Rochdale Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Rochdale and surrounding areas
Rochdale welcomes Christmas 2025 with Christmas lights across the town centre and an exciting lineup of seasonal events that highlight local culture near Touchstones Museum and the town hall. Markets, parades and family attractions make for a busy festive season. Don't miss the Ignite Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-on, Rochdale Christmas Events and the Littleborough Christmas Lights Switch-On for Christmas markets, Santa visits and things to do.
Find the best Rochdale Christmas happenings this year!
Start Here
Christmas Parties
29 events5th installment of a popular day rave with classic anthems.
Christmas Markets
18 eventsImmersive Father Christmas farm headquarters experience
Christmas Lights
11 eventsSpectacular fire art installations and Christmas lights switch-on.
Christmas Shows
7 eventsSpectacular ice and circus show with a winter theme.
Christmas Activities
33 eventsMagical Santa encounter with immersive winter scenes
Editor's Picks (6)
-
Ignite Fire Festival and Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch-on
Spectacular fire art installations and Christmas lights switch-on.
-
East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials
(Bury)
Magical steam train journey with Santa Claus
-
The Grotto at Trafford Centre
(Manchester)
Magical Santa encounter with immersive winter scenes
-
Light Night Wigan
(Wigan)
Free festival of light artworks in Mesnes Park
-
Christmas at the Farm
(Blackburn)
Immersive Father Christmas farm headquarters experience
-
Rochdale Christmas Events
Festive events including fire festival, organ concert, and Santa breakfast.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Rochdale Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Rochdale
Rochdale Christmas FAQ
The Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas lights switch-on weekend is Rochdale’s flagship holiday event, featuring light displays, a Christmas market, and family activities around the Town Hall. The festival draws thousands each year and marks the official start of the festive season.
Rochdale’s Ignite Fire Festival, with its fiery sculptures, illuminated trails, and torchlight procession, is a distinctive local tradition that blends art, community, and seasonal celebration. The event’s expansion to include Broadfield Slopes and the Memorial Gardens adds to its unique character.
The town center, especially around Rochdale Town Hall and the Memorial Gardens, is the main hub for Christmas lights and displays. Broadfield Slopes, with its restored pathways, also offers a festive trail experience.
The Christmas market at the Ignite Fire Festival, held in the square and gardens opposite the Town Hall, is the best place to find local makers, crafts, and seasonal treats. Smaller craft fairs and pop-up stalls may also appear in the town center during December.
Attending the Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas lights switch-on is completely free, with no booking required. Walking the light trails, enjoying the market, and joining the torchlight procession are all budget-friendly ways to celebrate the season.
Families will enjoy the Ignite Fire Festival’s illuminated trails, ice rink, Christmas market, and visits from Father Christmas. The event is designed for all ages, with plenty of activities to keep children entertained throughout the evening.