Warrington Unwrapped 2026 begins on Friday, November 13th, and the opening weekend is designed to bring people into the town centre and keep them there. Organised by the Warrington Business Improvement District (BID), the three-day launch kicks off a Christmas programme that runs through November and December.
In 2025, the Christmas Lights Switch On returned for the first time in six years. This year’s programme builds on that, with more happening across the heart of the town and more ways for businesses to take part.
Friday, November 13th
The weekend opens with an outdoor screening of Elf at The Skittles, Market Gate. Visitors are being encouraged to wrap up warm, bring camping chairs and blankets, and pick up food and drink from town centre businesses to enjoy during the film. For nearby hospitality businesses, that’s a great reason to welcome an evening crowd.
Winter Wonderland is also planned to open at Time Square on the same day and will run until Christmas Eve. It brings fairground rides and festive characters, with mulled wine and Bailey’s hot chocolate on offer.
Saturday, November 14th
The Christmas Lights Switch On takes over The Skittles, Market Gate. Live performances and activities start at 11am, the main switch-on show follows at 5pm, and the lights come on at 6pm.
The Christmas Artisan Markets return for the weekend, organised by Independent Street in partnership with Warrington BID. They will be on Bridge Street, Dolmans Lane and Buttermarket Street from 11am to 7pm on Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday, November 15th.
Beyond the opening weekend
Golden Square has announced a brand-new outdoor ice rink in Old Market Place, opening on Friday, November 27th and running into the New Year. A Whoville-themed grotto featuring the Grinch and Cindy-Lou follows from Saturday, November 28th.
With Warrington Market and Cineworld close by, visitors can turn a trip into a full festive day out, with Christmas shopping and a film alongside the events.
What it means for your business
Shops, restaurants, bars and independent businesses across the town centre are already getting into the Christmas spirit, with seasonal menus, special offers and festive activities planned for November and December. The events above give those offers a bigger audience to reach, from the evening film crowd on Friday to the people browsing the markets over the weekend.
Andrea Morley, Warrington BID Project Manager, said the aim is to put the town centre’s businesses front and centre. “Christmas is such an important time for our town centre businesses,” she said.
“From finding those special gifts to catching up with friends over food and drinks, there’s so much to discover right on our doorstep. We hope Warrington Unwrapped gives people even more reasons to spend time in the town centre this Christmas.”
Stay in the loop
More entertainment, events and special offers from town centre businesses will be announced in the coming weeks. The latest information and event listings are on the Warrington Unwrapped Christmas pages of the We Are Warrington website, and you can follow We Are Warrington on social media for updates as they come in.
