Christmas lights switch-on promises to be a festive feast of family fun in Rugby town centre

The family event takes place from 3pm to 8pm on Saturday, November 21, transforming the town centre into a winter wonderland with a fun fair, live entertainment and a festive land train.

Drone displays lift off from The Close at Rugby School at 5pm and 7pm, with spectacular light shows set to music.

A festive feast of family fun awaits revellers in the heart of the town centre, with music, dance, fair rides, and a selection of seasonal food and drink all on offer.

The Christmas lights switch-on also features free children's arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting, fire pits, a Teenage Market, silent disco and, of course, Santa welcoming guests to his grotto.

And at 6pm, Father Christmas joins Rugby Mayor Nooria Sayani, in North Street to switch on the lights.

Cllr Louise Robinson, leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: "The council's town centre events programme has successfully increased footfall in 2026 and this year's Christmas lights switch-on delivers a first for Rugby with a state-of-the-art drone display," Cllr Robinson added.

"It promises to be a magical day out for all the family and the perfect opportunity to support our town centre shops and businesses during the run-up to Christmas."

Visitors to the Christmas lights switch-on can park for free at council-owned town centre car parks, except North Street and Chestnut Fields, which host part of the celebrations.

Tickets for the drone displays at The Close cost £5 (under twos for free) and can be booked online at www.therugbytown.co.uk/whats-on/christmas