Stafford is preparing for one of its most magical annual traditions. The Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to the town centre on Saturday 22 November 2025, and the event is expected to draw thousands of visitors into Market Square for an evening of colour, celebration and festive spirit. For guests staying at BELL Apartments, it is the ideal opportunity to enjoy the very best of Stafford at the start of the Christmas season.

The Christmas Lights Switch-On has long been one of the highlights of the local calendar. This year’s celebrations begin in the early afternoon with live music and street entertainment throughout the town centre. Performers and musicians will bring a lively, cheerful atmosphere, making the build-up just as enjoyable as the main event itself. Special guests from the local theatre’s Christmas production will appear on stage, along with the Mayor of Stafford and Father Christmas. Together, they will lead the countdown to the lighting of the town’s festive display.

At 5pm the lights will officially illuminate the town centre. Stafford’s streets will come alive with twinkling displays, colourful decorations and a beautifully adorned forty-foot Christmas tree taking pride of place in Market Square. A giant screen will ensure that everyone has a clear view of the stage and the countdown. Once the lights are switched on, the celebrations continue into the evening with live music and a fireworks display launched from the top of the Guildhall shopping centre. This year’s fireworks will be quieter and more considerate, making the experience more enjoyable for families with young children and individuals sensitive to loud noise.

The switch-on brings the whole community together, creating an atmosphere that is warm, vibrant and welcoming. Thousands attend every year, and it marks the moment when Stafford fully embraces the Christmas season. Visitors can enjoy the festive displays, browse independent shops, sample local food and drink, and take in the joyful sense of togetherness that fills the town.

For guests staying at BELL Apartments, the event offers a convenient and memorable way to experience Stafford at its most enchanting. Our serviced apartments provide the space, comfort and privacy needed for a relaxing stay. Unlike a hotel room, each apartment includes a living area, bedroom and fully equipped kitchen, giving you the freedom to enjoy the evening in your own way. After the lights and fireworks, guests can return to a warm and comfortable apartment without having to navigate long journeys, late-night transport or busy commuter routes.

The location of BELL Apartments makes it easy for guests to reach the town centre. Whether you prefer a short walk or a quick taxi ride, you can arrive at the celebrations without the stress of parking or traffic. The added convenience means you can enjoy the event at your own pace. Families particularly appreciate this closeness, as it allows them to dip in and out of the festivities without worrying about tired children or long walks in cold weather.

The 2025 switch-on is also an excellent opportunity to turn a single evening out into a festive weekend away. Guests often choose to stay for two or three nights, giving them time to explore Stafford beyond the event itself. With the flexibility of an apartment, you can prepare breakfast at your leisure, enjoy a cosy night in after the celebrations or head out to experience more of what the town has to offer. Independent shops, cafés and restaurants are all within easy reach, and the town’s parks and riverside walks offer peaceful moments between the festivities.

For couples, the event offers a romantic beginning to the Christmas season. The illuminated streets, music and festive atmosphere create a charming backdrop for a memorable weekend. For groups of friends, BELL Apartments provide the perfect base for a relaxed and sociable stay. With shared living spaces and private bedrooms, you can enjoy time together without sacrificing comfort or privacy. For solo travellers, the switch-on offers a welcoming and friendly environment, followed by the comfort of a peaceful retreat back at the apartment.

If you plan to attend the event, arriving early is recommended, as Market Square becomes very busy in the hour before the lights are switched on. Warm clothing is essential, as late November evenings can be cold. Many guests staying with us like to bring a hot drink to enjoy while waiting for the countdown. Once the festivities finish, returning to a BELL apartment for a relaxed evening is one of the highlights of the stay. Whether you choose to cook a warm meal, order from a local restaurant or simply unwind in the living area, the comfort of having your own space makes the evening feel special.

The Stafford Christmas Lights Switch-On marks the beginning of the town’s festive programme, and staying at BELL Apartments ensures you experience it in the most enjoyable and convenient way possible. The combination of a lively community event and a calm, stylish place to stay creates a perfect balance for visitors of all ages. The spacious layout, flexible amenities and central location make BELL Apartments an ideal base for anyone wishing to experience Stafford’s Christmas celebrations without the limitations of traditional hotel accommodation.

Christmas in Stafford begins with the glow of the lights in Market Square. If you are planning to visit the town for the event, BELL Apartments offer a comfortable, welcoming and practical place to stay, turning the switch-on into a festive break to remember. Whether you are joining the crowds for the first time or returning as part of a yearly tradition, we look forward to welcoming you and helping you enjoy everything the 2025 celebrations have to offer.