Workington is getting two Christmas celebrations in one this November. The town-centre Christmas market and lights switch-on return on Saturday 28 November 2026, with S Club singer Bradley McIntosh performing before the lights come on. Then, as the market wraps up, Hall Park becomes the setting for Light Works, a free-to-explore evening of light, art and performance.
It is a good excuse to make a whole day of Workington rather than arrive just for the switch-on. Shops, stalls and live entertainment fill the afternoon, while the evening event offers something different from the usual high-street Christmas lights.
When and where is the Workington Christmas lights switch-on?
- Date: Saturday 28 November 2026.
- Market and town-centre entertainment: 11am to 5pm.
- Location: Udale Street car park and Workington town centre.
- Lights switch-on: around 4.30pm to 5pm. The organisers' published information currently differs on the precise time. Workington Town Council's Christmas-card competition says 5pm; Light Works organisers say 4.30pm. Arrive well before 4.30pm and check the latest programme.
- Headline performer: Bradley McIntosh, best known for S Club.
- Light Works: 5pm to 7pm in Hall Park on both Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November.
What is happening in the town centre?
There will be festive market stalls, food and drink, live music and plenty for children. The programme advertised by the organisers includes the chance to see Father Christmas, step inside a giant snow globe and try hands-on craft activities, from pottery and bauble decorating to workshops with local makers. The Carnegie Theatre is also involved, with creative activities programmed by Queer Cumbria.
Bradley McIntosh is the big musical name announced for 2026. Exact performance times and any detailed stage running order should be checked with the organisers before travelling.
Light Works takes over Hall Park
After the town-centre celebrations, head towards Hall Park for the third year of Light Works. Unlike a conventional switch-on, this is an after-dark arts event built around illuminated installations, projections, movement and music. Local schools, artists, performers and community groups have helped create the work on display, so it feels like a celebration made in West Cumbria as well as one staged here.
Light Works runs from 5pm until 7pm on both 28 and 29 November. The programme also includes a lantern parade. Visit Workington currently specifies a 5pm parade on Sunday 29 November starting at the car park off Stainburn Road, while other event coverage describes a Saturday parade too. Check the final daily timetable before setting off.
The setting is the historic grounds of Workington Hall Park. It is an atmospheric place to see after dark, but remember that the ruined hall itself is protected and should only be viewed from permitted paths. Do not enter restricted or fenced areas.
Getting there and planning your visit
If you are visiting for the market, allow time to browse the town centre before the switch-on. Hall Park is close enough to make the evening a natural second stop, though families with younger children may wish to allow extra time for the walk, crowds and winter weather.
The park is served by bus stops around Washington Street and Ramsay Brow. For drivers heading to Hall Park, Visit Workington provides directions via Ramsay Brow and Park End Road; use signed public parking and check temporary restrictions nearer the day. Roadworks and busy event traffic can affect journeys, so do not assume normal town-centre parking or access will be available throughout the celebrations.
Wear warm, waterproof layers, and keep children close in the crowds. Some activities may have their own booking arrangements or capacity limits even though the main celebrations are public events.
More Christmas events nearby
Maryport lights up on Saturday 21 November, and Cockermouth's switch-on is on Sunday 22 November. There are plenty more dates across the county in our Cumbria Christmas lights switch-on guide for 2026. You can also browse the Workington destination guide and our wider Christmas in Cumbria guide.
Official updates: Visit Workington, Everyone Here: Light Works and Workington Town Council switch-on time. Programme details were checked on 4 November 2026 and can change.
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