Wrexham's Christmas lights go on at about 4.30pm on Saturday 14 November, and this year the switch-on moves to Queen's Square. East 17 headline the concert at Eagles Meadow afterwards. So yes, there's a decent chance you'll hear Stay Another Day in the middle of town before the month's out.
Earlier than you'd think. The council has planned a full day, so you don't have to turn up at teatime and stand in the cold for an hour.
Wrexham's Artisan Market opens on Queen's Square from 10am, with handmade gifts, artisan goods, hot food and drinks. Live entertainment starts on the square at 11am. From 2pm there are lantern decorating workshops for children and families, ready for the parade later.
The lights themselves go on at approximately 4.30pm on Queen's Square. Straight after that, the Christmas Parade heads through the city centre to Eagles Meadow, and the live concert there starts from 5.30pm.
That's a change from last year, when the countdown and switch-on finale happened at Eagles Meadow. Splitting it this way makes sense to me. You get the switch-on in the heart of town, then everyone walks down together for the music.
The lantern parade, and why you should book now
If you've got kids, this is the bit they'll remember. The parade is the Nightingale House Hospice lantern procession, and it costs £6 per child to take part, with accompanying adults free.
Each child gets a paper lantern and a battery light, a place at the decorating workshop on Queen's Square from 2pm, and a spot in the procession. The route is about a mile through the city centre, on flat pavements, pedestrianised areas and road surfaces, and finishes at Eagles Meadow. It's open to all ages, though children need a responsible adult with them.
Book early, though. Nightingale House says lantern kits are limited and can't be guaranteed on the day, so register in advance on the hospice website. There's also an optional JustGiving page if you fancy raising a bit extra for the hospice.
East 17 at Eagles Meadow
Last year the switch-on gave us Livin' Joy and Urban Cookie Collective. This year it's East 17, and I think whoever books these acts knows exactly who's standing in the crowd. Half of us were buying their singles in Woolworths.
They're not on their own. The line-up also includes Lois Brooks, Owen Paul, Max Sarrre, Liam Halewood and Urban Fusion, with more acts promised. Owen Paul is the name that'll make anyone over 45 start humming My Favourite Waste of Time, a top three hit back in 1986.
The concert starts from 5.30pm at Eagles Meadow. Wrap up. It's mid-November in North Wales and the forecast won't care how good the music is.
The switch-on is put on by Wrexham Council with Fair Events Management, Nightingale House Hospice and Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre. Councillor Nigel Williams, the council's lead member for business, economy and tourism, says there's "something for people of all ages to enjoy". For once, I'd agree with a council press release.
Getting there, and making a weekend of it
The council hasn't published parking or road closure details for the day yet. With the parade crossing the city centre, expect some roads to shut for a while in the late afternoon. Check the council's news site in the days before and give yourself extra time.
If you're doing the full day, grab a bite at one of the independents in town between the market and the switch-on. Your money stays local that way, and the cafés will be glad of the footfall.
Fancy more Christmas the following week? Chester Christmas Market opens on Wednesday 18 November in Town Hall Square, with around 80 traders, and runs until 22 December. It's open 10.30am to 6.30pm Sunday to Wednesday, and until 8pm Thursday to Saturday. Lanterns and Light at Chester Zoo starts on 13 November too, if the kids haven't had enough of lanterns by then.
Wrexham's own Victorian Christmas Market usually runs from late November into December, but I haven't seen 2026 dates confirmed yet. I'll shout about it on air when I do.
Tell us where you'll be standing
I'll be on The Saturday Surgery from 10am on the morning of the switch-on, so if you're heading into town, tell me. Text MARCHER plus your message to 88440, or comment on our Facebook page with who you're bringing and whether you're ready for East 17.
Can't make it in? Listen online wherever you are, or catch the Breakfast Show every weekday from 7am for everything else happening in Wrexham before Christmas.