Isle of Man Christmas lights switch-on 2026: Full guide to dates, times and events

Towns and villages across the island are preparing to welcome the festive season with Christmas lights, live music, visits from Father Christmas and a host of family-friendly activities.

The first official switch-on will take place in Ramsey on Friday, November 20, followed by celebrations in Douglas, Onchan, Peel and Castletown.

From firework displays and festive markets to lantern parades and live entertainment, there will be plenty happening in the run-up to Christmas.

Here's our guide to the confirmed Isle of Man Christmas lights switch-on dates, times, locations and events for 2026.

Ramsey will kick off the island's Christmas lights celebrations on Friday, November 20.

The town's festive lights will be switched on outside Ramsey Courthouse at 7.30pm.

The celebrations will continue the following evening, Saturday, November 21, when Ramsey's firework display takes place.

Douglas will celebrate the start of the festive season with a full day of free family entertainment on Saturday, November 21.

Organised by Douglas City Council, the celebrations will run from 11am until 5.30pm, when the city's Christmas lights will be switched on.

A packed programme of attractions is planned across the city centre, including an outdoor cinema in the cultural area, a Snow Garden in Castle Street and ice sculpting in Strand Street.

Children will also have the chance to visit Father Christmas's Grotto in the Strand Shopping Centre, while a Christmas photo booth will be available on Marina Road.

Other attractions include live performances, a Wood n' Craft workshop at Douglas City Library and a Winter Wonderland featuring festive activities at North Quay and St Matthew's Church hall.

All activities will be free to enjoy.

Onchan's Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm on Wednesday, November 25, as part of an evening of festive family entertainment.

Visitors can enjoy an outdoor cinema showing Christmas films, musical performances and a range of children's activities.

There will also be Santa's Grotto, face-painting and a Christmas treasure hunt.

The free event will continue until 9.30pm.

Peel's Christmas lights will be switched on in Market Square at 5pm on Saturday, November 28.

The switch-on will form part of the Manx Festive Day Out, organised by Culture Vannin and Isle Listen in partnership with Peel Commissioners.

A full programme of activities will take place across the town, featuring traditional Manx music, craft-making workshops and family photography opportunities.

The celebrations will run from 11am until 11pm, giving residents and visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Castletown will welcome the festive season with a celebration featuring live music, a lantern parade and performances from local musicians.

The afternoon will begin with a Christmas celebration at Castletown Methodist Church at 4pm.

The town's Christmas lights will then be switched on in Market Square at 5.30pm.

Entertainment will include music from Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band, performances by pupils from Castle Rushen High School and appearances by Maddie Brookfield and Alyth Braithwaite.