It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas: Decorations appear in Peterborough city centre
With Christmas Day less than two months away, preparations for the festive season are now well underway.
It won’t be long before there is nothing but Mariah Carey, Wham and Slade on shop radios, as Christmas really arrives.
Preparations for the big day are now well under way in Peterborough, with workers out in the city centre this week putting up the festive lights and decorations that will bring a little Christmas magic to the city.
Lights have been put up on Bridge Street, Long Causeway, Cathedral Square, The Guildhall and the Town Hall.
The spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-on will take place on Friday, 20 November.
This year the festivities, taking place from around 5pm to 7.30pm, will be hosted by Boomerang Radio for the first time.
St John's Church in Cathedral Square will be open as usual on the evening, providing a quiet space, refreshments and toilets until 9pm.
Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Safety Cllr Zameer Ali - who will be picking the city’s Christmas Tree - said: “It’s one of the biggest events in our calendar, and part of a fantastic selection of attractions for the city for Christmas 2026 – one of the best in years.
“Our festive proceedings will start in real style on 20 November but it’s just part of a packed schedule of events in what will be a very busy and enjoyable time.”
The Queensgate light switch takes place on 21 November; the activities and events start at 11.30am, with the light switch-on later that afternoon. Queensgate is also offering free parking from 5pm every evening throughout December.
St John’s Church will host two Christmas Fairs on 28 November and 5 December, from 10am to 3pm.
Peterborough Cathedral will be hosting its biggest Christmas Market ever on November 20-22, with 140 stalls. Around 7,000 people came through the doors last year.
Among the other Christmas events at the Cathedral will be a new grotto - Father Christmas will be waiting amongst the ancient books of its historic library, from 21 November onwards.
Peterborough Positive will be hosting a Christmas family film at Odeon LUXE on 21 November and will also be installing two festive photo opportunities in Long Causeway and Westgate Arcade.