Celebrate the Countdown to Christmas in Doncaster City Centre

With a bumper line up of events and activities planned throughout November and December, the city centre will come alive for the magic of the season, starting with the Christmas Light Switch-on, which will see former X Factor winner Sam Bailey switch on the lights on Saturday 15 November. 

 

The extravaganza will continue throughout the festive period and will include an incredible array of events including a brand-new Christmas Trail, Christmas Cabins, Candy Cane Crazy Golf, Evenings with Father Christmas and so much more! 

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones said: “The Countdown to Christmas programme this year promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Beginning on 15 November with the Christmas light switch-on, the city centre will be full of magic for the rest of the festive season. 

“Much will be revealed over the next few days and weeks, but I encourage everyone to visit our city centre this Christmas. Visit the local businesses and traders, take advantage of the magical events on offer and shop local. We are incredibly excited to put these events on and support our city centre this Christmas, starting by welcoming Sam Bailey to turn on the Christmas lights on 15 December.” 

The City Centre is set to come alive with the biggest programme of festive events yet, supporting traders, local businesses and the local economy. 

Mayor Ros continued: “This list of events continues our commitment to the city centre. Over the past 12 months, we have invested significant funds into making the city safer, making it look cleaner and greener and beginning huge development projects that will attract visitors and further investment to the city centre. These Christmas events continues this commitment, and we will continue to work tirelessly alongside local businesses and traders to make the city centre an attractive, safe and an incredible place to visit and enjoy. I encourage everyone to visit and shop in our city centre this Christmas.” 

Here’s a snapshot of some of the events to look forward to: 

Christmas Lights Switch on  

Saturday 15 November, 4-9pm, lights switch on at 7.30pm  

Market Square (with star performer Sam Bailey) 

Vintage Carousel, thrilling Helter-Skelter, children’s rides, Father Christmas, music, Doncaster Radio roadshow, fireworks, food and drink including festive options and Christmas Craft market in the Corn Exchange. The entertainment programme for the evening also includes The Hatfield and Askern Brass Band, stilt walking Snowmen, Living Lamp posts and the Ice King and Queen.

Christmas Trail  

Launches on 15 November 

Doncaster will be Walking with The Snowman this year when we welcome 12 stunning sculptures each featuring artwork with a Twelve Days of Christmas theme. 

The council is working with Wild in Art, creative producers of public art events, to bring the sculptures to the city from 15 November-30 January. Inspired by Raymond Briggs’ much loved book The Snowman, the sculptures feature beautiful designs by 12 talented artists including Doncaster’s Rebecca Wright

Christmas Cabins   

6 - 24 December  

Clock Corner area 

Enjoy a variety of Christmas gift ideas from wax melts to crafts, even gifts for your pets! Plus grab a bite to eat from a range of food stalls. 

Candy Cane Crazy Golf 

Open 6/7 13/14 December, then open daily from 18-24 December 

Adjacent to the Cabins on Frenchgate  

A tee-rrific time awaits visitors to our festive themed mini golf.  It’s free to play and there will be food and drink nearby. 

An Evening with Father Christmas  

17,18 and 19 December   

Mansion House  

Join us in the stunning setting of the Mansion House for festive magic with Father Christmas, Mrs Claus and the Elves including storytelling, cookie decorating and lots of fun. Supported by National Literacy Trust, every child will also receive a book.  

A special quieter session will also take place for anyone needing a little less stimulation and noise. 

Tickets are £10 per child and adults go free. Tickets can be booked via: 

An Evening with Father Christmas - tickets can be accessed via the Eventbrite website. 

An Evening with Father Christmas (Quiet Session) - tickers can also be accessed via the Eventbrite website. 

City Centre Christmas Finale   

Sunday 21 December  

Gresley Square  

The Christmas Finale event is the perfect opportunity to wind down and enjoy traditional Christmas with Carols, Hot Chocolate, Mulled Wine, festive fayre. With musical performances, Snow Globe and festival characters and lots of Christmas cheer for a perfect rounding off to the festivities. 

All these events and more, including details of this year’s Festival of Lights at St George’s Minster from 14 -23 November and a Pokemon Go event in the city centre on 16 November can be found on the Visit Doncaster Countdown to Christmas page so be sure to keep checking in for more updates Countdown to Christmas