Programme

Accessibility Guide - 5 Towns Christmas Events 2026

Publication date
10 November 2026
Last revised
10 November 2026
Child throwing snow inside a snow globe at Christmas event in Johnstone

We are committed to making our Christmas events as accessible and inclusive as possible.

This guide has been designed to help visitors plan their trip before attending one of our Christmas Lights Switch-On events.

On this page you will find accessibility information for:

  • Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On
  • Linwood Christmas Lights Switch-On
  • Renfrew Christmas Lights Switch-On
  • Erskine Christmas Lights Switch-On
  • Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-On

Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On

Site description

Paisley Christmas Lights Switch On takes place across several streets and open areas in Paisley town centre. Most surfaces are hard and paved, with typical road surfaces and pavements. 

Accessible viewing area

A dedicated raised accessible viewing area will be available beside the main stage on Gauze Street.

Features include:

  • Ramp access
  • Steward support
  • Folding chairs
  • Good views of the stage

Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Quiet spaces

Quiet spaces are available at:

  • Paisley Central Library
  • Quiet space marquee in Abbey Gardens

These provide a calmer environment away from busy event areas.

Accessible toilets

Accessible toilets will be available at:

  • Abbey Close
  • Dunn Square
  • High Street
  • Gauze Street
  • Smithhills Street
  • Bridge Street
  • County Square

Baby changing facilities are available within these locations.

Changing Places facility

A mobile Changing Places toilet will be located on Cotton Street beside the accessible viewing area. 

Accessible parking and mobility support

Blue Badge parking is available at:

  • Paisley Centre (Horizon) Car Park
  • Piazza Shopping Centre Car Park

Shopmobility Renfrewshire can provide wheelchair, mobility scooter and powerchair hire. 

Sound and sensory information

The event includes:

  • Amplified live music
  • Street performances
  • Decorative lighting
  • Large crowds

Visitors who are sensitive to noise may wish to bring hearing protection.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome. Please be aware that the event may be busy and noisy at times.

Linwood Christmas Lights Switch-On

Site description

Linwood Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place primarily within Tweedie Hall and nearby community spaces.

Most of the activities take place indoors.

Venue access

Facilities include:

  • Step-free access
  • Accessible toilets
  • Level access routes
  • Indoor seating
  • Heated indoor spaces

Sound and sensory information

The event includes:

  • Family entertainment
  • Children's disco
  • Live performances
  • Christmas lights switch-on

The venue may become busy at peak times.

Family facilities

Facilities include:

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Indoor waiting areas
  • Family activity spaces

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the event.

Renfrew Christmas Lights Switch-On

Site description

Renfrew Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place across Renfrew town centre.

Activities include Santa's Grotto, festive entertainment, a giant snow globe, panto performances and family activities.

Quiet space

A quiet space marquee will be available on High Street throughout the event.

Accessible toilets

Accessible toilets will be available at:

  • High Street
  • Charles Avenue Car Park
  • Renfrew Town Hall
  • Renfrew Christian Fellowship Church

Changing Places facility

A mobile Changing Places toilet will be available on High Street.

Accessible parking

Blue Badge parking will be available close to the event site outside road closure areas.

Sound and sensory information

The event includes:

  • Amplified music
  • Interactive performances
  • Crowds throughout the town centre

Visitors who are sensitive to noise may wish to attend earlier in the day.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the event.

Erskine Christmas Lights Switch-On

Site description

Erskine Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place across:

  • Erskine Civic Square
  • Erskine Arts Hall
  • Kilpatrick Drive Car Park

Indoor welfare space

Erskine Arts Hall provides:

  • Seating
  • Shelter from the weather
  • Welfare facilities
  • A quieter indoor environment

Accessible facilities

Visitors will have access to:

  • Accessible parking
  • Accessible toilets
  • Indoor seating
  • First aid provision

Sound and sensory information

The event includes:

  • Live music
  • Choir performances
  • Amplified announcements
  • Crowds during the switch-on

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the event.

Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-On

Site description

Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-On takes place entirely within Houston Square. The event site consists mainly of flat paved surfaces and pedestrian areas.

Stage and viewing areas

The main stage is located at the Houston Square Bandstand.

There is no dedicated accessible viewing platform, however there are good sightlines around the square towards the raised platform of the bandstand.

Quiet space

A dedicated quiet space marquee will be available on the edge of Houston Square.

Accessible toilets

Accessible toilets will be available at the corner of Houston Square and William Street.

Changing Places facility

A mobile Changing Places toilet will be available adjacent to Houston Square.

Accessible parking

Blue Badge parking is available:

  • Adjacent to Johnstone Town Hall
  • Within Collier Street Car Park

Sound and sensory information

The event includes:

  • Amplified music
  • Stage announcements
  • Crowds throughout the day

At approximately 5pm, confetti cannons will be used during the Christmas lights switch-on. These create a sudden loud noise. Visitors who are sensitive to noise may wish to bring hearing protection.

Family facilities

The event includes:

  • Santa's Grotto
  • Face painting
  • Giant snow globe
  • Funfair attractions
  • Family entertainment

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the event.

Contact us

If you have accessibility questions before attending one of our Christmas Lights Switch-On events, please contact the Events Team and we will do our best to assist.

Email events@renfrewshire.gov.uk