Midsummer Place launches Christmas celebrations with The Great Christmas Kick-Off this Saturday

Christmas is coming to Milton Keynes this weekend as Midsummer Place prepares to launch the festive season with The Great Christmas Kick-Off, featuring free family entertainment, live music, mischievous elves and a spectacular Christmas lights switch-on, hosted by Horizon Radio.

The city centre shopping destination will be transformed into a festive wonderland on Saturday 14 November, from 11am until 4pm, with a packed programme of Christmas activities, entertainment and seasonal surprises for visitors of all ages.

Horizon Radio will be hosting the celebrations throughout the day, bringing music, festive cheer and entertainment to the heart of Milton Keynes as families gather to welcome the Christmas season.

Visitors can expect to encounter Santa's mischievous little helpers roaming the shopping centre, alongside larger-than-life gingerbread characters and giant candy canes, creating plenty of opportunities for festive photographs.

Younger visitors will have the chance to enrol in the Elf Academy, where they can put their Christmas credentials to the test and discover whether they have what it takes to become one of Santa's trusted helpers.

There will also be gingerbread craft workshops, giving children the opportunity to get creative with Christmas-themed activities, while free festive face painting will help transform little visitors into their favourite seasonal characters.

Live music and entertainment

Horizon Radio will be at the centre of the celebrations, hosting the day's entertainment and building excitement towards the Christmas lights switch-on.

Live performances will include the Fabulous Miss Jones and Yo DJ Mel, bringing music and festive fun to the shopping centre throughout the afternoon.

With Christmas characters, interactive activities and seasonal entertainment taking place across the centre, there will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

Brand-new Gingerbread Shed Festival launches

Saturday will also mark the launch of Midsummer Place's brand-new Gingerbread Shed Festival, which will showcase a collection of imaginatively decorated gingerbread sheds created by local businesses and charities.

Visitors will be invited to explore the festive creations and vote for their favourites, adding a little friendly competition to the Christmas celebrations.

The festival promises to bring together creativity, community spirit and Christmas magic, with local organisations putting their own unique stamp on a traditional festive favourite.

Christmas Markets open for the festive season

The Great Christmas Kick-Off will also coincide with the opening of Midsummer Place's Christmas Markets.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to browse festive gifts, discover seasonal treats and get a head start on their Christmas shopping while enjoying the entertainment and atmosphere.

With the shopping centre dressed for Christmas, the markets will provide another reason for families to visit and make a day of the celebrations.

Christmas lights switch-on at 4pm

The highlight of the day will come at 4pm, when Midsummer Place's Christmas lights are officially switched on, marking the start of the festive season in the city centre.

Horizon Radio will be hosting the countdown as visitors come together for the big moment, bringing the day's celebrations to a sparkling conclusion.

Event details

Event: The Great Christmas Kick-Off

Date: Saturday 14 November 2026

Time: 11am–4pm

Christmas lights switch-on: 4pm

Location: Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, Central Milton Keynes

Admission: Free

Hosted by: Horizon Radio

Families are encouraged to dig out their Christmas jumpers and head into Central Milton Keynes for a day of free entertainment, festive activities and Christmas celebrations.

With mischievous elves, gingerbread characters, live music, craft workshops, Christmas markets and the lights switch-on, The Great Christmas Kick-Off promises to get Milton Keynes into the festive spirit.

Join Horizon Radio at Midsummer Place this Saturday as we help Milton Keynes kick off Christmas 2026!