And families can make the most of the seasonal fun with a special kids eat for free or for just £1 at a number of town centre eateries. 

Legendary football pundit Jeff Stelling will flick the switch ahead of his Town Hall show this Thursday (November 28).

He’ll be joined on stage the by cast members from this year’s Middlesbrough Theatre panto production of Snow White.

The event - in association with Everyone Active in Middlesbrough and BBC Radio Tees - will feature a mini funfair, a giant inflatable snow globe and meet and greet characters and there’s even a special visit from Father Christmas.

On stage, the fun and frolics will be led by BBC Tees presenter Kelly Scott with music from local singer-songwriter Finn Forster and The Wildcats of Kilkenny who will be performing their raucous party-style set in time for the big Switch On.

Anyone who visits the Everyone Active stall on the evening can sign up for swimming lessons and will receive a free six-month ‘Kids Pass’ subscription.

Other prizes will be up for grabs during the event and the Bee Active and Monster Mascots will be heading along for photo opportunities.

Paul Ayre, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “We are delighted to support Middlesbrough’s Christmas Lights Switch On 2024 and to offer a fantastic prize bundle for one lucky winner.

“As a company that plays an active role in local communities, we are proud to be part of this fantastic event.

“Alongside spreading plenty of Christmas cheer, we can’t wait to let the public know the brilliant facilities and activities we have on offer in our centres.”

The event is free and will begin at 4pm and finish at 6pm. 

On the same evening, a number of restaurants across the town centre are running a ‘kids eat free’ offer, or kids eat for £1 - allowing families to really make the most of their festive evening in the town centre. 

Participating restaurants include Rio Steakhouse, Turtle Bay, Bazaar, Tiger Ivy, The Chairman and Baker Street Kitchen.

Free after 3pm parking will be available in the town centre’s Council car parks for one day only – for a full list of participating car parks visit the Middlesbrough Council website.

Just in time for the Switch On event, the popular Walking with the Snowman trail returns to the town centre and will run until early January.

Snowman trail map sheets can be picked up from MIMA or Holiday Inn Express and pinpoint the locations of the twelve giant snowmen sculptures.

Holiday Inn Express are offering 50% off hot chocolate, tea and coffee for those who complete the trail by finding all twelve snowmen.

Saturday, December 21 sees Middlesbrough’s favourite artisan market, Orange Pip return for a festive edition inside the Town Hall. Live music, the best in local food and drink and independent traders will be on offer for those seeking last-minute stocking fillers.

Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough’s Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Culture & Education, said: “This year’s kids eat free or for £1 offer is exactly the sort of Christmas giving we’re in support of.

“I’d like to thank the participating businesses for their festive gift to families and I hope many people will enjoy a delicious meal and kick off this year’s Christmas celebrations in style.

“We’re expecting another great event and the Switch On finale, led by one of Teesside’s greatest live bands, is going to be brilliant.”

• Discover more about Christmas in Middlesbrough by visiting the We Are Middlesbrough website: Christmas in Middlesbrough - We are Middlesbrough