About the event
Celebrate Christmas in Johnstone!
Join us on Saturday 28 November 2026 for a festive afternoon of family entertainment, Christmas activities and seasonal fun in the heart of Johnstone.
Houston Square will be transformed into a festive celebration, with Santa's Grotto, live entertainment, walkabout performers, family attractions, local traders and festive activities throughout the day.
The celebrations culminate at 5pm, when Johnstone's Christmas lights are switched on.
Event programme
Santa's Grotto
Visit Santa in his magical grotto and share your Christmas wishes. Entry is free and the grotto will be open 12pm - 5pm, with last entry at 4.30pm.
St Vincent's Hospice Christmas Market
Browse the covered market featuring charity and community traders with a selection of gifts, jewellery, books, confectionery and locally-produced goods. The Christmas Market will be open from 1pm - 5pm.
Live entertainment
The bandstand programme will include performances from local singer-songwriters and groups, including a special performance by the Fordbank Primary School Choir.
Additional stage acts will be announced closer to the event date.
Walkabout performances and family activities
Don't miss the stilt-walking Candy Cane Couple, a troupe of acrobatic Elves as well as the opportunity to take a festive family snap inside the Giant Snow Globe.
There will also be children's funfair rides and free face painting too!
Location
Address
Getting here
Plan your journey to Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-On
By train
Johnstone benefits from regular rail services connecting the town with Paisley, Glasgow and surrounding areas.
Plan your journey at www.scotrail.co.uk.
By bus
Several local bus routes serve Johnstone town centre. Public transport may be the easiest way to travel to the event.
Plan your journey at www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk.
By car
Parking is available across Johnstone town centre. Visitors should allow extra time when travelling.
Features
- The switch-on moment Join Santa and Renfrewshire's Provost to officially switch-on Johnstone's Christmas lights at 5pm.
- Live music and entertainment Enjoy festive performances from local groups and entertainers throughout the afternoon at the Houstoun Square bandstand.
- Family-friendly activities There will be plenty of free festive activities for families and children, including face painting, funfair rides and jolly photo opportunities.
- Walkabout performances Keep your eyes peeled for festive characters roaming through Houstoun Square during the event.
- Funfair Enjoy rides and attractions located on Houstoun Square.
Accessibility
- Accessible toilets Accessible toilets will be available at the corner of Houstoun Square and William Street. A mobile Changing Places will be available next to Houstoun Square.
- Blue Badge Parking Parking for Blue Badge holders will be available next to Johnstone Town Hall and within Collier Street car park.
- Quiet Spaces A dedicated quiet space marquee will be available near Houstoun Square throughout the event.
- Baby changing facilities Baby changing facilities are available at the accessible toilets on the corner of Houstoun Square and William Street.
Volunteering
Volunteers help make our events special
There are opportunities to support visitor welcome, stewarding, wayfinding and event operations. Volunteering is a chance to meet new people, gain event experience and be part of the Council's exciting annual events programme.
If you would like to volunteer for Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-On, or any other Renfrewshire Council event, please get in touch.
Email us at eventsvolunteers@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
Contact
For any enquiries about Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-On including sponsorship, volunteering or accessibility please get in touch.
Email us at events@renfrewshire.gov.uk.