Luton town centre set to sparkle as ‘Luton Lights Up for Christmas’ begins the festive celebrations

Families are invited to see special guests Chase & Marshall from PAW Patrol at intervals from 2pm to 5.30pm in Frasers Plus Luton, funded by Luton BID. A full line-up of local talent will be taking the stage to provide the entertainment outside the town hall from 2pm, including Warriorz Street Dance, The Meerkats, Luton Youth Funk Band, Luton Youth Rock Band and the town’s up-and-coming country popstar, Olivia Lynn.

Walkabout acts and street performers will be sprinkling their Christmas magic into the festive atmosphere alongside a ‘create your own tree decoration’ workshop, with the official lights switch-on taking place from 6pm.

Councillor Aslam Khan, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Inclusive Growth, said: “‘Luton Lights Up for Christmas’ is always one of the standout dates in our events calendar and never fails to bring our community together for the start of the festive season.

“We’re proud to continue working with our local partners to make these events free and accessible, enabling families to make long-lasting memories in the town centre.”

Linsey Sweet, Operations Director at Luton Rising, said “It is a real joy to see Luton come together to celebrate the start of the festive season. As headline sponsor of Luton Lights Up for Christmas, we are proud to support a moment that brings friends, families and visitors together as our town centre sparkles to life. Through our ownership of London Luton Airport, Luton Rising reinvests millions each year into projects that support people and create opportunities across our community. Events like this remind us why that matters, because what we do together helps make life brighter for everyone.”

Over the course of the weekend, Luton Council are thrilled to bring the magical experience of meeting Santa Claus to the town centre with a grotto at Market Hill from Thursday 19 November to Sunday 22 November. This experience will be by pre-booking only – find out more on the Step Forward Luton website.

The popular outdoor cinema will also be returning to Market Hill for a special Christmas edition, giving families the chance to watch their festive favourites in the open air for free on Saturday 21 November and Sunday 22 November.

With Christmas just around the corner, families can enjoy a day of festive fun on Bute Street with ‘Christmas in Hat Gardens’ on Saturday 12 December from 12pm to 4pm. Children can write a letter to Santa and post it in our magical post box, see giant walkabout squirrels and hear festive hits performed by local artists on the stage.

On the same day, Luton BID are providing a unique chance for visitors in the town centre to meet some real-life reindeer at Market Hill from 11am to 2pm. Luton BID will also play host to a giant snow globe and carol singing at Market Hill on Saturday 19 December from 11am to 4pm.

Julia Horsman, Manager for Luton BID, said: "We're proud to be supporting a fantastic programme of festive events that will bring families into the town centre, create memorable experiences and support local businesses during the Christmas period. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to celebrate Christmas in Luton."

Various festive activities will be taking place in Frasers Plus Luton as the countdown to Christmas continues, including create your own Christmas decoration workshops on 28 and 29 November, plus appearances from Bluey on 5 December and The Grinch on 6 December with Father Christmas appearing throughout the same weekend. Shoppers have the chance to win big with ‘Lucky Christmas Lockers’ after spending £40 or more in the centre on 12 & 13 December. Festivities conclude with Christmas Bingo and Crafting daily from 19 December to Christmas Eve for those last-minute shoppers.

Lavinia Douglass, Marketing Manager for Frasers Plus Luton, said: “We're proud to play our part in the town's Christmas celebrations and to support the vibrant events taking place across Luton. We’ve put together a programme of free family activities at Frasers Plus Luton that we hope will bring people together and create magical moments for our visitors. From meeting much-loved characters to taking part in crafts and competitions, there will be something for everyone to enjoy as we count down to Christmas in the heart of Luton.'

‘Luton Lights Up for Christmas’ is made possible through Luton Rising’s headline sponsorship. Find out more on the Step Forward Luton website.