Christmas in Peterborough is magical. From counting down our Christmas lights to shopping at the Christmas stalls and attending our annual wreath laying service, there is always something on for the whole family.
Save this page so that you can find out how to join us for some festive fun and cheer at various events across the city. We'll be updating this page throughout the merry season.
Peterborough City Council Christmas events 2026
Peterborough's Christmas tree arrival
Christmas celebrations begin with the arrival of Peterborough's Christmas tree. Check back later to find out when the festive tree will arrive at Peterborough's Cathedral Square.
Peterborough Christmas lights switch-on
The Peterborough Christmas lights switch-on event will be returning on Friday 20 November 2026 at Cathedral Square. The fun family-friendly event will begin at 5pm with live music and acts, with the big switch on at 7pm and finishing at 7:30pm.
The Christmas lights switch-on will be hosted by Boomerang Radio for the first time. Plus, St John's Church in the Cathedral Square will be open during the evening to provide a quiet space, refreshments and toilets until 9pm.
Christmas stalls
On weekends (Friday to Sunday) through late November and December, we will be sprinkling a little bit of Christmas magic by hosting a brilliant selection of stalls in the city centre, alongside the popular Secret Seamstress Christmas Markets.
We’re also looking to host live music and acts throughout November and December in the city centre. We already have several choirs and bands signed up. If you’re interested in participating as a stall or an entertainment act, please email market@peterborough.gov.uk.
Don’t forget that we have free parking in four city centre car parks after 3pm, Mondays to Fridays - Bishops Road, Car Haven, Riverside and Pleasure Fair Meadow. Visit our car park locations page for more information.
Plus, Queensgate are offering free parking from 5pm every evening throughout December.
Other Christmas events happening across the city
Queensgate’s lights switch-on
The Queensgate lights switch-on takes place on Saturday 21 November 2026 with festive activities and events starting at 11:30am and the light switch-on later in the afternoon.
Christmas Big Screen Family Film at the Odeon Luxe with Peterborough Positive
Peterborough Positive will be hosting a Christmas family film at Odeon LUXE on 21 November 2026 and will also be installing two festive photo opportunities in Long Causeway and Westgate Arcade.
Peterborough Cathedral Christmas Market
Peterborough Cathedral will be hosting its biggest Christmas Market ever between 20-22 November 2026 with 140 stalls. They will also have Father Christmas in a new grotto in the Cathedral’s historic library from 21 November onwards.
For more information and tickets, visit Peterborough Cathedral's Christmas Craft and Gift Market Shopper Tickets page.
St John’s Church Christmas Craft Fayre
From gifts to handmade crafts start your Christmas shopping by visiting St John’s Church Christmas Craft Fayre. St John's Church will be hosting two Christmas Fairs on 28 November and 5 December, from 10am to 3pm.
Christmas Tree Festival 2026
Peterborough Cathedral's Christmas Tree Festival will take place from Thursday 26 November 2026 to Wednesday 6 January 2027, with more than 100 trees decorated by local charities and organisations to wander around. For more information, visit Peterborough Cathedral's Christmas Tree Festival page.
Visit Discover Peterborough Christmas portal
There are many other Christmas events coming up in Peterborough – find out more on the Discover Peterborough Christmas portal – this includes listings of theatre shows, concerts, afternoon teas, craft workshops and more.