and creative way to get into the Christmas spirit? Come along and enjoy a free festive hands-on craft session where you can create your own beautiful Christmas decorations!

Star-shaped Lights: Paint and decorate a magical star, then add twinkling lights to make it glow, Christmas Tree Decorations: Design and personalise your very own festive ornaments to take home and treasure, Nutcracker Stencil Art: Create a charming festive artwork using stencils and your own creative flair.

You’ll find all activities on Sheep Street at The Rugby Hotel.

Get ready to spin, soar, and celebrate because the Funfair is back for the Rugby Christmas Light Switch-On!

From classic family favourites like the Big Wheel (ASDA car park, in front of the Swan Centre) to the exhilarating thrill rides at Chestnut Fields, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the chance to see Rugby lit up from the very top of the Big Wheel.

You’ll find the fair in Chestnut Fields Car Park.

Free festive parking is available across all council-operated car parks from Saturday 21 November in time for Rugby’s Christmas Light Switch On.

Visitors can park for free all day on the five weekends leading up to Christmas Day, as well as the final four shopping days, from Monday 21 to Thursday 24 December.

The free parking offer applies at the following town centre car parks: North Street, Little Church Street, Railway Terrace, Old Market Place, John Barford, Newbold Road, Town Hall/Evreux Way, Gas Street, Chestnut Fields and Westway car parks.