The Stevenage Christmas light switch-on is approaching fast and the town centre will soon be full of Christmas spirit and festive activities getting under way. 

Events will be going on in the town right through to January, kicking off on Saturday, November 25 with the annual Christmas lights switch-on. 

Junior Andre will do the big switch on, as well as performing a few songs.  

The Comet: Christmas lights switch on 2022Christmas lights switch on 2022 (Image: Stevenage Borough Council)

The Christmas Market is open from November 18 to December 31, and the council will also be celebrating 50 years of the Indoor Market with a Christmas Gala on December 9.

Santa’s Grotto will be open for little visitors on December 9 and 16,  from 1pm to 4pm. 

This years’ town centre Christmas tree will be an artificial, reusable tree - one that can be used in years to come and stored carefully, rather than being disposed of with the other millions of trees that are thrown away each year. 

The Comet:

A council spokesperson said: "We’re looking forward to seeing the new artificial tree being installed this week. It’s going to be a big one and will create a real Christmassy backdrop in the town centre ready for the Stevenage Christmas light-switch on. "

The artificial tree will reduce the cost of transporting a real tree, as well as disposing of it once the Christmas period is over.

Councillor Richard Henry, leader of the council, said: "Christmas is a wonderful time of the year here in Stevenage.

"As Christmas cheer starts to spread, I cannot wait to see lots of people enjoying time together at all these events, creating happy memories and filling the town with happiness.   

"The new large artificial tree will provide a lovely backdrop in Stevenage Town Centre for many years to come and although different to previous years it will still look beautiful lit-up, I’m looking forward to seeing it make an appearance soon as we get ready for the town Christmas festivities."