Grimsby town centre is getting ready for a big festive celebration as the Great Grimsby Christmas Festival returns on Saturday 22 November, filling the day from 12pm to 7pm with live entertainment, Christmas market and family-friendly activities across multiple town-centre locations. The festival will round off with the much-anticipated Grimsby Light Parade at 5:15pm and the Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:45pm in St James’ Square to signal the start of Grimsby’s festive season.
This year brings an even richer mix of things to see and do:
St James’ Square will be hosting a line-up of performers on the Main Stage, sponsored by Keepmoat. The programme brings together a mix of returning favourites and new talent. Families can start the day with performances from local acoustic musician Sam Simmons, Jazz pianist-vocalist Spencer Booths and classic Christmas covers threaded throughout the afternoon with Mak & Co. Later in the day, 6-piece band One 80 will bring the Christmas party with killer riffs, sultry sax, and powerhouse vocals – guaranteed to keep you moving and bring out your festive spirit.
Wander through the outdoor Merry Makers’ Market, filled with over 30 local artisan stalls, bursting with handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats and unique finds. Warm up with delicious street food and drinks from local vendors, from mulled wine to German sausages:a perfect spot to shop, snack, and soak in the Christmas spirit! Why not pop along to the St James Hotel Craft Fair just on the event doorstep while you’re there?
Those heading to Grimsby Minster will find a hive of activity, with free festive facepainting, children’s crafts hosted by NELC’s fostering team and a cosy corner “Baubles & Verses” where young visitors can write their own Christmas poems to turn into baubles that will hang on the Minster Christmas tree. There’s also a charming “Christmas in Grimsby” selfie spot created by Jack Loves Jill, already expected to be one of the day’s most-shared moments.
Over in Riverhead Square, choirs and community performers will help create a festive atmosphere throughout the afternoon on the Orsted Community Stage. Families can enjoy captivating performances from groups such as All For One Choir and orchestral moments from Grimsby Symphony Orchestra & Back to Brass, offering a lovely mix of sing-along favourites. Riverhead will also host this year’s expanded Merry Makers’ Market, where even more makers and traders from across the area will be selling seasonal crafts, handmade gifts, festive bakes and winter warmers. Families can also enjoy a decorate-your-own gingerbread station with Riverhead Coffee – simple, messy fun that tends to be a hit with children (and adults who pretend it’s “for the kids”).
Freshney Place is joining in the celebration too, staying open until 7:30pm with Santa and his elves, The Grinch and Cindy Lou all ready for meet-and-greets and photos.
Don’t forget to check out the local businesses decorated windows in the town centre! Local businesses are invited to show off their creative flair in this year’s Christmas Window Dress Competition in a chance to win £100 towards their team’s Christmas party.
Walkabout performers will bring bursts of festive fun throughout the town centre all day long. From the mischievous and ever popular Cheeky Elves collecting Christmas wishes and causing plenty of playful chaos, to the larger-than-life Silly Satsumas – with Sweet Sally eager to teach her dance routine while Sour Stace prefers an enthusiastic game of hide-and-seek. Music will spill through the streets too, thanks to the energetic 10 piece Santanarama Brass Band and roaming carols singers by Bowtie Productions, bringing classic carols and festive favourites across the town centre.
Whether you’re drifting between stages, browsing for Christmas presents, or pausing for a mulled drink and something tasty, the event is all about festive fun in a friendly, relaxed setting. The variety of performers, workshops and Merry Makers’ Market stalls means it’s full of little festive surprises at every turn – with every part of the festival free to attend, it’s a brilliant way to start the season with friends, family or the whole community.
This year’s festival is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (#UKSPF) and made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Ørsted, Keepmoat “Creating places people love to call home” and GMI Construction Group.
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