Festive Makers’ Market and Christmas lights switch-on in Walsall
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Walsall town centre is set to enjoy a tree-mendous Christmas event this festive season. On Saturday 29 November 2025, the town center will be filled with Christmas cheer, bringing together a festive Makers’ Market with a host of independent local traders, free live performances of music and dance, creative workshops, a spectacular light projection show and even an appearance by Father Christmas.
Taking place in a number of venues and locations across the town centre including The New Art Gallery Walsall and the Walsall Leather Museum, it promises to be an afternoon and evening full of festive fun and entertainment, from 11am to 8pm.
TV’s ‘Married at First Sight’ star Sacha Jones will switch on the Christmas lights at 5.30pm. Sacha is from Walsall and is an ambassador for We Are Walsall 2040, a partnership focused on the future of the borough, for which she hosts a podcast called ‘Walsall Voices’.
“ I’m thrilled that we are hosting this event and bringing some festive magic to the borough. This event marks a new festive tradition for our town centre and it’s a chance for residents, families and visitors to come together and celebrate community, creativity and tradition. We want people to come along and enjoy the entertainment on offer and show their support for our local businesses.
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The full line-up of entertainment and activities include:
- A Christmas lights switch-on at The Bridge by the Sister Dora statue at 5.30pm. Expect festive music, plenty of sparkle, and a joyful community countdown.
- An Illuminate light projection show transforming The Crossing at St Paul’s into a canvas of light and colour. This spectacular projection mapping display will run from 4.45pm to 5.30pm, creating a magical prelude to the lights switch-on.
- A Walsall Festive Makers’ Market from 3pm to 8pm in the square at The Crossing at St Paul’s from 3pm to 8pm. This is a special Walsall MakerFest Fringe event featuring 20 local makers, artists and creatives selling handcrafted gifts, unique decorations, and seasonal treats.
- Family fun and creative drop-in workshops at The Crossing, where visitors can make their own upcycled festive decorations and enjoy free seasonal activities throughout the day. Over at the Walsall Leather Museum, visitors can create their own leather Christmas decorations for just £1.50 (11am–3pm, drop-in).
- A Christmas Makers’ Market at The New Art Gallery Walsall from 11am to 3pm offering handmade gifts, crafts and local produce. Perfect for picking up that special present or festive treat.
- Live music and dance performances throughout the afternoon and early evening.
- Father Christmas at Saddlers Shopping Centre from 11am to 4pm. Families can visit Father Christmas and share their festive wishes in person. Visits are free of charge. Children can also write their Christmas wish lists and post them in the special North Pole post box, adding an extra touch of magic to their visit.
The 2025 festive market and Christmas lights switch-on is organised by Walsall Council and sponsored by AR Demolitions, in partnership with Walsall MakerFest Fringe, Urban Hax, and The New Art Gallery Walsall.
Walsall MakerFest Fringe is delivered by Walsall Council in partnership with Urban Hax CIC, The New Art Gallery Walsall, and the Walsall Cultural Compact. It is supported by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) through Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund: Round Three.
