The Essential Guide to Christmas 2026 in Hull: Markets, Light Switch-On & Events
Everything happening for Christmas 2026 in Hull. Queen Victoria Square lights switch-on, Trinity Market festive night markets, Beverley Festival of Christmas, and theatre pantomimes.
Christmas 2026 in Hull & East Yorkshire
From historic cobbled streets illuminated by thousands of twinkling festoon bulbs to bustling Victorian artisan craft markets and packed theatre pantomimes, Hull comes alive across November and December. Here is your definitive guide to the essential events, markets, light switch-ons, and seasonal celebrations across the city for Christmas 2026.
1. Queen Victoria Square Christmas Lights Switch-On
Hull's festive season officially begins with the spectacular Queen Victoria Square Light Switch-On in late November. Centred around the grand backdrop of Hull City Hall and the Ferens Art Gallery, the square fills with thousands of families for live entertainment, community choirs, and special guest appearances before the big countdown triggers the illuminations and a rooftop pyrotechnic finale.
- Location: Queen Victoria Square, Hull City Centre (HU1 3RA)
- Admission: Free entry
- Highlights: Giant illuminated Christmas tree, street food stalls, live brass bands, and late-night shopping opening.
2. Trinity Market Victorian Christmas & Festive Night Markets
Hull Old Town's independent market hall hosts a series of special Christmas Night Markets throughout December. Expect the indoor food court serving festive street food — spiced bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, festive loaded roasties, mulled spiced cider, and hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows — alongside dozens of local makers and craftsmen selling unique gifts, prints, and ceramics.
- Location: Trinity Market, Trinity House Lane, Hull HU1 2JH
- Dates: Every Thursday evening and selected weekends in December
- Vibe: Live acoustic music, festive drinks, covered and warm.
3. Beverley Festival of Christmas
Just 15 minutes north of Hull, the world-famous Beverley Festival of Christmas transforms the historic Georgian market town into a Victorian winter wonderland. More than 120 Victorian stalls take over Saturday Market, Wednesday Market, and North Bar Within, featuring reindeer parades, traditional fairground rides, and carol singing outside Beverley Minster.
- Location: Saturday Market & Wednesday Market, Beverley (HU17 8AA)
- Travel Advice: Park & Ride services run continuously from Beverley Racecourse; public buses run frequently from Hull Paragon Interchange.
4. Festive Shows & Pantomimes
- Hull New Theatre: The region's flagship star-studded family pantomime features high-energy comedy, spectacular staging, and audience participation from early December through mid-January.
- Hull Truck Theatre (Ferensway): Celebrated for inventive, heartwarming home-grown holiday productions tailored for younger children and theatre lovers alike.
- Hull City Hall: Traditional candlelit orchestral performances of Handel's Messiah and festive brass band concerts.
5. Festive Food & Independent Shopping
Combine your day with independent gift shopping down Humber Street in the Fruit Market, where local boutiques, art galleries, and craft bakeries offer thoughtful presents you won't find on the high street. Warm up afterwards in one of Old Town's historic taverns by an open real log fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Christmas lights switched on in Hull for 2026?+
The annual Hull City Centre Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place in Queen Victoria Square in mid-November, featuring live music, street entertainment, and the lighting of the fifty-foot Norwegian spruce tree.
Where are the best Christmas markets in Hull?+
The Victorian Christmas Market in Hull Old Town (around Trinity Square and Hull Minster) and the artisan makers markets in the Fruit Market on Humber Street host dozens of independent makers, mulled wine stalls, and seasonal street food.
What is the main pantomime in Hull for Christmas 2026?+
Hull New Theatre hosts the flagship star-studded family pantomime throughout December and early January, while Hull Truck Theatre stages an original, critically acclaimed festive production tailored for young families.