Every year
Festive Family Fun, Christmas markets and the lights switch-on
A Sunday in mid November, 1.30pm to 5.30pm, with the lights on at 5pm. In 2025 it was Sunday 16 November. The council had not published the 2026 date when we checked on 23 October 2026. · Ayr High Street, the Cutty Sark Centre and the Grain Exchange
South Ayrshire Council's free festive afternoon in Ayr town centre, ending with the Christmas lights switch-on at 5pm.
Two Christmas markets sell goods from local traders, one in the Grain Exchange and one on the High Street.
For children there is face painting, balloon modelling, Christmas crafts in the Kids Zone, Santa's Grotto and the Santa Express Train, all free, and a funfair that charges. Local dancers aged 2 to 22 perform on the Dance Extravaganza Stage at the bottom of the High Street, and there is music on the Cutty Sark Main Stage.
Who runs it
South Ayrshire Council customer services
The council for South Ayrshire, based at County Buildings in Ayr.
Where this comes from
Details checked on the organiser's own page on 23 October 2026. Check there before you go.