Where you can enjoy Christmas lights switch-on events in North Staffordshire

We may have only just packed the Halloween decorations away and emerged from bonfire displays - but we all know what's next up. Christmas is peaking from around the corner and engineers have already been pinning up lights in North Staffordshire in preparation for the switch to be flicked.

Various events are already planned and being promoted across the area where the official arrival of the festive season is accompanied by dancers, musicians and choirs all making us feel Christmassy. We have compiled some of the events on the calendar.

The list is not exhaustive, and if you want your event mentioned then please message us through our Facebook page or by e-mailing newsdesk@thesentinel.co.uk and we'll get you included!

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Trentham Shopping Village

Families are being promised an 'unmissable evening of twinkling lights' when Christmas arrives at Trentham Shopping Village. The event, on November 14, will also be complemented by a makers market. Organisers say there will be live music from 6pm until 8.30pm with the lights going on at 7pm. Meanwhile the makers market will run from 4pm until 9pm.

More details - plus a map - can be found online here.

Leek

The town's annual switch-on attracts scores of families from all over North Staffordshire - and this year's instalment is unlikely to be any different. Parking is free on all Staffordshire Moorlands District Council car parks with the lights set to be turned on at 6.30pm on November 15. There will be a raft of live entertainment, a Santa's Grotto, along with market stalls, food and drink on sale, and a funfair.

Cheadle

In Cheadle and celebrations go on all day. The High Street will give itself over to stalls, attractions, while a Santa's Grotto will be held at Tudor House. The road will shut at noon with the event running between 2pm and 6pm on November 16. The lights will be flicked on at 5pm.

Street entertainers and reindeers will also be present with scores of families set to descend on the Moorlands town. More details can be found on Team Cheadle's Facebook page here.

The Longton Exchange

Organisers at Longton Exchange shopping precinct are putting on a day-long 'magical winter wonderland'. This year's theme is said to be 'Snow Kingdom' with the event running from 11am until 6pm on November 23 with the big countdown at 4.30pm for the lights.

Families are being promised live music, dancers, carol singers, stilt-walkers, face painting and a Christmas trail with chocolate prizes. A spokesperson said: "Whether you’re here to watch the enchanting performances, hunt for chocolates, or simply bask in the holiday spirit, this will be a day to remember. Bring your family and friends and kick off the festive season in true Longton Exchange style!

"Save the date and join us to welcome the magic of Christmas!"

Further details can be found on Facebook here.

Newcastle

Newcastle-under-Lyme BID are invited families to enjoy 'a day bursting with holiday magic, joy and festive fun for the whole family'. The town centre will give itself over to seasonal fun from 12.30pm until 7.30pm on November 24 while parking is free at council-run car parks.

A spokesperson said: "Come explore twinkling lights, enjoy live music, shop at the Christmas market, join in family activities, and compete in some festive competitions. Plus, expect surprises around every corner."

More details can be found on Facebook here.

Fenton

Fenton will host its festive celebrations on Albert Square and inside Fenton Town Hall on November 24. The free event will play host to food vendors and funfair rides - with Santa set to make an appearance. It will run from 5pm until 8pm.

Stone

The event in Stone will get underway at 5pm on November 21 where Samantha Lloyd will be compere. There'll be live music and a choir too. Meanwhile the lights will be switched on at 7pm by town mayor councillor Philip Leason. There'll also be a funfair with attractions set up on Market Square and down High Street.

Bignall End Cricket Club

Bignall End Cricket Club is hosting its own lights switch-on - and Santa will be there with his reindeer. There will also be a small makers market boasting homemade creations. It will take place on Saturday December 7 from 1pm until 6pm at the Boon Hill Road cricket club. Lights are set to go on at 5.30pm. More details can be found on Facebook here.

Stoke

Christmas lights are back in Stoke this year with former Stoke City manager Lou Macari flicking the switch. The Christmas lights community switch-on will be held at Stoke Minster from 5pm to 7.30pm on Friday 15 November.

Tunstall

The lights will be switched on on the Tunstall Christmas tree at 5pm on Saturday 7 December. Entertainment includes a funfair, stalls, and Christmas gifts. The Christmas tree is on Tower Square.

Burslem

Burslem Christmas lights celebrations take place in the town centre from 4pm to 8pm on Friday 6 December.

Biddulph

Biddulph Christmas lights are being switched on at 6pm on Saturday 30 November. The tree is in front of Biddulph Town Hall, on High Street.

Hanley

Hanley is hosting a Santa Parade on Saturday 23 November. The parade route will start at Smithfield at 11am and end at The Potteries Centre entrance, where a snow machine will transform the area into a sparkling winter wonderland, setting the perfect stage for Santa’s grand arrival as he officially opens Claus’ Cabin. The stage will then be set at Fountain Square for live acts and performances throughout the day until 6.30pm.

Let us know about your event by e-mailing newsdesk@thesentinel.co.uk or sending a message through a Facebook page and we will include your event in this list.

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