Today we're open 8am - 6pm
Christmas Has Arrived at Yate Shopping Centre with a Festive Day of Free Family Fun!
Christmas light switch-on takes place on Saturday 21 November 2026, with entertainment, character meet-and-greets and festive activities for all the family.
Christmas is coming to Yate Shopping Centre, and everyone is invited to join in the festive fun on Saturday 21 November 2026, as the centre celebrates the start of the Christmas season with a packed day of entertainment, activities and, of course, the much-anticipated Christmas light switch-on!
Families can enjoy three fairground rides on West Walk, festive story time at Yate Library, the chance to write a letter to Santa and a special visit from Postman Pat. Yate Library will be staying open until 4pm this year, with Christmas crafts for children to enjoy alongside the storytelling with Ryan Carroll.
Over on North Walk, visitors can enjoy character meet-and-greets throughout the day, with Stitch and Angel, Paddington, Mario and Luigi, Olaf, and Bluey and Bingo all making appearances to add some extra magic to the celebrations.
There will be plenty happening on the main stage, too, with performances from Winterborn Morris Dancers, Street Cred, Sodbury Players, D-Day Dollies and Razzamatazz, bringing music, dance and festive entertainment to the centre throughout the day.
The excitement builds from 4.45pm, when James Murden and Ryan Carroll take to the stage to host the Christmas light switch-on celebrations, complete with fun, games and prizes for the audience.
They will be joined by the winners of the centre’s Christmas poster competition and a very special guest – Santa himself! Together, they will lead the countdown to Christmas and officially kick off the festive season at Yate Shopping Centre.
Count Down to Christmas with Us!
With festive entertainment, family activities, special visitors and the chance to meet Santa, Yate Shopping Centre is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit.
So wrap up warm, bring the family and join us on Saturday 21 November as we light up Yate and begin the countdown to Christmas!