A fun-packed programme of free festive fun is coming to Oldham on Saturday.
The countdown is almost over as Oldham prepares to kick off the festive season with its annual Christmas Lights Switch-On.
Visitors are invited to the town centre this Saturday (14 November) for a day packed with free family entertainment and festive activities.
The town is hosting an exciting calendar of entertainment as the Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026 to showcase the very best of Oldham's culture, creativity and community spirit.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of this year's celebrations.
Family fun starts from 1pm
The day begins at Spindles from 1pm, with activities hosted by the Spindles Kids Club and special appearances from everyone's favourite pig, Peppa Pig, outside Next on the ground floor of Spindles.
Families will have the chance to wave hello to Peppa and take photos at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
There will be craft activities near Vision Express and face painting near the YMCA charity shop from 12pm to 4pm.
Switch-On Show begins at 5.30pm
The festive celebrations move to Parliament Square from 5.30pm for the main Switch-On Show.
Residents can enjoy an evening of festive entertainment featuring Father Christmas, Peppa Pig's Dance Party, Oldham Rock Choir and Fierce Dance.
The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Pam Byrne, will join the celebrations and a local school child competition winner will take centre stage to switch on the Christmas lights.
Fireworks finale
The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display, with a festive lights and laser show.
Free parking
It will be even easier for people to join in the festivities, with free parking in all council town centre car parks from 3.30pm.
So wrap up warm, bring your friends and family and step into Christmas.
Peppa at the cinema
To coincide with the switch on, the Festive Fun with Peppa Cinema Experience is coming to the Odeon at Parliament Square on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November, at 10am, 11.30am and 1pm both days.
Join Peppa Pig and her family at the cinema for a festive big-screen experience as they celebrate Evie’s first Christmas. To book click here.
The festive celebrations will continue throughout December with a series of themed weekend events.
The festive fun doesn't stop there
On Saturday 5 December, visitors can enjoy Brass Monkeys in the town centre, bringing together local and national brass bands.
Running from 11am until 4pm. the event celebrates Oldham's rich brass band heritage with performances ranging from traditional Christmas carols to funky strolling street bands.
The following weekend, on Saturday 12 December, the town centre will be transformed for Winter Wonderland Saturday. Running from 12pm until 4pm, the event will feature a host of festive characters, family entertainment and music, including the Winter Fairy, Betty Twinkle, Winter Wonderland Birds, The Snow Patrol, Lairy Fairy, Dancing Christmas tree and the Bouncing Snowmen, alongside activities from the Spindles Kids Club.
The festive programme will conclude on Saturday 19 December with Santa Saturday, a magical family day filled with seasonal entertainment. Between 12pm and 4pm, visitors can encounter Wish Fairies, Festive Funky Hooping, Circus Elves, Rockin' Robins, Bad Santas and Glitter Belles as they bring festive cheer to the town centre alongside Christmas music from local Brass Bands.
A special celebration as Greater Manchester's Town of Culture
Oldham Council's Director of Communities Neil Consterdine said: "Oldham's Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the highlights of our calendar, and this year feels particularly special as we celebrate our year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together, support our town centre and showcase the creativity, talent and community spirit that make Oldham so unique.
"We're looking forward to a great atmosphere and are encouraging residents and visitors to come along and enjoy everything our town centre has to offer."
To view our full programme of upcoming events visit whatson.oldham.gov.uk