Barnard Castle is set to sparkle this festive season with a magical Christmas Lights Switch-On taking place on Friday 28 November at 6pm – proudly sponsored by McGarry & Co Solicitors.
This year marks a new chapter for the much-loved event, as Barnard Castle Town Council teams up with the Barnard Castle Christmas Lights Committee to bring a truly traditional celebration to the heart of the town.
In a refreshing change from previous years, all activities will take place along the town’s main streets — from the Market Cross to Lower Galgate — ensuring the spotlight shines firmly on Barnard Castle’s thriving High Street.
The evening will begin with a grand procession through the town, featuring an enchanting array of illuminated floats and performers: classic tractors festooned with Christmas lights, a glowing red lorry, a majestic horse-drawn carriage, pipes and drums, the Barnard Castle Band, local drummers, and of course Santa on his sleigh.
Following the procession, the excitement will centre around the stage outside the Methodist Church, where Emmerdale star Chris Chittell will join the Town Mayor, Paul Ing, the Town Crier and Santa to officially switch the lights on to illuminate the town’s 2025 Christmas Lights display. Entertainment will continue throughout the evening, with carol singers, buskers, musicians, and atmospheric lighting bringing warmth and magic to every corner of the high street.
This year’s switch-on is not only a celebration of tradition and community spirit, but also a showcase of Barnard Castle’s resilient and forward-looking business community. The organisers are keen to involve local traders in every aspect of the event — encouraging them to stay open late, decorate their windows, and offer festive treats to visitors.
Chris Farlow, Director at Carvers, which has also sponsored the switch-on event and acted as agents across numerous property transactions in the town, said:
‘Barnard Castle continues to thrive with strong momentum in the residential market and a vibrant town centre of independent retailers, cafés and a growing number of hospitality offerings. The town maintains one of the strongest occupancy rates in the region, and the quality of tenant enquiries has led to agreed terms over four retail units in quick succession. We expect to announce the introduction of a new national retailer very soon.’
There are also sponsorship opportunities available, giving local businesses the chance to put something back into the town by supporting specific parts of the event — from helping light up a section of the street to sponsoring a performance or festive feature. Every contribution directly supports the Barnard Castle Christmas Lights Committee, helping to maintain and expand the town’s beautiful displays year after year.
One of the event organisers, and local businessman Jonthan Wallis said:
“This is all about celebrating the heart of Barnard Castle — its people, its businesses, and its sense of community. Our high street is thriving, and this event is a way for everyone to come together and show the world what a special place this is. We’re hoping to build the foundations for something that can grow into a full weekend Christmas Festival in years to come.”
McGarry & Co Solicitors, the principal sponsor, said they were proud to support an event that brings the community together and boosts local trade.
“Barnard Castle has a strong and supportive business community that understands the value of working together,” said Partner Michael McGarry of McGarry & Co.
“We’re delighted to help light up the town and bring people back to the high street — not just for shopping, but for connection, celebration, and Christmas cheer.”
Other local businesses supporting the event are The Three Horseshoes, The Raby Arms, Crème DeLa Crust, Oliviers, John Blenkiron & Sons, Boyes, Chocolate Fair and William Smith, GSC Grays, Noon Living, Hollberrie, The Teesdale Mercury, Teesdale Toys and Abbeyfield.
With excitement already building and the promise of a magical evening ahead, the Barnard Castle Christmas Lights Switch-On is set to mark the start of a new festive tradition — one that celebrates community, commerce, and Christmas in true Barnard Castle style.
